Ratoath 8-13
Dunshaughlin 0-4

While the main event may have been taking place on the front pitch (Meath v Carlow) those who made it to the back pitches were treated to a fine display by the Ratoath under 16 squad.

Dunshauglin had come through a play off to take their semi-final place and arrived in a confident mood. The back pitch was in great condition and a big thanks goes to Ciaran Caldwell for lining the pitch out earlier in the day.

Dunshaughlin had the better of the opening few minutes but 3 wides didn't help their cause. Leigh Sullivan, who has been in fine scoring form, scored a goal for Ratoath in the 7th minute and this had the effect of settling the Ratoath lads. Connell Ahearne added a second goal almost immediately afterwards and Alex Neville knocked in a third on the 13th minute as Ratoath took control. Play had been scrappy up to that point but from the 13th minute on, Ratoath got their passing game together and scored 7 points during eh remainder of the half to go into half time leading 3-7 to no score.

The Ratoath defence had been very strong during the first half, with Goalkeeper Adam Comerford dominating his box and distributing the ball well and Brendan Foster, Cormac Butler, Daragh McPartlin keeping things tight in the full back line and Ryan O'Sullivan and the Barry Twins winning the battle at half back Ratoath had a solid platform to build from.

The second half started with affine Connell Ahearne point and with a relentless passion, Ratoath knocked in 4 goals in the next 5 minutes with scores coming from Leigh Sullivan (2) Tom Fadden and Simon Barry. Connell added a further point in the 37th minute to make the score 7-9 to no score and it was only in the 38th minute that Dunshaughlin got off the mark.

Ratoath management made a number of changes at this stage, but there was no let-up in play from the team. Andy Gerrard and Gary Reilly were dominating in mid field and were well assisted by Declan Waters. John Walsh and Alex Neville had been busy all night and caused the Dunshaughlin defence no end of trouble. As the game wore on, Ratoath added some fantastic scores and while we conceded 3 more points the game was always in our control. Pierce Butler looked sharp when he came on and Kyle Clinton got on the ball well. Team Captain, Ryan Kelly who is returning from injury came on for the injured Peter Barry and added some steel to the team. Ronan Cahill and AJ Dunne also made a difference and AJ rounded out the scoring with a really well taken goal after a good run by Connell Ahearne.

In fairness to Dunshaughlin, they battled right to the end. They are a good team with some very good players but the night belonged to Ratoath

Ratoath scorers were Leigh Sullivan (3-2), Connell Ahearne (1-6) Tom Fadden (1-1) Alex Neville (1-1) Simon Barry (1-0) AJ Dunne (1-0) John Walsh (0-1) Peter Barry (0-1) Ryan Kelly (0-1)

The Dunshaughlin Manager visited the Ratoath dressing room after the game and said that the display was the finest display of underage football he had seen in 10 years and that the behaviour and attitude of the Ratoath team had been first class. That in itself is a great testimony to this team.

The final against Dunboyne has been postponed until later in the year.

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