Navan O’Mahonys to meet Wolfe Tones in decider

This year’s Meath SFC final will be a repeat of the 2006 decider between Navan O’Mahonys and Wolfe Tones following yesterday’s semi-finals at Páirc Tailteann.

Favourites O’Mahonys recovered from a four-point deficit in the first half to wear down their opponents, Donaghmore/Ashbourne, and eventually clinch a 0-10 to 0-9 victory with a Paddy Smyth point on 59 minutes.

Sean Kelly, who guided O’Mahonys to their last Keegan Cup triumph in 2008, was in the opposition dugout yesterday and his side impressed in the first half with points from John Broderick and Andrew Tormey (free) in the opening five minutes. Tormey and roving forward Ciaran Ellis were impressing in the scoring stakes and Donaghmore/Ashbourne led 0-5 to 0-1 after 12 minutes. O’Mahonys, without county players Kevin Reilly, Mark Ward and David Bray, were forced to make two substitutions in the first half and another during the half-time break.

The Navan side trailed 0-4 to 0-7 but the changes took effect soon after the restart with points from replacements Barry Regan and Shane Gillespie reducing the arrears to the minimum on 39 minutes.

Midway through the second half a fisted point by Gary O’Brien had O’Mahonys level before Stephen Bray edged them into the lead for the first time after 52 minutes.

Eoin Reilly levelled from a 45 before Smyth’s crucial score. There was more late drama to follow with a Broderick ‘goal’ ruled out for an illegal hand action and an attempt for an equaliser by Ellis hitting an upright.

County forward Cian Ward fired over 10 points as Wolfe Tones reversed the 2009 replayed final result with five points (1-13 to 0-11) to spare over Seneschalstown in the second semi-final.

Stephen Sheppard’s goal helped Tones to a 1-4 to 0-0 lead before they retired 1-8 to 0-6 ahead at the break. Eight of Ward’s points came from frees and four converted kicks in the third quarter increased the lead to eight points. That proved to be crucial even though Seneschalstown rallied to halve the deficit. Seneschalstown relied too much on Brian Sheridan, who put over seven points, six frees, for scores.