Super-sub Doherty shocks Dubs
The Royal County had lost twice to Dublin this year and were outclassed in the Bord Gáis Energy NFL Division 2 final. But the visitors scored a famous win to send Dublin through the back door in their quest for a second successive All-Ireland crown.
And it was substitute Ger Doherty who made a sensational impact in the closing stages as her three points, including the winning score, edged Meath to victory.
Meath appeared the hungrier side from the start and at half-time, they led 0-5 to 0-4.
Two points after half-time stretched Meath’s lead to three but Dublin fought back to draw level (0-7 apiece).
Doherty entered the fray with 12 minutes remaining and her two quickfire points pushed Meath 0-9 to 0-7 clear.
But Dublin, missing influential trio Siobhán McGrath, Lyndsey Davey and Amy McGuinness, hit back to level with points from top scorer Sinead Ahern and Elaine Kelly.
But Doherty nailed another fine point to set up a provincial final meeting with Laois on July 17.
Meath also had goalkeeper Irene Munnelly to thank after denying Lyndsey Peat with a super save in the 26th minute.
Meanwhile, beaten Division One finalists Laois booked their place in the TG4 Leinster final with a narrow 0-17 to 1-13 victory against hosts Kildare in Newbridge. Laois, managed by former county player Joe Higgins, started slowly and trailed by 0-1 to 1-4 after 10 minutes before Tracey Lawlor led their fightback.
The O’Moore County rallied to within four points at half-time (0-5 to 1-4) before producing a commanding second half performance to snatch victory. Deirdre Gately’s goal in the tenth minute handed Kildare an early buffer but Laois settled and were in touch by the interval.
The visitors completely dominated the third quarter and didn’t let Sinead Doogue’s penalty miss, which sailed over the bar, deter them. Lawlor top-scored for Laois with seven points while Martina Dunne notched five points.
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