SFC Q-final: Ratoath saunter into 'semis'
September 29, 2019
Gavin McGowan fires home Ratoath's first goal despite the best efforts of Skryne's Robbie Clarke during the Meath SFC quarter final clash at Pairc Tailteann.
In the most one-sided of the weekend's quarter finals, Ratoath strolled to a 19-point win over Skryne on Sunday afternoon at Pairc Tailteann
Ratoath ....... 4-16
Skryne ....... 1-6
As one observer noted, the fixture had all the intensity of a challenge game. The reward for the club who joined the senior ranks in 2016 is semi-final meeting with Gaeil Colmcille.
An early scoring burst flatlined any chance of a meaningful contest. Having established a nine-point interval lead, Ratoath maintained momentum from the restart with Conor Rooney's 45th minute goal moving them 15 points clear, 3-11 to 0-5.
The only similarity between the teams was in their jerseys with a preponderence of royal blue on both sides. In addition, the Ratoath numbers were problematic, white on a yellow band.
Of the four quarter finals, this was the most lacking in atmophere as the outcome was clear from such an early stage.
Ten different players contributed to Ratoath's impressive tally with sub Gavin McGowan completing their goal tally, in the 51st mnute.
Skryne managed just three second-half scores, with sub Niall Morley netting in early in the final quarter.
Despite playing against the breeze blowing from the town end, Ratoath wasted little time in putting down a deposit on a semi-final spot.
Two goals decorated their strong start with Gavin McGowan finishing to the net after a strong run through the heart of the Skryne defence in the fourth minute. His shot appeared to take a deflection off a Skryne defender.
The second goal came in the ninth minute with a move that began close to the town goal with an accident high kick appearing to catch Skryne's Mark Battersby.
Within second play transferred to the opposite end where a foul on Joey Wallace led to a penalty which brother Eamon dispatched to the with aplomb
Two Bryan McMahon points - the second a fine solo effort - left 2-4 to 0-1 heading into the second quarter.
From here on the tempo dipped with just four points posted in the remainder of the first-half. When the teams headed for the dressing room, it was 2-7 to 0-4.
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Ratoath added 2-9 for the loss of 1-2 in the second-half but even that did little to rouse their supporters and any neutrals who may have remained.
Ratoath - Shane Duffy; Sean Brazil, Gavin McGowan (1-0), Ciaran O Fearraigh; Emmet Boyle (0-1), Conor McGill, Jack Gillespie; Keith McCabe, Ben McGowan; Eamon Wallace (1-1, 1-0 pen), Conor Rooney (1-2), Brian O'Connor; Joey Wallace (0-3), Cian O'Brien (0-1), Bryan McMahon (0-7, 6fs). Subs - Ben Wyer for Brazil (35), David McGowan (1-0) for E Wallace (35), Darragh Kelly for McCabe (35), Conal Ahearne (0-1 f) for Rooney (43), Luke Newe for McGill (47), Jack McGowan for O'Connor (55)
Skryne - Ian Gillett; Robbie Clarke, Mark Harrington, Niall Lenehan; Paddy Carpenter (0-1), Stephen O'Brien, Eoghan Greene (0-1); Harry Rooney (0-1), Ciaran Lenehan; Conor O'Brien, Darragh Campion, Ian Davis (0-1 f); Eoin Smyth (0-1), Colm Doherty, Mark Battersby. Subs - Brian Davis for I Davis (37), Niall Morley (1-1, 0-1f) for Battersby (41), Ronan McCabe for E Smyth (41), Paddy Fox for O'Brien (43), David Carroll for Carpenter (55),
Referee - Cormac Reilly (St Mary's)
