Antrim hammer Meath to seal Joe McDonagh Cup final spot

A place in the Joe McDonagh Cup final is now guaranteed for Antrim as they romped to a 28-point win over Meath at Pairc Tailteann to maintain their 100 per cent record in the competition.

The Saffrons looked in the mood from the off and were out of sight at the break when 20 ahead and while they will be a little disappointed in how they conceded their goals, there was no disputing their superiority on the day that leaves Meath heading to face Down next week in what is a de facto relegation playoff.

The Saffrons had 11 different scorers with Conal Cunning top-scoring for his team with a dozen points, that tally eclipsed by Meath's Jack Regan who finished with 2-07.

Antrim couldn't have had a better start as just 50 seconds in, Conor McCann doubled on a broken ball after Conal Cunning's free dropped short and their second major came on seven minutes with McCanbn again the man in target as he took Cunning's knock-down in stride to cut left and fire low.

After an exchange of points, goal number three came as Paddy Burke broke forward, fed Seaan Elliott who was crowded out but in the ensuing scramble, Burke prodded home to make it 3-04 to 0-02 with 11 minutes played.

It was already looking ominous for Meath, but after Kevin Keena struck a point, they had their opening goal as Damien Healy rose above Gerard Walsh to catch and he was fouled inside the area for a penalty that was tucked away by Jack Regan.

Antrim replied with six points on the bounce through Conal Cunning (two), Michael Bradley, Niall McKenna, James McNaughton and Elliott, but Meath would get a second goal on 25 minutes as they were awarded a 20-metre free in front of goal after Stephen Rooney was penalised for an off-the-ball infringement and Regan found the net.

Antr