Minor footballers face Meath in Leinster MFL semi-final in Parnell Park

Dublin’s minor footballers face Meath in their Leinster MFL semi-final this Saturday in Parnell Park (2.30).

Paddy Christie’s team edged out Cork on scoring difference to top Group 1 after the sides had finished level on league points – having both beaten Kildare (who fielded two teams in two different groups) and Wexford, the Dubs and Cork drew in their opening game, 1-13 each, in Parnell Park.

Meath defeated Offaly (2-10 to 1-5) in their opening group game before drawing with Longford (1-9 to 2-6) and then guaranteeing their semi-final berth having been awarded a walkover by Limerick.

Kildare face Laois in the other semi-final in Maynooth College on Saturday (2.30) with the winners from both games meeting the following weekend in the Leinster MFL final.

Following the conclusion of the league the attention will focus on the commencement of the Leinster MFC in mid-April - the Dubs face Offaly in the first round in Parnell Park on Saturday, April 16.

Following the conclusion of the group games and the recent Congress decision, the following experimental rule, Mark, only will apply for the semi-finals and final of the Leinster MFL ie the experiemental rules re no backpass to goalkeeper, and a limit on three successive handpasses have been dropped.

A Mark will be allowed if the ball is caught cleanly from a kickout, which passes the 45-metre line.

(A) The referee will blow his whistle to signify the player has caught the ball cleanly and earned the Mark. The player has the option to play on immediately or if he intends to avail of the Mark he must indicate this to the referee. If he elects to take the Mark he must then kick the ball from his hands

(B) Once he indicates he is taking the Mark, the opposition must retreat 13 metres to allow the player space to take the kick.

(C) If an opposition player deliberately blocks or attempts to block the kick within 13 metres, or if an opposition player impedes the player while he is taking the kick the referee will penalise the opposition and bring the ball forward 30 metres.

(D) Once the player indicates he is taking the Mark the Referee will allow up to 5 seconds for the player to take the kick.

(E) If the player delays longer than 5 seconds the referee will cancel the Mark and throw the ball up between two players.

(F) If the player gets injured in the process of taking the Mark, and is unable to take the kick, his nearest teammate may take the kick but cannot score directly from the kick.