Navan O'Mahonys gained a 16th Meath senior football title when getting the better of Trim in a disappointing final at Pairc Tailteann yesterday. In taking a first title since 1990, O'Mahonys made much better use of their scoring opportunities than their opponents and were boosted by a fortunate goal 11 minutes into the second half.
A shot from Gary Nelson out near the left sideline looked like going over the bar but dipped into the net. That left the score reading 1-7 to 0-5 after the sides had been level at 0-4 each at the break.
A minute before half-time, O'Mahonys goalkeeper Donal Smyth, saved a penalty taken by Declan Murray.
Trim, who had shown such impressive form on the way to the decider, never managed to get ahead even though their county star Darren Fay had some good moments at midfield and Ronan Fitzsimons showed classy touches in attack.
Veteran Damien Sheridan and teenager David Hosie were the Navan side's key men in attack with the latter sending over five points, four of them from frees.
Nelson's goal was quickly followed by a point from effective midfielder Derek Doonan. Four points was as close as Trim got after that and six wides in the last 10 minutes certainly did not help their cause.
St Mullins caused a shock in the Carlow senior hurling club final at Dr Cullen Park yesterday when winning their ninth county title and their first since 1989 by eclipsing Naomh Eoin of Myshall by a nine-point margin, 2-15 to 19.
County senior Pat Coady proved an influential figure at centre forward, scoring 0-7, highlighted by a superb point from a 50-metre sideline cut in the second half.
