Na Fianna: 3-05
Ratoath: 4-11

The game began with Na Fianna getting away to a blistering start with an early goal from Vincent Ward from mid-field. The pairing of Ward and Shane Walsh at midfield dominated the first half and Na Fianna scored two more goals and knocked over 3 points, including two Cian Flynn Fees in this early period of dominance.Ratoath were on the racks when in their very first attack on goal, when Evan Donnelly was pulled down inside the small parallelogram for a penalty which was duly dispatched by Nathan Dunne showing none of the signs of being rattled that most of his team mates, management team, parents and supporters were experiencing at that time in the game.Three more Ratoath points and a well worked second goal from Dunne just before the break gave the South Meath "Non-Dublin" border club a much needed lifeline going into the break with just a 3 points deficit. 3-3 to 2-3 behind.

The Na Fianna lads again gained a period of dominance in the early period of the second half and two well worked points coming from the Ward and Walsh midfield combination increased their lead.

The Ratoath lads now though began to take over in the middle in the field with some excellent fielding from Daithi McGowan, Evan Donnelly and Sean Johnson getting to grips with the powerful Na Fianna midfield pairing. Huge work rate, fitness courage and a never -say- die attitude prevailed on the day and Ratoath dominated the final quarter of the game and ran out eventual winners by 9 points.

The Na Fianna performance was powerful, honest and skillful as it always is,

Best for Na Fianna were Shane Walsh, Vincent Ward, Kevin Coffey and Cian Flynn. Oren Smullen was excellent at center-back and Steven Slevin had a great performance at full back.

For Ratoath, Daithi McGowan, Adam Whelan and Sean Johnson had standout performances with Cian Rogers contributing 2-5 while Shane McGoldricks 2 second half points and the long range score of the game from McGowan proved to be the turning points. Nathan Dunne always looked dangerous throughout scoring 2-1. Aaron McNally's introduction following a black card after 10 mins for Ratoath centre back Ruairi Crawford proved to be a forced bit of luck as McNally was everywhere and proved a threat throughout. In defense Ben Wyer had a man-of the match contender performance restricting the skillfull Flynn to just two pointed frees. He was ably assisted by Cathal Tormay and Sean Brazil while the introduction of Jack Flynn 10 mins into the second half steadied the ship for Rataoth and snuffed out any chance of a late comeback from the opposition.

Post match quotes included the following : firstly from Coiste Fe 18 Chairman John Kavanagh "It is a testament to both teams to be able to put up a display of such quality, skilled, committed and honest football at this time of the year. This game demonstrates that underage football in Meath is not quite in the trouble everyone would like to say it is… todays's game was as high a standard of U15 football as you would see in any county. Congratulations to both teams" .

Ratoath Manager Paul McCann said after the Game " I am delighted with the individual and collective courage shown by the Ratoath lads, when a 10 point deficit and losing centre-back and team Captain Ruairi Crawford to a black card at that time, things looked pretty bleak after 10 mins. We know that these lads have a grit and determination as a team that when they dig deep and pull together as a team the sum of the parts far outweighs the individual contributions… We are extremely proud of each and every one of them. I would also like to acknowledge the Na Fianna lads, they were strong, their midfield pairing was immense, Centre Half back, Centre Half forward and Full forward were top class,I know defeat is not easy, but they should be very proud of their contribution they represented themselves, their familes and their club with honour and dignity, there was not one nasty word or tackle they behaved like men… well done lads your day will come".

Final Score: Ratoath 4-11 to Na Fianna's 3-05

Na Fianna Report

Under 15 Football Div 1 Final: Strong Second Half Showing Earns Ratoath Victory

Na Fianna: 3-05
Ratoath: 4-11

Na Fianna lost out to a strong Ratoath side in the Under 15 Football Div 1 Final at Grangegodden on Saturday afternoon with a dominant second half showing helping Ratoath to victory.

Na Fianna played some great football in the opening half against the wind as they played a counter attacking game. Corner back Oisin McCloskey netted a great goal early on, followed by a Kean Flynn point while midfielders Vincent Ward and Shane Walsh also got through on goals to finish well. Na Fianna were nine points up at one stage and playing great attacking football but credit to Ratoath who hung on and netted two goals towards the end of the half to give themselves hope.

Na Fianna wingback Eamon Gilna kicked a lovely score also, while Kean Flynn pointed a free. Na Fianna were defending excellently too, with Oisin McCloskey Oran Smullen marshalling the defence well while Luke Kelly and Kevin Coffey were gaining plenty of possession around the middle. For all their good play though, Na Fianna only held a 3-03 to 2-03 half time lead.

Na Fianna started brightly again in the second half, with Shane Walsh kicking a lovely point from out on the wing. He followed this up with a pointed free as Na Fianna went five up. These scores proved to be Na Fianna's last though, as Ratoath took over in all sectors of the field. Hitting 2-08 without reply, it could have been more but for an inspirational save from goalkeeper Cian Heffernan, Ratoath went on the finish comfortable ahead against a Na Fianna side who never gave in and battled all the way.

Best for Na Fianna were Oisin McCloskey, Oran Smullen, Eamon Gilna, Vincent Ward, Shane Walsh, Kevin Coffey and Luke Kelly.

Na Fianna: Cian Heffernan, Oisin McCloskey (1-0), Stephen Slevin, Ciaran Keogh, Eoin Stewart, Oran Smullen, Eamon Gilna (0-1), Vincent Ward (1-0), Shane Walsh (1-02, 1f), Alan Flynn, Kevin Coffey, Odhran Ryle, Kean Flynn (0-2,f), Kristan Crawford, Luke Kelly.

Subs used: Bernard McInerney, Ciaran McDonnell, Ciaran Regan.

Management: Micheal Keogh, Dalton McDonagh, Damien Downey, Brendan Flynn.

Ref: Seamus O'Connor

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