Shine’s dozen downs Roscommon
Roscommon fell to defeat to Meath in the Christy Ring Cup.
Roscommon fell to their second defeat of the Christy Ring Cup as Tom Shine’s 12 point haul helped Meath get off the mark.
Brian Hanley’s charges battled all the way but in the end, Meath’s superior stickwork and physicality saw them get their campaign up and running following a chastening opening round defeat to Kerry.
For Roscommon, this defeat ensures it is just one win in their last five games while they face a tall order when hosting Christy Ring Cup favourites Kerry next weekend.
Roscommon will wonder what might have been as after cutting their second half deficit to eight points when Micheál Hussey netted in the 47th minute, they saw an Adam Donnelly penalty fly wide of the mark just two minutes later.
From there Meath never allowed Roscommon a chance to move within reach on a day the home side only scored 2-2 from play and didn’t register their first point from play until the 64th minute.
Tom Shine opened the game’s scoring with a placed ball but Roscommon were given a major fillip when Conor Mulry netted just moments after Seán Canning was thwarted by goalkeeper Gavin King. Meath’s response was emphatic as eight points in a row, which included scores by brothers Tom and Daire Shine gave Johnny Greville’s men control.
Four Conor Morris frees gave Roscommon a puncher’s chance but Mark Leavy’s three points from play and a late brace from Lorcan Byrne saw Meath lead 0-16 to 1-4 at half time.
Tom Shine’s trio of points helped Meath reach the 20 point mark but Roscommon got a lifeline when Micheál Hussey slammed to the net in the 47th minute. Cian Murray earned Roscommon a penalty two minutes later, but Adam Donnelly’s effort flashed just past the post.
That would have reduced the margin to five points, but Meath efficiently went about their business while Enda Lawless produced a fine stop to deny Meath sub Kyle Ennis, who was looking to bag his side’s first goal in five games.
However, Meath never appeared in any danger of being reeled in as they inflicted Roscommon’s second defeat of the championship.
*Full report in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald*
