Navan fend off Dungannon’s brave fightback

St Patrick’s, Navan 1-11, St Patrick’s, Dungannon 1-10

Navan had been leading for the entire game, resting on the cushion of an early goal, until the 54th minute when Raymond Mulgrew’s goal levelled matters.

The next six minutes were fraught. Dungannon had spent the second-half chipping away at Navan’s healthy lead, and were playing at a different level. Meath teams have a tradition of fighting their way out of corners and that is exactly what they did. Cian Ward and Shane O’Rourke held their nerve to kick points, the defence stood their ground in the face of relentless pressure in the frenetic final minute. And St Pat’s Navan claimed another Hogan Cup under the guidance of Colm O’Rourke, Shane’s father.