Wicklow Schools vs Meath

 Leinster PPS 2025-26 Senior Football 'A' Group Team Competition - KO Semi Final

Wicklow Schools 3-9

Meath Schools 3-13 

AET

Dunganny             

Eoin Horkan

A thrilling knockout semi-final in Dunganny on Saturday saw Wicklow Schools produce a sensational second-half comeback, only for Meath to dig deep in extra time and make home advantage count, sealing their place in the Leinster final with a four-point victory.

Wicklow opened brightly and were full value for an early lead inside the first seven minutes, moving the ball with precision and taking advantage of their initial momentum. However, once Meath settled, the hosts began to utilise the strong breeze at their backs, turning the contest sharply in their favour. A flurry of scores midway through the half rocked Wicklow, and by the interval the Royals had carved out what looked an unassailable ten-point cushion at the break. 

With conditions flipping in their favour on the restart, Wicklow mounted a remarkable response. Driven on by the accuracy of Liam MacDonnell and the relentless work-rate around the middle third, they chipped away at the deficit. Joao Fagundes, who finished with a superb 3-2, was a constant menace to the Meath rear-guard, while further points from Jack O’Leary, Eoin Miley and Fiach Byrne brought Wicklow right back into the contest.

In a gripping closing spell, Wicklow edged themselves a point ahead with just minutes remaining and might have pushed further clear but for a couple of missed chances. Meath, to their credit, refused to wilt, and with the very last play of normal time they pounced on a breaking ball to level matters at 3-8 apiece and force extra time.

The additional periods were far tighter affairs, with scores at a premium. Wicklow managed just a single point, while Meath found three, edging themselves into a lead they would not relinquish. In the final spell, both sides carved out opportunities, but the Royals were that bit more clinical, adding two further points as Wicklow’s challenge finally faded.

When the Dublin referee sounded the final whistle, Meath’s four-point cushion reflected their extra-time composure, though Wicklow’s brave fightback will long be remembered.

Wicklow:Dylan Byrne Scoil Chonglais;Cormac Murphy Colaiste Bride,Conor Doody Scoil Chonglais,JJ Brady Colaiste Craobh Abhann;Pearse Byrne Colaiste Bride,Conor Coffey Colaiste Chill Mhantain,Dani Salazar,East Glendalough;Jack O’Leary (0-1) Colaiste Chill Mhantain,Sam Goodbody East Glendalough;Rian Daye Colaiste Craobh Abhainn,Eoin Miley(0-1) St Kevins. C.C,Fiach Byrne(0-1) Colaiste Bride;Liam MacDonnell (0-3 1f) St Kevins,Sean Corrigan (0-1f)St Kevins,Joao Fagundes(3-2) Colaiste Craobh Abhann.

Subs Used;John Lynch Colaiste Chill Mhantain,Jack Nolan Colaiste Chill Mhantain,Sam Behan Colaiste Chill Mhantain,Jack Wolohan Arklow CBS,Tom Cox East Glendalough.

Meath:Shayne Brady Don/Ash – CDL;Shane Callaghan Gaeil Colmcille – SCK,Thomas Sheridan Oldcastle – SOO, Charlie Lynch Ballinlough – SCK;Evan Demange Drumbaragh – SCK.Lewis Cassidy Na Fianna – ECC Captain,Evan O’Connor Dunshaughlin – DCC;Cathal Barron Dunderry – BCS,David Daly Moynalty – SCK;Adam Ducie Ratoath – RAC, Aidan Roche Kilmainhamwood – OCC, Daithí Wade St. Colmcille’s – CNI;Jake Madden Drumbaragh – SCK,Darragh Weldon Castletown – OCC, Pat Crawley Oldcastle – SOO.