A home game for Trim against 2025 county champions Summerhill was always going to be a big ask for a team who were securely embedded mid league table in what was proving to be a very mixed campaign to date. On a windy Saturday evening the teams ran out under an ominous, rain-laden sky as the week’s heatwave gave way to a more manageable temperature. Within 3 minutes of the start the visitors had upped the temperature and surged into a 3-point lead – a lead that they were never going to give up throughout the evening. Despite an excellent 2 pointer from Eoin O Connor and a well worked point that saw Ian Byrne come on to a pass from Mikey Cole this was to prove the extent of the Red’s scoring in the first half. Summerhill on the other hand were looking every bit of their county status as they slowly chipped away at the scoreboard to see them go in at half time with a comfortable 7-point lead. Although livelier in the 2nd half, Trim had to work very hard to keep pace with a stronger team. By the 49th minute Trim were trailing by a full 9 points. Despite a cracking goal by O Connor in the 50th minute it just wasn’t enough. On the run in to the final whistle both teams exchanged points before Summerhill’s Bobby O Shea put a finish to proceedings by slamming the ball to the back of the Trim net. The visitors running out winners with a clear 8-point margin and comfortable throughout.
With a strong wind blowing straight across the pitch with no real advantage to either team, Summerhill immediately went into a lead in the first minute that they would not relinquish over the succeeding 60 minutes. O Reilly in the Trim goal had to repel over his own cross bar for their second point, while the 3rd minute say Summerhill secure their 3rd point. But not to be left behind early on, Eoin O Connor for Trim stepped up to hit a monster strike that saw the ball soar above the cross bar for a beautifully taken 2 pointer in the 5th minute. Again, Summerhill came back with a point of their own to establish a 2-point lead. Mikey Cole, although not a regular starter for Trim without a hurley in his hand, was looking sharp in the front line when he cleverly off loaded to Byrne who took a nice point. Minutes later, an injury to ever-dependable Trim midfielder Davy Murtagh spelled trouble for the home team when he had to be replaced by Daragh Heffernan. By the time Summerhill’s Declan Byrne struck a magnificent 2-pointer from easily the 45-metre mark on the 23rd minute the visitors had opened up a 4-point lead and still not yet apparently in top gear. Despite the unrelenting pressure, Trim were defending with heart with McGinley, Bolger and Walsh constantly being called into action. Ian Birmingham in a defensive midfield role was doing very well breaking up Summerhill attacks with tough but fair tackles……. but the points kept ticking up for Summerhill. Despite a last grasp 2-point effort that was just wide for Tom Carmody on the stroke of half time, the margin stood at a comfortable 7 points for the visitors as the teams retreated to the dressing rooms.
Half time: Trim 0-03 Summerhill 0-10
When the teams reemerged, it was Trim’s Eoin Sweeney who set the early pace with an excellently timed run down the wing that was only just repelled. Moments later Trim’s O Connor, whose work rate throughout not just the game but the whole league has been top drawer, launched his own attack on goal only to be brought down for a free that he easily converted. Summerhill however never lost their shape or composure when on the 12th minute, corner back Jack Bannon surged forward to find Liam Shaw who narrowly blasted wide – much to the relief of the Reds. Although 13 minutes of the half had passed Summerhill still had yet to score. But this was sorted moments later when Liam Shaw again pounced but this time landing a point to get their second half scoring up and running. By the 19th minute the County champions had added 2 more easily converted points to put them a comfortable 9 points ahead with only 11 minutes left on the clock. Surely this game was now well out of the reach of the home side. Maybe not said Trim’s Sean Foley when he took a quick free and fired to O Connor who duly rattled the Summerhill net for a brilliantly taken goal. The beauty of the new football rules is that, even when 6 points down, the gap can be closed – teams have hope. But Summerhill did not have the demeanour of a team that wanted to give hope or indeed charity when Ben McQuaid pounced on a wayward kickout to secure a point and a 7-point lead for the visitors. Minutes later Trim’s Byrne was the recipient of a give by the referee to see the ball brought up 50 metres to allow the corner forward convert easily. Byrne converted again moments later before Summerhill responded with a free of their own. Byrne for Trim finished out the home side scoring with the clock showing 31 minutes and the game over……. not so said Summerhill’s Bobby O Shea when he stepped up to pummel the Trim net with a scorching shot that heralded the end of the game.
This was a game from which Trim can learn a lot. Although the margin was an impressive 8 points, the home side never gave up against a team performing at the highest level – a team that definitely will be somewhere very close to the top when the championship plays out shortly. These are the games from which players grow and develop. Trim, despite being down some key players will not seek excuses – they just played a better team on the day.
Summerhill were well deserved winners.
Well done to all.
Trim: E O Reilly; C McGinley; B Bolger; P Walsh; D Lynch, C O Reilly; E Ryan; D Lernihan; I Birmingham; E Sweeney; E O Connor (1-03); T Carmody; S Foley; M Cole; I Byrne (0-04)
Subs: D Heffernan for D Lernihan; G Fleming for E Ryan; C Downes for M Cole; P Quigley for D Heffernan
