How a club fared in a year is normally determined by the amount of cups or trophies on display in the trophy cabinet but while silverware may have proved a scarce commodity for Summerhill GFC in 1999, the performance of their teams from minor to junior 'C' to Reserve League and senior will have provided the club's supporters with the second best thing to success, optimism for the future. Summerhill rounded off 1998 in impressive style capturing the ACFL Division 1 title at the expense of Dunboyne who were, of course, chasing the championship/league double so confidence would have been high entering this year's senior championship campaign. Maximum points from their first three outings, against Carnaross, Gaeil Colmcille and Seneschalstown confirmed suspicions that the 'Hill - under new manager Mick Lyons - meant business. They had qualified for the quarter-final stages before they suffered their first defeat of the competition against Ballinlough in their final group game. There, Dunderry emerged as the opposition. A recurrence of his back troubles meant Tommy Dowd would play no part for Dunderry so the Summerhill faithful, understandably, would have had high hopes of reaching the penultimate stage at the expense of the 1995 Keegan Cup champions. A close game was anticipated and those in attendance weren't disappointed with a nailbiting climax yielding a draw, 0-11 to 0-11. Billy Shaw rescued Summerhill's Keegan Cup ambitions when a 50 metre injury-time free, following a foul on Gary Rispin, earned his side a share of the spoils. This was arguably the game of the championship with both sides producing a fine advertisement for the Meath club scene. No quarters were asked or given, as a result entertaining fare ensued and the crowd were kept on tenterhooks right up to the final whistle. Dunderry looked to have wrapped the tie up when a brace of points gave them a two point cushion (0-11 to 0-9) with only a minute remaining. However, a Gary Rispin point paved the way for Shaw to convert that late equaliser. A number of switches were made by manager Mick Lyons and his selectors for the replay two weeks later. Gary Thompson, Mike Cole and Terry Lyons were introduced as subs the first day and made the starting XV for the replay. Thompson came in at midfield, Cole at right half forward and Terry Lyons on the '40', with Gary Rispin moving up to top of the right. Unfortunately, they failed to inspire the 'Hill as Dunderry brought their interest in the 1999 Meath SFC to an end with a 1-15 to 0-15 defeat. The eventual winner's enjoyed a blistering start and found themselves 0-5 to 0-1 by the end of the first quarter. Mark O'Reilly was Summerhill's sole scorer in that period. The south Meath outfit did begin to make a fight of it and had narrowed the gap to three points before Dunderry replied to open up a 0-9 to 0-4 advantage at the interval. Summerhill battled bravely on the resumption and whle their forwards began to find their scoring touch Dunderry always appeared to be one step ahead of them. The poor start ultimately led to the downfall of Lyons' charges. The Summerhill team which lined out in the replay against Dunderry was: P. Lyons; R. Clavin, N. O'Reilly, R. Brennan; M. Gannon, J. Hughes, N. Kennedy; A. Walsh, G. Thompson; M. Cole, T. Lyons, B. Rispin (0-1); G. Rispin (0-1), M. O'Reilly (0-3), B. Shaw (0-9). Subs - M. Hughes, P. Reilly, B. Fagan (0-1). A replay was required to decide the Feis Cup but, unfortunately Summerhill came out second best again at the hands of Oldcastle. David and Mark Gannon, Brian Rispin, Eamonn O'Shea, Tommy Lynch and Eammon O'Shea were to the fore as the 'Hill booked their passage into the Minor FC decider with a 1-11 to 0-8 victory over Dunboyne in the semi-final at Walterstown. The winners dominated the first half and, boosted by an Alan Bruton goal, they took a deserved 1-6 to 0-3 advantage into the dressingroom at half-time and despite an improved Dunboyne performance in the second half they preserved their advantage. South Meath neighbours Blackhall Gaels were in the opposite corner for the showdown and Summerhill were fancied to take the honours. Unfortunately, events didn't materialise according to plan and it was Blackhall who got their hands on the Delaney Cup. The scoreboard read 2-10 to 1-4 when referee Pat Clarke blew his final whistle. The Summerhill team which faced Blackhall Gaels in the MFC decider was: D. Mooney; P. McNally, D. Gannon, J. Loughrey; C. Ennis, M. Gannon, T. McDonnell; B. Rispin (0-4), F. O'Shea; J. Farrell (1-0), T. Lynch, A. Foley; B. Comey, A. Bruton, S. McDonnell. Sub - F. Loughrey. The Junior 'C' was the first adult championship trophy of the season to be decided and Summerhill qualified to face Rathkenny courtesy of a 0-10 to 0-9 semi-final victory over Dunboyne. In their penultimate stage encounter, they led by 0-7 to 0-3 at the interval and even though Dunboyne mounted a rally in the second half, the 'Hill prevailed. The decider was played seven days after the Summerhill seniors had finished all square with Dunderry in the senior quarter-final and the Junior 'C' followed a similar pattern. Once again Summerhill relied on a late score, a goal from PJ McDonnell, to save their bacon. Summerhill 2-9, Rathkenny 1-12 was how it finished up at Pairc Tailteann. Missed chances cost Summerhill dearly the second time around. Two fine saves by the Rathkenny custodian and the upright denied them goals. Their opponents, on the other hand, were more economical up front and finished the day 3-4 to 0-3 ahead. Captain Feichin Reilly had a good opportunity to give his side the perfect start inside the opening minute but his effort was well saved by Gerry Gavigan in the Rathkenny goal. Sloppy defending gifted the eventual winners their first goal after nine minutes. Rathkenny added a second after a 28 minutes and were 2-1 to 0-2 ahead at the interval. Ciaran McNeilis kicked over a '45' just before the break and was on target from play immediately after the restart but Rathkenny's third goal arrived in the 38th minute. In the last few minutes Damien Mooney was unlucky to see his attempt rebound off the right post. Shortly afterwards PJ McDonnell (the hero the first day) had a shot saved. McNeilis and Cliff Thompson battled hard for the losers in the second half but were unable to prevent Rathkenny from capturing the title. The Summerhill team which lost the Junior 'C' replay was: K. Fagan; J. Loughrey, R. Carey, D. Gannon; E. O'Shea, C. Comey, T. McDonnell; C. McNeilis (0-2), A. Bruton; C. Thompson, B. Reilly, J. Farrell; PJ McDonnell (0-1), F. Reilly (1-0), K. McGee. Subs - D. Mooney, R. Carey. While there was no success to toast on the playing fields during the past twelve months, Mark O'Reilly's 'Man of the Match' performance in the All-Ireland final and subsequent All Star award provided cause for celebration. The corner back is continuing a proud Summerhill tradition. 1998 Meath Ladies senior championship for the 'Hill Dunsany's domination of the Meath Ladies SFC competition came to an end in 1998 when Summerhill threw a spanner in the works to capture the Ladies' blue riband prize in an exciting clash which was played in Athboy. The winner's greater determination and will to win ensured a 1-7 to 1-4 scoreline. The success illustrates the strides of progress made in the south Meath club since its inception in 1993. It was their first year in the senior ranks following their 1997 junior championship success. In Ann Marie Dennehy and Christine O'Brien Dunsany possess two of the stars of ladies football, not only in Meath, but throughout the country. However, Summerhill aren't short of a decent player or two either and Dunsany's All-Stars were firmly placed in the shade by the excellent Ciara Kennedy, Ruth Ennis, Niamh McNelis, Dorothy McGoldrick, Darina Shaw and Patrica McNeilis. Kennedy in particular was in brilliant form. She held All-Star O'Brien to just two points (one free) as well as setting up numerous attacks which yielded invaluable scores for the Summerhill forward division. Niamh McNeilis and Shaw dominated proceedings in the middle of the field against the Dennehy sisters, Breda and Ann-Marie. The eventual winners made their intentions clear in the opening minute when Dorothy McGoldrick opened their account following a quick free from Shaw. Julie Ann Scanlon doubled the lead two minutes later with Shaw once again instrumental in the build-up. Aileen Donnelly was the first off the mark for Dunsany, but the 'Hill's response was swift with Roisin McNeilis raising a white flag. The 1997 champions could have found themselves further behind were in not for a brilliant double save pulled of by Sandra Coleman, denying Wendy Fox a certain goal. That save appeared to inspire Dunsany and further points from O'Brien and Ann Marie Dennehy drew the sides level (0-3 to 0-3). McGoldrick had the last say of the opening thirty minutes, leaving a point in it at the interval. Dunsany resumed smartly and could have levelled on a number of occasions, but uncharacteristically O'Brien failed to make a couple of frees count. Eventually, she rediscovered the scoring touch and restored parity. It was during that period of the game that Summerhill effectively won the match. Substitute Marie Louise Reilly fired over a massive free before Roisin McNeilis stretched the lead to two points (0-6 to 0-4). The advantage was hammered home when a speculative free from Reilly deceived Coleman in the Dunsany goals and fell into the net. McGoldrick hit her third point of the day to rub salt into the Dunsany wounds. The losers did manage to net a goal through Jenny Cusack but it was nothing more than a consolation goal, as Summerhill had already put the issue beyond any doubt. Summerhill - L. Fagan; S. Loughrey, P. McNeilis, D. McNally; N. Mahon, R. Ennis, C. Kennedy; D. Shaw, N. McNeilis; S. Shaw, D. McGoldrick (0-3), J.A. Scanlon (0-1); S. Kerrigan, R. McNeilis (0-2), W. Fox. Sub - M.L. Reilly (1-1) Summerhill cruise to 1998 U12 FL Div.2 title St. Martin's were no match for Summerhill in the final of the 1998 U13 FL Div. 2 competition. Played at Longwood, the 'Hill coasted to a comfortable 3-12 to 1-2 victory. Goals from Paul Rispin and Gerard Gorman secured the early initiative and they never looked back after that. The scoreboard read 2-6 to 0-2 at the interval. They continued to turn on the style in the second period with substitute Vincent O'Mahony adding a third goal. Cathal O'Dywer scored a consolation goal near the finish for the losers. Stephen Kennedy was the game's outstanding player and he was well supported on the winning side by Mark Lynch and Peter McGlynn. Summerhill - T. Walsh; C. Foley, B. Byrne; M. Lynch; R. Hatten; S. Kennedy; P. McGlynn; M. Kennedy (0-1); R. Ardis (0-1); B. Ennis (0-1); P. Rispin (1-4); G. Gorman (1-4); S. Mullally. Subs - D. Carton (0-1), V. O'Mahony (1-0), G. McDonnell, N. O'Sullivan. The 'Hill claim 1998 U15 FL Div.3 crown Cathal Ennis and Stephen McDonnell scored 2-8 between them as Summerhill overcame Boardsmill in the 1998 U15 FL Div. 3 final which was played at Kiltale. The boys from the 'Hill emerged victorious on a scoreline of 2-9 to 2-4. Ennis and McDonnell netted either side of the break and despite a late Boardsmill charge, Summerhill ran out comfortable and deserving winners. Ennis struck the first goal as his side led by 1-5 to 0-3 at the interval. It would have been closer however had Boardsmill not spurned a penalty. McDonnell's goal, midway through the second half, effectively put the issue beyond any doubt. Ennis put the finishing touches on a memorable day when he increased his individual tally to 1-5, all of which came from play. Conor Foley and Finian Loughrey also impressed for the winners. Minor Board secretary Ultan Fitzpatrick presented the cup to a happy Stephen McDonnell. Summerhill - S. Cox; S. Rochford, R. Giles; C. Foley, F. Loughrey, J. Foley; A. Foley, C. Ennis (1-5); B. Ennis, S. McDonnell (1-3), P. Rispin (0-1); M. Kennedy, P. McGlynn. Subs - R. Arduff, C. McGee, D. Gorman. The 'Hills U17s maintain winning ways Summerhill began 1999 much in the same vein as they had finished 1998. In the closing months of the previous year, under 12, under 13 and under 15 league titles were garnered in impressive fashion. Not to be outdone by their younger club colleagues, the under 17s followed suit with a comfortable 2-8 to 1-6 success over Dunderry in the Div. 2 League final at the start of the present year. The 'Hill dominated the first half exchanges and held a 2-5 to 1-2 advantage at the interval. Dunderry did make a fight of it in the second half but their four point return wasn't sufficient to claim the title. The eventual winners could only muster up three points in last thirty minutes, but they had laid the foundations for the win in the opening period. Mark Gannon, Brian Rispin, Eamonn O'Shea and Damien Byrne were outstanding for the winners. Summerhill - D. Mooney; D. Byrne, D. Gannon, J. Loughrey; P. McNally, M. Gannon, T. McDonnell; B. Rispin, E. O'Shea; C. Ennis, A. Bruton, J. Farrell; B. Carney, A. Foley, S. McDonnell. Tweet

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