Dublin 3-21 Meath 0-9: Dubs hammer Royals for another Leinster crown | GAA News

Dublin retained their Leinster Football Championship title with ease on Saturday night, when they defeated Meath by 21 points at Croke Park; Dessie Farrell charges will face Donegal or Cavan in the All-Ireland semi-final

Ciaran Kilkenny of Dublin in action against David Toner of Meath

Dublin defeated Meath at Croke Park in the Leinster championship final, as Dessie Farrell’s charges stayed 3-21 to 0-9.

It’s hard to tell where the Leinster Championship goes from here. The Delaney Cup will reside in the capital for the tenth consecutive year, after a masterclass by Dessie Farrell. Dublin’s excellence was evident, as the eastern province remains a monopoly for now.

Meath entered the contest with reasons of optimism. After questioning the Dubs at the National League meeting last month, the Royals entered the provincial decider after impressive victories against Wicklow and Kildare in which they scored 12 goals.

But when many began to believe that the gap behind Dublin in Leinster was starting to narrow, the Sky Blues reminded them how far ahead they are.

Goals from Dean Rock and Sean Bugler in the first half quickly put an end to any hope that the Andy McEntee charges would keep him competitive.

Dublin was lost to sight at halftime, winning 2-12 to 0-2.

Dean Rock celebrates his goal

After the break, it was a mere procession as the Irish champions claimed victory in second gear. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the second half was the direct red card to Cormac Costello at the end, which means he will miss Dublin’s next game. Niall Scully scored a goal in injury time to brighten the score.

Dublin progresses to the Irish semi-final, where it will face the champions Ulster. They are big favorites to retain the Sam Maguire Cup.

Meath’s 2020 campaign, which was largely positive, ends on a sour note.

Dublin: Stephen Cluxton; Michael Fitzsimons, Jonny Cooper, Eoin Murchan; David Byrne, John Small (0-1), Robert McDaid; Brian Fenton, James McCarthy; Niall Scully (1-1), Ciaran Kilkenny (0-4), Sean Bugler (1-2); Paddy Small (0-3), With O’Callaghan (0-2), Dean Rock (1-7 – 0-5 free, 0-1 45).

Substitutes: Paul Mannion (0-1).

Meath: Mark Brennan; Seamus Lavin, Conor McGill, David Toner; Donal Keogan, Shane McEntee, Mathew Costello; Bryan Menton (0-1), Ronan Jones; Cillian O’Sullivan (0-1), Bryan McMahon, Ronan Ryan; Jordan Morris (0-4 – 0-1 free), Shane Walsh, Thomas O’Reilly (0-1 – 0-1 free).

Subs: Jason Scully (0-1), Joey Wallace (0-1).