Meath dominated Waterford in tonight’s one-sided qualifier clash in Navan, with Jamie Queeney finding the net late on.
Wayne Hennessy kicked the lead point for Waterford but Meath were in a different class, racing to a 0-12 to 0-02 break lead.
Midfielder Nigel Crawford and defenders Cormac McGuinness and Chris O’Connor all scored for the in-form Royals.
Conor McGrath ended a 34-minute scoreless spell for Waterford, but subsequent points from Brian Farrell, Shane McAnarney, Cian Ward and David Bray killed off the game.
Eamon O'Brien's charges looked likely winners for most of this first round clash, although his side leaked the opening point when Wayne Hennessy sent over the first score for the visitors.
But in reality Meath were never really troubled, with Waterford scores at a premium, especially in the opening half as the Royals blazed ahead.
Meath's dominance in midfield was one of the telling features, with Nigel Crawford influence growing in the middle third as the game wore on.
Joe Sheridan was also back in scoring form with three first-half points, while David Bray, brother of Meath attacker Stephen, and Peadar Byrne also chipped in with points.
McGrath, Hennessy and Liam O Lionain, who played his heart out for the Deise, gave their side a much-needed boost with a trio of points, early in the second half.
However, Meath were able to push on and efforts from Brian Farrell, Shane McAnarney, Cian Ward and David Bray ended the Munster side’s feint hopes of a comeback.
Queeney's 69th-minute goal was the final nail in Waterford’s coffin, but Meath manager Eamonn O’Brien will certainly have wanted a tougher challenge for his side, given the quality of teams entering tomorrow’s second round draw.
