Ratoath 2-15 Trim 1-16

For the first time since 1963 Ratoath were crowned Meath Senior Hurling Championship winners after this tough, tense, physical and brilliant game of hurling played in perfect conditions at Pairc Tailteann.

Podge Hanrahan opened the winners account, the sharpshooter had three on the board for Mickey Cole’s charges inside the opening seven minutes. Points from Dimmy Higgins, James Murray (3) and Davy Murtagh gave Trim a 0-5 to 0-4 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The sides were level at 0-7 each before the games first goal arrived courtesy of Jack McGowan. That score rocked Trim and by the end of the first half the 2022 champions trailed 1-10 to 0-7.

Hanrahan extended that lead with a pointed free in the opening minute of the second half and by the 45th minute Ratoath were 1-14 to 0-10 in front and looked good for the win.

Trim were far from finished. Alan Douglas raised a green flag and Joey Cole, Conor Quigley and Pa Ryan followed with points and with five minutes remaining only two points separated the teams with Ratoath in trouble. 

Daithi McGowan eased their fears with the second goal and the Jubilee Cup looked within their grasp but again Trim fought back. Murray, Quigley and Douglas pointed to narrow the lead to two again. In the last throw of the dice Trim thought they had won a penalty but referee Conor Ferguson after consulting with his umpires awarded a free. Murray’s shot was saved and the follow up went wide. The full time whistle went on the puck out and sparked wild scenes of jubilation as Ratoath were crowned champions.

After the game Gavin McGowan was awarded the Player of the Match while his brother Jack received the Jubilee Cup from County Board Vice Chairman Paddy Kelly.

Scorers for Ratoath: Padraig O'Hanrahan 0-8 (4fs, 2 65s), Gavin McGowan 0-4, Daithi McGowan 1-0, Jack McGowan 1-0, Sean Corbett 0-2, Liam Kelly 0-1.

Scorers for Trim: James Murray 0-9 (6fs), Alan Douglas 1-1, David Murtagh 0-2, Conor Quigley 0-2, Dimmy Higgins 0-1, Joey Cole 0-1.

Ratoath: Colm O'Riordan, Domhnall Rogers, Conor McGill, Liam Kelly 0-1, Cormac Butler, Darragh Kelly, Ben McGowan, Cian Kelly, Ciaran O'Hanrahan, Jack McGowan 1-0, Cian Rogers, Padraig O'Hanrahan 0-8, Gavin McGowan 0-4, Daithi McGowan 1-0, Sean Corbett 0-1. Subs: Gearoid Crowley, Bryan McMahon, Padraic Byrne.

Trim: Charlie Ennis, Danny Coleman, Ben Holden, Gary Fleming, James Toher, Dimmy Higgins 0-1, Conor Quigley 0-2, Joey Cole 0-1, David Murtagh 0-2; James Murray 0-9, James Andrews, Pa Ryan, Mark Molloy, Mikey Cole, Alan Douglas 1-1. Subs: Gerry Dwane, Eoghan Ryan, Ian Birmingham.

Referee Conor Ferguson

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