Meath will have to beat Offaly to garner the first silverware of manager Eamonn Barry's reign next Sunday after the Royals handed Dublin a 0-16 to 1-11 semi-final beating at Parnell Park while Offaly overcame holders Laois this afternoon.
Store Street Garda Barry got the better of his work colleague Paul Caffrey, the Dublin manager, to book a final date with Offaly next weekend with Meath to have the home venue.
Corner forward Daithi Regan's point after only 30 seconds set the Royals on their way to a 0-08 to 0-06 half-time lead.
Tomás Quinn and David McConn were on target early on for the Dubs before Seneschalstown hitman Joe Sheridan knocked over two points - one a delightful 45-metre free from the sideline.
Quinn, who hit three of his five first half points from frees, kept Dublin ticking but a brace of scores from Regan just before the break, meant Meath led into the second half.
Dublin, however, managed to edge in front, 1-08 to 0-10, nine minutes after the break. Substitute Shane Ryan was fouled for a penalty which Quinn neatly dispatched past Meath 'keeper Rickey Nolan.
Kevin Bonner and Derek Murray tagged on points to help Caffrey's charges lead, but points from Peter Curran, Sheridan and Mairtin Doran saw Meath take command in the final quarter-hour.
In the other semi-final, Offaly dumped holders Laois out as Ciaran McManus and Colm Quinn led the Faithfuls to victory in Portlaoise.
There was little quarter given in a first half that ended at 0-08 apiece. Ross Munnelly, back playing after the quashing of his 12-week ban, hit four of Laois' points.
However, Offaly, with Rhode star Alan McNamee, who was last week named as Offaly's Player of 2005, impressing in midfield, had the legs for the second half and opened up a telling gap with points from McManus, Quinn and new full-forward Ross Connor.
