Meath’s epic win over Galway ends in hooter controversy

A questionable ending....

Their team of young stars defied the odds, with man-of-the-match Jordan Morris scoring 1-06.

The second-half of the match was thrilling, as the Royals raced in to a six-point lead, before being pegged back and down by three, only to rally in the closing stages.

However, there was controversy over the ending of the game, with Meath taking their time before purposely kicking a free wide just as the hooter sounded.

Although it rang after the ball went dead, there was not enough time for the kick out, and referee Martin McNally blew his whistle.

Unsurprisingly, fans have called into question the new rule.

Teams:

Meath: Billy Hogan; Seamus Lavin, Sean Rafferty, Ronan Ryan; Donal Keogan (0-01), Sean Coffey (0-01), Ciaran Caulfield; Bryan Menton (0-01), Adam O'Neill; Conor Duke, Ruairi Kinsella (0-01), Mathew Costello (0-04, 0-01f); Jordan Morris (1-06), Keith Curtis, Eoghan Frayne (0-01).

Subs: Cathal Hickey (0-01) for Curtis 42, Brian O'Halloran for Lavin 46-49, blood, Conor Gray (1-00) for O'Neill 46, Brian O'Halloran for Rafferty 55, Rafferty for Lavin 61, Eoin Harkin for Duke 64-f/t blood, Cian McBride for Menton 68.

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Sean Fitzgerald, Johnny McGrath, Jack Glynn; Dylan McHugh, Liam Silke (1-00), Cian Hernon; Peter Cooke, John Maher (0-01); Cein Darcy, Matthew Tierney (0-02), Sean Kelly (0-01); Rob Finnerty (0-03, 0-02f), Shane Walsh (0-05, 1 tpf, 1tp), Matthew Thompson (0-02).

Subs: Paul Conroy for Hernon 42, Cillian McDaid (1-00) for Cooke 44, Daniel O'Flaherty for McHugh 51, Damien Comer (0-01) for Tierney 51, Kieran Molloy for Kelly 64.

Referee: Martin McNally (Monaghan).