Meath SFC Final: O’Mahonys survive Na Fianna’s late surge

O’Mahonys 0-13 Na Fianna 1-8

O’Mahonys put back to back titles together after holding off Na Fianna’s late challenge at Páirc Tailteann on Monday.

The Navan side, who were picking up their 20th title, seemed to be coasting to an easy win when leading by 0-12 to 0-6, with five minutes left.

Anxious moments

However they had to face a few anxious moments in the closing minutes after s late Na Fianna rally.

Ethan Devine started the revival with a point from a 45 and then on the hour mark he drove low to the O'Mahonys net to bring his side within two points.

Then in the first of two added minutes Daniel Queeney pointed a free to leave the minimum between the teams.

However, O'Mahonys remained composed and Stephen Bray shot the insurance score just before the end.

The holders led 0-6 to 0-3 at the end of the opening half but had goalkeeper Marcus Brennan to thank for two fine saves, including one from a penalty.

Brennan guessed correctly to keep out Daniel Queeney's 16th minute spot kick and he then denied Barry Clancy with another fine save close to the break. Three successive points within six minutes of the restart extended the lead 0-9 to 0-3 and O'Mahonys were comfortable until that late Na Fianna surge late on.

O'MAHONYS: M Brennan; J O'Reilly, N McKeigue, D Smyth; B Dillon, D Maguire, G O'Brien; C McGuinness, K Reilly; R Ó Coileain (0-3, two frees), S Bray (0-4), A Forde; S Gillespie, D Bray (0-1), J Regan (0-5, three frees, two 45s). Subs: H Finnegan for Forde (41 mins), R Maguire for Gillespie (59 mins), D Moran for O Coileain (60 mins).

NA FIANNA: S Geraghty; J Geagan, C Cosgrave, J Baldwin; M Farley, A Neary, D Henrick; O Lewis, B Queeney; D Queeney (0-4, four frees), J Queeney, E Devine (1-2, one 45); B Clancy (0-1), D McDonagh (0-1), C Downey. Subs: D Barrett for B Queeney (half-time), S Barrett for McDonagh (48 mins).

Referee: Padraig Coyle (Seneschalstown).