Monaghan’s fine start
This game was only a contest briefly in the first half when Meath led thanks to a goal by Jamie Queenie in the 11th minute. But Monaghan led 0-7 to 1-2 at half-time and probably should have been further in front.
In the second half Monaghan pulled further away with early points from Owen Lennon and two from Conor McManus to open a five-point lead before Darren Hughes crashed in a classic goal, playing a series of one-twos with Neil McAdam before smashing the ball past Paddy O’Rourke to put Monaghan completely in the driving seat.
