Dunshaughlin 2-11 Ratoath 1-11

A warm, balmy Thursday evening saw a packed house in Dunshaughlin as near neighbours Ratoath made the short trip for this highly anticipated Division 1 clash.

Ratoath opened the scoring with a well taken mark that sailed between the posts for two points. The Gourmet Food Parlour sponsored Dunshaughlin had an early chance to match it, but their effort drifted wide. However, moments later a foul on the ground by Ratoath handed Dunshaughlin their first opportunity, and Luke Mitchell calmly converted from the placed ball.

But as always in this rivalry, there was no time to breathe, Ratoath struck next with a well taken goal at the college end of the pitch, pushing them four ahead. The response was immediate. A brave interception from the ever reliable Ciarán McCarrick turned defence into attack, setting the lightning quick Niall Byrne off to notch Dunshaughlin’s second point of the evening.

Ratoath added a free to stretch their lead back to four, but Dunshaughlin were beginning to find rhythm. The tireless No. 7 David Fildes stood out, popping up across the pitch with relentless energy. One of his interceptions led to a smooth score from Tadhg Ó Dúshlaine, bringing the gap down to a goal. Not to be outdone, Ciarán McCarrick, whose work rate had been relentless all evening, added a well earned point and his first of the league to cap a standout performance

Ratoath, to their credit, responded with two of their own. The pick of the pair came from their No. 12 Glen, who curled over a beauty with the outside of his boot to restore a four point advantage.

But Dunshaughlin’s defence dug in. Corner-back Fiach Hartigan and midfielder Adam Kealy were immense, turning over ball and refusing to let the visitors settle. Their efforts were rewarded when Dunshaughlin won a free and then a 50 metre advancement brought the kick well into Luke Mitchell's range, and he duly slotted over his second of the night.

At the break, it was finely poised Ratoath leading by just three, Half-Time Score Dunshaughlin 0-5 Ratoath 1-5

As Dunshaughlin emerged from the dressing room for the second half, a notable change was made,Tommy Kinsella made way for Ryan Robinson, who would soon make a strong impression on proceedings.

The first score after the restart went to Ratoath, extending their lead slightly. But Dunshaughlin responded emphatically. A superb kick from outside the arc by corner-forward Adam Hanley flew over for a two-pointer, drawing huge cheers from the home crowd. Ratoath’s Brian McMahon replied with a point of his own, but Hanley wasn’t finished yet,adding another, this time a single, to cut the margin back to just a goal.

Momentum was building for the hosts. A free awarded to Dunshaughlin allowed Luke Mitchell to bring the deficit to two points. Then came a special moment for substitute Ryan Robinson, who announced himself in style with a fine point, also his first of the league campaign.

Dunshaughlin were now firing on all cylinders. David Fildes once again disrupted a Ratoath attack, showing fierce tenacity, before offloading to team captain Jared Rushe. Rushe didn’t hesitate,driving forward and blasting the ball to the back of the Ratoath net, putting Dunshaughlin two points in front.

John McDonagh added another point soon after to stretch the lead to three, but the defining moment of the match was still to come.

With the college end goal under pressure, corner-back Fiach Hartigan delivered yet another heroic turnover. And with some good passages of play the ball was released to Niall Byrne, his finish described by spectators as a “Riverdance flick” as he coolly slotted Dunshaughlin’s second goal of the night. The home crowd erupted, and with six points now between the sides, Dunshaughllin were in full control.

In the final minutesof the game , management introduced fresh legs Ciarán Sheridan replaced Seán O’Neill, and Matthew Gallagher came in for Adam Hanley.

Ratoath battled until the end, registering a point followed by a long range two-pointer to bring it back to a single goal. But the final whistle confirmed what the Dunshaughlin faithful knew the job was done, and the black and amber added another hard fought win to their Division 1 league campaign.

Dunshaughlin scorers: Niall Byrne 1-1, Jared Rushe 1-0, Luke Mitchell 0-3 (3f), Adam Hanley 0-3 (1×2pt), Tadgh O Dushlaine 0-1, Ciaran McCarrick 0-1, John McDonagh 0-1, Ryan Robinson 0-1

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