This was a Dublin-Meath thriller in the purest tradition. Not for the first time, both sets of players ended the hour with the realisation that they will have to do it all over again.

This Leinster Minor Championship quarter-final also doubled as the provincial league final at Parnell Park on Saturday evening. And what an advertisement it was for both competitions. There was an undiluted hardness about the football played throughout and dollops of individual and collective brilliance that had the crowd spellbound. An early goal from Dublin full forward James Gahan was the chief difference between the sides until an almost unbearable climax in the last three minutes.

At this stage Dublin were clinging to a 1-7 to 0-9 lead, then Meath substitute David Crimmins palmed the ball to an empty net after it came back off the crossbar. Then Gahan broke up field once again and rounded Meath goalkeeper David Gallagher to sidefoot to an empty net.

Straight away Meath midfielder Niall Kelly strolled upfield and curled over a left-footed wonder point to grab a deserved draw.

There were also win for Laois, the reigning All-Ireland champions, Kildare and Wicklow.