MATCH REPORT 🔴⚾ SENIOR HURLING COUNTY FINAL 🔴⚾ Cluichí Iománaíocht - Ted Murtagh Clothing & Footwear, Trim 🔴⚾ SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER

📝 Kevin Coleman 📝 📷 Eliz Payne 📷 full album on Facebook tonight 📷 

Full Time, Trim 1-16; Ratoath 2-15

 

A brave second half performance from Trim just failed to materialize as Ratoath hung on desperately to bridge a 61 year gap and lift the Jubilee cup in a thrilling Final at Pairc Tailteann.

Despite being six points down at the break, the loss of key defender, Danny Coleman with a serious facial injury, and a sucker punch concession of a second goal with only six minutes left on the clock, Trim still had the chance to earn the spoils with virtually the last puck of the game.

 

It was not to be, however, as referee Conor Ferguson, who had initially signaled for a penalty, changed his decision after consulting with his umpires, and the ball was unbelievably placed a meter outside the large parallelogram at the exact spot where Trim captain, James Toher, had collected his pass before being bundled over by at least four Ratoath defenders well inside the box.

James Murray’s attempt at goal was easily foiled by the Ratoath packed defence and the full time whistle sounded to the jubilation, and relief, of the Ratoath supporters.

 

The game almost began in dramatic style as Trim goal minder, Charlie Ennis, was called into action after only thirty seconds but Padraic O’Hanrahan made no mistake from the resultant ‘65. Dimmy Higgins had Trim’s opening score from a fine long range effort and they led by five points to three by the end of the first quarter. However, Ratoath had evened things up by the twenty second minute before Joey McGowan raised the first green flag. James Murray immediately responded with a well placed free but it was Ratoath who saw out the half with four unanswered points. 

This could have been a lot worse for Trim except for Danny Coleman’s brave block on a Ratoath goal bound effort. The young defender got the full force in the face and was forced to retire at half time with, what turned out to be, a broken jaw. The writer is glad to report that he has since undergone surgery and, hopefully, on his way to a full, but painful, recovery.

 

Half Time: Trim 0-7; Ratoath 1-10

 

Ratoath were smarter out of the blocks on the resumption and Padraic O’Hanrahan extended his side’s advantage with an early pointed free. James Murray then converted a brace of frees but  Ratoath still held a healthy lead. There was another trading of scores, David Murtagh converting for Trim, before a bizarre decision was given against Dimmy Higgins, whose hurl was being clearly held. Padraic O’ Hanrahan did not look the gift horse in the mouth and converted the resultant decision, a score that was to prove significant before the game end.

 

The start of the final quarter was to see the big Trim fight back. James Murray smartly intervened a Ratoath clearance and found Alan Douglas who finished to the back of the Ratoath net. Further points followed from Joey Cole and Conor Quigley and suddenly it was game on. A further couple of points were traded, James Murray finding his range for Trim, and Padraic O’Hanrahan from another dubious free, before Daithi McGowan was gifted with a glorious opportunity, following a collision between two Trim defenders, which he duly delivered past a stranded Charlie Ennis. 

 

Trim gallantly responded with converted scores from James Murray, Conor Quigley, and Alan Douglas to leave a margin of two points between the sides.

 

Trim broke upfield knowing that only a goal would rescue the situation. Ben Holden somehow got a pass to James Andrews who lofted the sliothar towards the Ratoath goal.  James Toher was just outside the square when he received the final pass and was unceremoniously dragged to the ground. Ratoath’s despair turned to joy when referee Conor Ferguson signaled a free instead of the original indication of a penalty. James Murray’s attempt on goal was smothered by the Ratoath defence and the final whistle sounded.

 

Heartbreak for Trim but total joy for Ratoath. Fair play to them. Hope they enjoy the next twelve months but we’ll (Trim) be back.

 

Final Score: Trim 1-16; Ratoath 2-15

 

Trim:  Charlie Ennis, Danny Coleman, Gary Fleming, Ben Holden, Dimmy Higgins (0-1), James Toher, Conor Quigley (0-2), David Murtagh (0-2), Joey Cole (0-1), James Andrews, James Murray (0-9, 6f), Pa Ryan, Mark Molloy, Alan Douglas (1-1), Mikey Cole.

 

Subs used: Gerard Dwane, Eoghan Ryan, Ian Birmingham