Clare 1-11 Meath 1-9
Andy McEntee’s tenure as Meath manager could be at an end after his side exited the championship following this defeat in round one of the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers at Cusack Park Ennis on Saturday evening.
The Meath boss wouldn’t be drawn on his future plans in the immediate aftermath of the game but having completed a second three-year term it is difficult seeing him continuing following this disappointing outcome.
Clare ended deserving winners and their margin of victory would have been more clearcut but for a succession of second-half wides and some heroics by Meath goalkeeper Harry Hogan.
Once in the opening half and twice in the second, including a penalty save from David Tubridy, Hogan kept his side in contention.
Despite being idle since their penalty shoot-out loss to Limerick five weeks ago, Clare made a flying start to proceedings and were ahead by 1-3 before Thomas O’Reilly opened Meath’s account. The goal came from Pearse Lillis who got the finishing touch to Eoin Cleary’s delivery.
The Banner led by seven points at one stage before having to settle for a 1-7 to 0-6 lead at half-time.
Meath enjoyed their best spell on the resumption and boosted by a penalty goal from Conor McGill and a Daithí McGowan point they were level by the 43rd minute.
The Royals led on two different occasions after that but with 10 minutes remaining it was level at 1-9 each.
The game was heading towards the 70 minutes mark when Keelan Sexton pointed Clare ahead from a 45 and Manus Doherty then hit the insurance score in added-time.
CLARE: T O’Callaghan; M Doherty (0-1), C O’Dea, C Jordan; A Sweeney, C Russell, J Malone (0-1); D O’Neill (0-1), C O’Connor; P Lillis (1-0), E Cleary (0-4, two frees), E McMahon (0-2); G Cooney, D Tubridy (0-1 free), A Griffin.
Subs: K Sexton (0-1, a 45) for Griffin (34 mins), B Rouine for McMahon (46), P Collins for Cooney (49), C Rouine for Sweeney (67).
MEATH: H Hogan; R Clarke, C McGill (1-0, pen), E Harkin (0-1); C Hickey, P Harnan, D Keogan; B Menton, D McGowan (0-1); J Scully (0-1), T O’Reilly (0-1), J O’Connor (0-1, free); M Costello (0-1), C O’Sullivan (0-2, one mark), B McMahon (0-1, free).
Subs: J McEntee for Hickey (24 mins), E Wallace for O’Connor, J Wallace for Scully (both h-t), J Morris for McMahon (59), S Walsh for O’Reilly (67).
Referee: B Cawley (Kildare).
