Rugby League champions Longhorns proved too strong for the Galway Tribesmen in Saturday's All Ireland final in Athboy RFC.
Due to take place in Galway two weeks ago, the decider was postponed due to lockdown restrictions and rescheduled for Co Meath last weekend.
It was a blow for the Galwegians who had high hopes of winning the title after a strong season, but on Saturday the current champions proved too strong, taking a half-time lead of 12-0.
Having defended an early assault from the Tribesmen, the champions launched their first attack, marshalled by hooker Emmet Banahan. Taking advantage of two penalties, the Longhorns created space for Banahan to cross for a 6-0 lead.
The Longhorns' forwards continued to put the Tribesmen under pressure, and from another penalty, they quickly capitalised another score to extend the lead to 10-0.
The Tribesmen, however, lifted themselves, and strong running from forwards Enda Stanford and Tom Gormley set a solid platform for the backs. Centre Mata Fifita kept the defence on its toes, and although he crossed the try line, he was denied by a double movement.
Instead the home side capitalised on a penalty before the break, and within minutes of the restart, they scored again - taking advantage of a penalty to extend the lead to 18-0. When another try and conversion pushed their tally to 24-0, there was no respite for the game Tribesmen.
However, fine running from big forward Abdulaq Adeyomi and Matthew Towey provided a platform for the talismanic centre Mata Fifita to crash over on the 60th minute, with Seosamh McDonagh adding the conversion. And in a final flourish Fifita finished off a well-worked drive to make it 24-10.
