Meath Hill 1-15 Walterstown 1-07

Meath Hill sealed a valuable home semi-final on Saturday evening with a convincing victory over Walterstown. The eight-point margin reflected their control as the game wore on, but it was built on a mix of hard graft, sharp defending, and the unerring accuracy of Mark Tully, who finished with a remarkable 13 points.

Walterstown struck the first blow with an opening score before Tully replied instantly with a neat effort off his right boot. Both teams attacked with intent, trading scores in the early exchanges as Tomas Smith and Paddy Matthews pushed Meath Hill forward. A defensive slip then allowed Walterstown in for a well-taken goal that briefly gave them momentum, but Meath Hill’s response was immediate. Tully fired over from play, converted frees, and landed two superb two-pointers to drag his side in front, while Martin Tully made a crucial save at the other end to prevent further damage. By half-time, Meath Hill lead by five, their advantage owing much to Tully’s accuracy.

HT score: Meath Hill 0-09 Walterstown 1-04

The second half began with Meath Hill on the front foot. Aodhan Matthews won the throw-in, who was immense throughout, allowing Tully to clip over yet another point. Dean Martin reacted sharply to a deflected shot to send the ball over, and Kyle Martin added one of the scores of the night, weaving his way through three defenders before splitting the posts. Walterstown were handed a chance to claw themselves back into the contest with a penalty, but they could only send it over the bar, a moment that summed up their evening.

Meath Hill never looked back. At the back, Cillian Maher produced a goal-line block that kept Walterstown at bay, while Martin Tully and Graham Boylan provided calm assurance in defence. Up front, Mark Tully continued to punish every lapse in discipline, knocking over frees with authority and adding a touch of class with a dummy and finish that drew applause from the home supporters. Colin Breslin then struck the final blow, tucking away a penalty into the bottom corner to seal a commanding win. The final whistle confirmed the eight-point victory, a result that showcased the strength of the group. Tully’s 13-point haul was the difference on the scoreboard and determination of the team ensured Meath Hill stayed in control from start to finish.

Attention now shifts to Friday night’s Senior Relegation Play-off against Simonstown Gaels in Castletown at 8pm, before the Reserves host Ballinabrackey in Sunday’s championship semi-final at 11am. 

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