Dublin do enough to survive Meath's comeback

UNDER-21 FOOTBALL LEINSTER QUARTER-FINAL: Dublin 0-12 Meath 2-5:MINUS THREE of their four Kilmacud Crokes stars for Saturday's game at Parnell Park, Dublin still had enough strength in depth to overcome Colm O'Rourke's Meath team to set up a semi-final meeting with Westmeath.

In the absence of Cian O’Sullivan, Kevin Nolan and Rory O’Carroll ahead of Crokes’ All Ireland club final date with Crossmaglen next week, Dublin boss Jim Gavin was boosted by the inclusion of Barry O’Rorke who came off the bench to feature in the full-forward division in the second half.

And with Paddy Andrews detailed to mark Meath senior panellist Shane O’Rourke, Meath struggled for much of the game despite second-half goals from Alan Nestor and Brian Sheridan.

“The lads have worked hard this year and the performance wasn’t what they are capable of,” said disappointed boss O’Rourke.

Dublin led 0-5 to 0-3 at the break and although a 38th-minute penalty from Alan Nestor and a well-taken goal from Brian Sheridan (53) threatened a comeback, Dublin finished the stronger with points from Luke Sweetman and Dean Kelly ensuring victory.

DUBLIN:D McDonnell; C Moore, S Byrne, H Gill; J Cooper, P Andrews (0-2), C Guckian; C Murphy, J Sheanon; D Quinn, L Sweetman (0-2), D Kelly (0-2); G McIntyre, D Rock (0-2), P O'Connor (0-3, frees). Subs: B O'Rorke for McIntrye (34 mins), T Furman (0-1) for O'Connor (46 mins), N Brogan for Quinn (50 mins), C Deasy for Byrne (53 mins), N Deveruex for Kelly (60 +2).

MEATH:P O'Rourke; K Lynch, G Farrelly, S Carr; D Donegan, C Finn, S Sheppard; C Gillespie, E Reilly; J Broderick, S O'Rourke (0-1), A Nestor (1-0, pen); P Larkin (0-1), D Morgan, B Sheridan (1-3, three frees).

Subs:M Byrne for Finn (27 mins), P Brady for Donegan (31 mins). G Reilly for Broderick (37 mins), C Young for Morgan (50 mins), A Collins for E Reilly (59 mins).

Referee:E Craul (Wicklow).