LEINSTER SFC QUARTER-FINAL/Meath 2-13 Laois 1-16 AET:TALK ABOUT saving the best until last. A game that for long periods drifted by with zero atmosphere and even less excitement suddenly exploded into action, and when the smoke cleared, after extra-time, both Meath and Laois had their Leinster aspirations still alive.
So they’ll go at each other again in Tullamore next Saturday evening (7pm throw-in) – the prize there being a Leinster semi-final berth against the apparently not- so-daunting reigning champions Dublin. If the truest test of a team’s character is responding to adversity, then Laois probably showed the greater character here – responding first to Meath’s general superiority in the opening hour to draw level after normal time, and outscoring them 1-3 to 0-2 in the closing 12 minutes.
They drew level again at the end of extra time, shortly after Cormac McGuinness’ gifted goal appeared to have given Meath another decisive advantage. Although the last chance to win it outright actually fell to Laois, only for MJ Tierney to direct his shot wide of the post.
There can be no arguing with the spirit and intent both teams displayed in extra-time. Indeed it would have been harsh on Laois had McGuinness’s goal decided it, given the circumstances.
Micky Nolan had his own Rob Green-moment here when, with the sides level at 1-13 apiece and only four minutes of extra-time remaining, McGuinness sent in a high, floating ball towards the Laois goalmouth.
Nolan appeared to have had it within his reach, but failed to properly fetch the ball, which instead fell into the back of his own net.
It would have been a terrible way for Laois to exit but instead they quickly made amends, with Tierney converting a free, before fellow Laois substitute John O’Loughlin fired over two superb points to level things once more. All square, all still to play for.
“Sure, that goal would have been a cruel way to lose it, particularly for Micky,” admitted Laois manager Seán Dempsey “Micky’s after promising to buy the lads a drink. In September, when I let them back on it!”
Both teams will have plenty to believe in come the replay. The assumption is a few more supporters might come out too because the game was played out in front a very small crowd, maybe a quarter of the attendance of 49,750 that eventually filled Croke Park yesterday. Both teams will have plenty to improve on too.
Given the Laois substitutes contributed 0-7 between them, Dempsey has some hard selections call to make later this week.
Pádraig Clancy may still be lacking some match fitness having sat out the league, but his introduction after just 33 minutes was significant.
It allowed Donie Kingston play further out the field (he ended with 0-6, three from play) while Clancy himself chipped in with the two vital points towards the end of normal time that forced the extra 20 minutes.
On the flip side, Colm Begley had a fairly torrid return to championship football after five years Down Under. Meath’s Graham Reilly was superb, running rings around him, cutting inside the half back line on numerous occasions, helping himself to 1-4 in the process.
He claimed his goal after just five minutes in a move started by Cian Ward, and laid off to Reilly by Joe Sheridan. Reilly’s finish was well-executed and quickly followed by his two points from play – which after 15 minutes had Meath in front, 1-4 to 0-3. (Reilly later retired with an ankle injury.)
Nigel Crawford didn’t start at midfield due a back complaint, but Meath still won most of the primary possession around that area. Laois were frequently guilty of over-elaboration, and also hit eight wides in the first half.
Defensively Meath were giving very little away, and although looking to be cruising at half time, 1-6 to 0-5 in front, they never enforced their superiority.
The heavy rain didn’t help the quality of play, but doesn’t explain the lack of scores for much of the second half. Meath were five points up with 15 minutes left to play, and thus appeared safe, but instead Laois sparked into action.
Fittingly, captain Pádraig McMahon provided the inspiration with a searing run at goal, having come from corner back, and an equally searing finish into the top of the Meath net.
After that, it was either team’s game to win, or lose – so fair enough they settled on the draw.
MEATH: 1 P O’Rourke; 2 C O’Connor, 17 K Reilly, 4 E Harrington; 3 A Moyles, 6 M Burke, 7 C King; 20 B Meade, 9 M Ward; 12 G Reilly (1-4), 10 S Kenny, 15 S Bray (0-1); 13 C Ward (0-2, both frees), 11 J Sheridan (0-3), 14 S O’Rourke (0-2). Subs: 19 P Byrne for G Reilly (56 mins, inj), 24 J Queeney for Ward (63 mins), 5 G O’Brien for King), 21 C Gillespie (0-1) for M Ward, B Farrell for Bray, 23 C McGuinness (1-0) for Kenny (all extra time), 15 Bray for Farrell (80 mins), 25 J Macken for Moyles (80 mins). Yellow cards: S Kenny (42 mins).
LAOIS: 1 M Nolan; 2 P O’Leary, 6 C Ryan, 4 P McMahon (1-0); 5 C Healy (0-1), 3 M Timmons, 7 C Begley; 8 B Quigley, 9 K Meaney; 10 B Sheehan, 11 C Rogers, 12 D Strong (0-1); 13 P Cahillane, 14 D Kingston (0-6, three frees), 15 R Munnelly (0-1, a free). Subs: 20 P Clancy (0-2) for Cahillane (33 mins), 17 J O’Loughlin (0-2) for Sheehan (48 mins), 18 MJ Tierney (0-3, two frees, one 45) for Strong (50 mins), 21 P Lawlor for Rogers (64), 23 D Booth for Ryan (76), 29 N Donoher for Munnelly (85), 19 Rooney for Meaney (86). Yellow cards: C Ryan (75).
Referee: Marty Duffy (Sligo).
