Ratoath 2-20 Carlow Town 2-9

Ratoath's hurlers emerged convincing winners in this Leinster 1st round fixture against Carlow town on a perfect day for hurling in Sean Eiffe Park. 

Michael Cooper's charges got off to a dream start with a goal from Paddy Coady following good work and pass  from Padraig " Podge " O'Hanrahan. Further points ensued from Bryan McMahon and Ciaran O'Hanrahan as the home side raced into an early lead.

A feature of the opening 15 minutes was the selfless teamwork on display and this was evident in the second goal scored by Podge having been set up by his brother Sean. After that their opponents started to gain a foothold into the game and with Matty English-Hayden and Sen Wogan to the fore they were the better team for the remainder of the half. Their goal in the 24th minute from English-Hayden, with a superb ground stroke, reduced the margin to 4 points and despite scores from McMahon and Gavin McGowan the lead was whittled down to 2 points at half time: 2-6 to 1-7.

Whatever was said at the interval had the desired effect as the Meath men regained the initiative  thereby dominating the rest of the game . Excellent scores from McGowan and McMahon set down an early marker while Podge was becoming more accurate from placed balls. While the forwards were getting greater joy ,Carlow's forwards were getting little change out of Ratoath's backs who along with their midfield improved on their performance from the first half. By the time the South Leinster men got their first score in the second half  in the 25th minute Ratoath were well out of sight 2-18 to 1-8.

The Carlow men did get a late consolation goal , through a well taken finish ,from Barry English but it was too little too late as the Meath champions ran out 11 point winners. Best for the winning side were Padraig & Ciaran O'Hanrahan, Bryan McMahon, Gavin McGowan and Jack McGowan. Special mention gores to the whole management of Michael Cooper, Pat McDonagh, Eamonn Ryan and Francis" Plum" Reilly who have done a magnificent job in steering Ratoath's flagship hurling team thus far in 2016.

Next up for their side is a home match in 2 weeks time against the Wexford champions(Saturday the 5th of November)

Foireann Ráth Tó: Gearoid Crowley, Turlough O'Neill, Brian Murphy, Brian Farrelly, Paddy Dowd, Jack Mcgowan, Conor Ward, Bryan McMahon (0-3), Bobby O'Brien, Ben McGowan, Ciaran O'Hanrahan (0-3), Jack McGowan, Padraig O'Hanrahan (1-8 4f), Paddy Coady (1-2), Sean O'Hanrahan (0-1). Fir Ionad Neil O'Dowd for Ward, Kevin Laffey for Coady, Sean McCann for O'Brien,Ger Brennan for McMahon ,Gerry O'Donoghue

Foireann Baile Ceatharlach: Sean O'Gorman, Richie O'Sullivan, Tom Fanning , Aidan Curran, Eoin Bailey, Conor Lawlor, Matty English -Hayden (1-3) Karol English, Sean Wogan (0-6), Barry English (1-0), Larry O'Farrell, Cian Clancy, Brian Lawlor, Robbie Moore, Peter Doran. Fear Ionad Darragh Walshe for O'Sullivan

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