O'Gara catches the eye as Dublin see off Meath in Navan

Dublin's stay in Division 2 of the Allianz League looks set to be brief with victory in Navan all but assuring Dessie Farrell's crew of top flight football again in 2024.

In what was the first league game at Pairc Tailteann between the neighbouring counties since 1988, Dessie Farrell's visitors were nine points clear by half-time and ultimately cruised to an 11-point success - the same margin as on that occasion 35 years ago.

Killian O'Gara, making his first start of the campaign, struck Dublin's first-half goal and finished with an impressive 1-03 while Cormac Costello's late, late goal brought his tally to 1-04.

There were strong showings too from midfielder Brian Fenton and Con O'Callaghan who contributed 0-04 apiece.

Barring a disastrous run of results tomorrow, and in the final round of group games next weekend, Dublin will be promoted and will also have a Division 2 final to look forward to.

It's a fourth consecutive game without a win for Meath who look safe from relegation but not necessarily from the Tailteann Cup. They will play Kildare in Newbridge next weekend while Dublin are at home to Louth.

A bad day at the office for Colm O'Rourke and Meath was compounded by an apparent hamstring injury picked up by captain Donal Keogan in the final quarter.

Meath, with five changes from the side that drew with Limerick in Round 5, required the fast start but conceded the first three points of the game.

Already it was looking ominous for the hosts who were without key figures Shane Walsh and Cillian O'Sullivan in attack.

Cormac Costello, on the frees for Dublin in the absence of Dean Rock, was among those early scorers and back-to-back points from the Whitehall man in the 15th and 18th minutes left his side 0-06 to 0-01 ahead.

Dub