Updated 16.40pm
DUBLIN AND MEATH will face off in an early season battle next Sunday after both secured top spot in their respective O’Byrne Cup groups over the weekend.
Dublin maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign today with a 1-12 to 1-11 win over Laois in Portarlington to ensure they finished top of Group 1 while Meath’s 1-14 apiece draw with DCU last night in Navan saw them top Group 3.
A last minute Emmet O Conghaile point handed Dublin a narrow win on their trip away to Laois in a game that exploded to life late on with two late goals.
Brendan Quigley, who had been in action for New York last year, hit the back of the net to put Laois ahead 1-10 to 0-11 but Dublin responded instantly when Kevin McManamon converted a penalty following a foul on Shane Carthy.
Donie Kingston nailed a free to tie the teams at 1-11 apiece before O Conghaile struck the winner. The teams had been tied at 0-6 apiece at the break after Laois had initially made the early running to be in front by 0-4 to 0-2 after the opening quarter.
Last night in Group B, Meath and DCU could not be separated as they finished level in their clash in Páirc Tailteann in Navan. David Bray’s goal gave Meath an early advantage in the game and helped them secure a relatively comfortable half-time lead of 1-7 to 0-6.
However, DCU fought back strongly in the second half, with a goal from substitute Conor McGraynor helping to inspire their revival. A tense finish saw Paddy O’Rourke miss a chance to win the game for Meath, as he saw his free sail wide, however it made little difference ultimately, as his side secured the result needed to progress.
Elsewhere in those groups today, Offaly were comprehensive winners over Maynooth University in Tullamore while Westmeath made it back-to-back wins in Ballymahon against Longford.
Results
Group A
Dublin 1-12 Laois 1-11
Offaly 1-17 Maynooth University 0-3
Group B
Meath 1-14 DCU 1-14
Westmeath 2-11 Longford 0-10
