Experience wins out for Kilmessan in Meath SHC final win over Longwood

KILMESSAN 2-16 LONGWOOD 0-11: Two goals in the last quarter proved crucial as Kilmessan collected a 29th Meath SHC title at Páirc Tailteann.

Experienced county player Steven Clynch fired the first goal on 46 minutes. That was the turning point after Longwood had reduced an interval deficit of 0-5 to 0-8 to the minimum margin and were threatening to take control.

Darren Reilly's accuracy from placed balls was also important to Kilmessan. Veteran Nicky Horan was left unmarked to net the second goal in added time.

KILMESSAN: M Brennan; P Maguire, S Brennan, P McGovern; E Marsh, P Farrell, R Donnelly; M Horan, D Reilly (0-9, 0-7 frees, 0-2 65s); G O'Neill (0-1), C Keena (0-1), K Keena (0-1); D Maguire (0-1), N Horan (1-2), M Doyle (0-1). Subs: S Clynch (1-0) for M Horan (half-time), S Doyle for C Keena (48 mins), P Grimes for K Keena (52 mins), A O'Neill for Maguire, K Reilly for Doyle (both 60 mins).
LONGWOOD: Alan Ennis; N O'Neill, E Dixon, C Lynch; J Stenson, M Burke (0-1), R Dorran; E Lynch (0-1), C Ennis; R Moore (0-2), D Healy, C Byrne; A Ennis (0-1), R Maguire, A Healy (0-6, 0-5 frees, 0-1 65). Subs: J Furey for Byrne (42 mins), M Healy for Dorran, B Reilly for Stenson (both 52 mins).
Referee: N Fitzgerald (Kildalkey).