Meath 1-13 UCD 0-15:A strong finish enabled Meath to maintain their unbeaten O'Byrne Cup record at Navan's Páirc Tailteann.
UCD, who had lost to Louth and Longford, looked likely to claim a first victory when dominating much of the first half. With Mayo’s All-Ireland forward Kevin McLoughlin and Donie Kingston from Laois showing up well, they led by four points on two occasions in the first half.
Daragh McNamara’s second well-taken score and a Brian Farrell effort reduced the arrears to two points as the students led by 0-9 to 0-7 at the break. UCD resumed the better with points from Paul Cahilane (free) and Downey, one of four Meath-natives playing with the students, restoring the four-point cushion.
However, late points from Graham Reilly, Meade and Farrell (free) enabled Meath to finish in front.