Dublin have defeated Meath 3-19 to 0-12 in their Leinster Senior Championship quarter-final clash, after a dominant second-half performance killed whatever competition existed in the opening half.
Colm O'Rourke's Meath put up a commendable defence in the first half, keeping Dublin within touching reach heading in at the break on a scoreline of 1-08 to 0-06.
However, as expected it was a game of two halves and Dublin showed their class in the second, whittling the young Meath side down without ever coming out of second gear.
Paul Mannion adds a point to Dublin's tally, but it would have been a goal but for the brilliant intervention of an alert Adam O'Neill. pic.twitter.com/96L3F2Qrgi
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) April 14, 2024
While Dublin were dominant today, they once shared a truly great rivalry with Meath that delivered some of the biggest days Dublin fans will remember.
Despite the traditional rivalry, the last two decades has seen the class between the Royal County and Dublin grow and grow. Dublin have won 18 of the last 19 Leinster Championships and have only lost a single final since 2005.
However, if anyone remembers the glory days of football in the Royal County it's Meath manager Colm O'Rourke who won two All-Ireland's with the county in 1997 and 1998.
9 June 1991; Charlie Redmond of Dublin in action against Martin O'Connell, right, and Colm O'Rourke of Meath, in the company of referee Tommy Howard, during the Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship Preliminary Round replay match between Dublin and Meath at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by David Maher/Sportsfile
Unique Colm O'Rourke fact puts Dublin Meath rivalry into context
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Speaking to RTE ahead of the clash against Dublin today, Colm O'Rouke revealed an insightful piece of data that showed the astonishing difference in experience between today's Meath and Dublin teams and the unprecedented success of the capital over the last decade and a half.
They're very young, I was just looking at it there, I think, Dublin players have more All-Ireland medals than almost three-quarters of our squad have Leinster Championship appearances..so that gives an idea.
But they're very fit, they're very well, very enthusiastic and looking forward to the challenge.
Colm O'Rourke was in relaxed form as he looked ahead to the seemingly daunting task awaiting his Meath side when they face Dublin in the Leinster SFC at 4.30pm. pic.twitter.com/QjQzJS26Ek
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) April 14, 2024
Even on a day where nine-time All-Ireland medalists Stephen Cluxton and Mick Fitzsimons returned for Dublin, Colm O'Rourke's comments highlight how far ahead of the rest of the Leinster Championship Dublin are, but possibly spell the signs of a brighter future ahead.
The comments come amid increasing pressure to rejig or move the provincial Championships - possibly to before the leagues - despite claims from the Leinster Senior Championship chairman that the competition is 'alive and kicking'.
Dublin's win in Croke Park means they'll now go onto the provincial semi-final where they'll play Louth, Kildare or Offaly - a game they'll be heavy favourites for.
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