Dowd stars as Dunshaughlin back in final

DUNSHAUGHLIN turned the clock back to reach the Meath SFC final for the first time since 2002 when completing their three-in-a-row sequence of success over hot favourites Donaghmore/Ashbourne at Páirc Tailteann yesterday.

The side in black and amber started Trevor Dowd and he played a star role with three successive points in the third quarter.

While Donaghmore/Ashbourne were favourites to reach a first senior final in nearly 70 years, they failed to match Dunshaughlin’s determination.

The favourites struck for their goal after five minutes with David Morgan finishing to the net following a knockdown by John Broderick to leave them leading 1-0 to 0-1. The expected script appeared to be unfolding when they led 1-3 to 0-3 after 22 minutes.

However, Dunshaughlin finished the first half with points from the busy Cathal O’Dwyer and Conor Devereaux to reduce the deficit to the minimum, 1-3 to 0-5, at the break.

Although Ciaran Beirne increased the Donaghmore/Ashbourne advantage from a free immediately after the restart, Dunshaughlin took control despite playing against the stiff breeze.

On 35 minutes, full-forward Niall Murphy took a pass from O’Dwyer and fired to the net to give Gary Farrelly’s charges a lead they would not relinquish. Although the outsiders of the four teams before the semi-finals, Dunshaughlin showed they were not there just to make up the numbers.

The three Dowd points followed by one from Devereaux put them in a strong position and although their opponents replied with four scores, they were left to regret a few missed chances of scores.

But Dunshaughlin were worthy winners and the scenes of celebration showed what it meant to be back in the county final.

Scorers for Dunshaughlin: N Murphy 1-0, T Dowd 0-3, C O’Dwyer, F Toolan (2fs), C Devereaux (f) 0-2 each.

Scorers for Donaghmore/Ashbourne: D Morgan 1-1, E Reilly (1f) 0-3, C Beirne (1f) 0-2, I O’Donnell, I Dowd 0-1 each.

DUNSHAUGHLIN: R Gogan; A Doyle, K McTigue, M Ahern; A Johnson, C King, D Kealy; J Crimmins, R Maloney; F Toolan, T Dowd, C Devereaux; C O’Dwyer, N Murphy, T Johnson.

Subs: M Reilly for T Johnson (38), T O Dushlaine for Murphy (45), R Kealy for Dowd (58), N Kelly for Toolan (60).

DONAGHMORE/ASHBOURNE: A Colgan; J Finnegan, C McGill, S Curran; C Ellis, C O Mealoid, E Riordan; K Lannigan, B Menton; E Reilly, C Beirne, J Broderick, T Morgan, I O’Donnell, D Morgan.

Subs: T Kelly for Curran (29), I Dowd for T Morgan (41), R O’Connor for O’Donnell (54).

Referee: C McManus (Gaeil Colmcille).