Cork relegated from top tier after loss to Meath

Cork were relegated from Division 1 of the Lidl NFL after suffering a 10-point defeat to Meath in Páirc Tailteann.

The Rebel County will now play in Division 2 of the league next season for the first time since 2003.

Emma Duggan kicked over two fine points for the home side inside the opening two minutes. Cork were twice in the opposition half in the early minutes but gave away the ball cheaply when in possession.

Emma Cleary kicked over a free for Cork in the sixth minute. Megan Thynne restored Meath's two-point advantage in the ninth minute. The Royal County dominated play but their shot selection was poor and they were unable to extend their lead. During the first half they kicked eight wides.

Cleary fired over another free in the 23rd minute but that was cancelled out by an excellent Marion Farrelly point.

A poor Meath kick-out was picked up by Lydia McDonagh in the 25th minute, she passed to Sadhbh O’Leary who found the bottom corner of the net. It was the first time the Rebels were ahead.

A fine Máire O’Callaghan put Cork ahead by two in the 30th minute but Aisling McCabe cut the deficit to one going in at the break at 1-04 to 0-06.

Three minutes into the second half Cork had a chance to extend their lead after Daire Kiely was fouled for a penalty, but her spot-kick was saved by Meath keeper Robyn Murray. Within two minutes Meath were ahead by three; a free from Duggan and a goal from Shelly Melia.

Two excellent points from Marion Farrelly put Meath ahead by five in the 44th minute. Cork’s first score of the second half had come before through a pointed free from substitute Éabha O’Donovan.

The lead could have been more in the 47th minute but Farrelly was unfortunate to see her powerful effort hit the crossbar. Duggan’s