Carlow claimed a crucial two points against a gallant Meath side, in a tight affair both sides needed to win to remain in contention for Joe McDonagh Cup glory.
Denis Murphy opened the scoring for Carlow with a free in the second minute, the same player giving an exhibition of free taking throughout.
Shane Brennan and James Doyle traded points, and two scores in succession from Denis Murphy gave his side a 0-4 to 0-1 lead in the early stages.
Chris Nolan added a further score for Carlow, but two Meath points brought the gap down to two, with 13 minutes gone.
Denis Murphy and Patrick Conneely traded points, before scores from Paul Coady and Chris Nolan stretched Carlow’s advantage to four.
Meath were kept in the game courtesy of Conneely in the first half, the Meath sharpshooter’s goal before the interval vital as it levelled procedures at a crucial stage.
After a superb solo run, Mark O’Sullivan found Conneely with an excellent pass, and Conneely made no mistake with the finish to give his side a huge confidence boost going into half-time.
Murphy and Conneely exchanged further frees before the teams went into the break level on a score-line of 0-11 to 1-8.
The second half was an entertaining affair with Meath holding their own in all departments, but it was Colm Bonner’s side who started better, courtesy of points from Edward Byrne and Denis Murphy.
Adam Douglas got Meath back on the board before James Doyle restored his side's two-point advantage.
The sides were level in the 50th minute though after an outstanding score from Adam Gannon and Meath were in front for the first time shortly after when Gavin McGowan’s effort split the posts.
Carlow responded superbly though as Chris Nolan scored three points in succession at a crucial stage to sway the momentum back in the direction of his side.
Richard Kelly and James Doyle added further scores, as Carlow turned a one-point deficit into a four-point lead.
Patrick Conneely brought the deficit down to three points with a late free, but a long-range effort from Carlow centre-back David English with time almost up, sealed the victory 0-21 to 1-14 victory and ensured the Scallion Eaters remain in the hunt.
Meath are looking likely to at least face a play-off after three defeats on the bounce.
Carlow: Brian Tracey; Alan Corcoran, Paul Doyle, Michael Doyle; Dion Wall, David English (0-1, 0-1f), Richard Kelly (0-1); Jack Murphy, Kevin McDonald; John Michael Nolan, Paul Coady (0-1), Edward Byrne (0-1); James Doyle (0-3), Denis Murphy (0-8, 0-8f), Chris Nolan (0-6, 0-1f).
Subs: Eoin Redmond for Wall (40), Conor Foley for Jack Murphy (47), Ted Joyce for Denis Murphy (52), Andrew Casey for Richard Kelly (70).
Meath: Shane McGann; Niall Weir, Sean Geraghty, Darragh Kelly; Joe Keena, Damien Healy, Keith Keoghan; Mark O’Sullivan, Alan Douglas (0-1); Cathal McCabe, James Kelly, Patrick Conneely (1-7, 0-6f); Shane Brennan (0-1), Adam Gannon (0-2), Gavin McGowan (0-3).
Subs: Kevin Keena for O’Sullivan (HT), Steven Morris for Weir (61), Eamonn O’Donnchada for McCabe (61), Neil Hefferan for Keena (64),Jack Regan for Kelly (68).
Referee: John Keane (Galway)
