Meath forwards hold sway

Meath, the reigning Leinster champions, retained their title after overcoming a committed Dublin challenge at Dr Cullen Park yesterday. The foundation for victory was laid in the opening nine minutes when Meath executed 1-4 against a side seeking their first provincial title.

With just 48 seconds gone, corner-forward Elaine Duffy recorded Meath's first point before grabbing that all important goal in the fifth minute. Further points were added by Emer McAuley, Christine O'Brien and Darina Shaw, and it appeared last year's All-Ireland finalists would notch up a cricket score.

Dublin, however, also had their chances, kicking four wides before corner-forward Sheila Nic Coitir got their first point in the 11th minute.

Buoyed with some confidence, Dublin began to venture forward with more purpose as Angie McNally dominated at midfield. Christina McGinty, Nic Coitir and Louise Kelly all benefited from McNally's efforts. The deficit was cut to just a goal when McNally pointed a free in the 29th minute.

Yet it was Meath who led at half-time, 15 to 0-4, with O'Brien extending the Royal county's advantage from a free.

Changes were made by the Dublin management after the interval and these initially paid dividends with substitute Aisling McCormack causing problems for the Meath defence. Nic Coitir and McNally converted frees while half-forward Kelly added another from play to cut the deficit to a single point by the 40th minute.

From here on in there was really nothing between the two sides, only that Meath were more accurate in their attacking play.

O'Brien, McAuley, Jackie Sheils, Duffy and Dooley all registered points to take Meath to their fourth successive title.

Meath: S Coleman; P McNeilis, M Sheridan, L McKeever; D Mangan, AM Dennehy, F Mahon; S Dooley (0-1), N McNeilis; E Duffy (1-2), D O'Carroll, D Shaw (0-1); J Sheils (0-2), E McAuley (0-3), C O'Brien (0-3). Subs: G Nulty for D Shaw.

Dublin: S Hughes; S Farrelly, O Smith, T Allen; S Mulloy, O Colreavy, N McEvoy; A McNally (0-3), F Corcoran; L Kelly (0- 2), B Finlay (0-1), M Farrell; S Nic Coitir (0-2), E Kelly, C McGinty (0-1). Subs G Fay for Allen, A McCormack for McGinty, M Nevin for E Kelly, J O'Sullivan for Farrell.

Referee: P Moran (Laois).