Ratoath into IHC final

Ratoath carved out a merited IHC semi-final victory against Na Fianna at Trim today when they won an exciting encounter by 1-14 to 1-12.

The teams were level on seven occasions in the opening as the first 30 minutes finished at 0-9 each, but a goal from Ciaran O'Hanrahan a minute into the second-half gave Ratoath the perfect boost.

However, Na Fianna hit back with a goal from David Kirby to lead by 1-10 to 1-9 after 37 minutes, but by the end of the third-quarter it was 1-10 each.

The sides traded two points apiece in the final quarter to leave it 1-12 each.

In six minutes of added time Ratoath hit the front with points from Padraig O'Hanrahan and substitute Sean Keogh to earn that priceless final ticket for next weekend where they will meet Kilskyre/Moylagh in the decider.

Na Fianna lost Evan Mullally to a red card in second-half added time.

In the post-match interview with Ratoath's Eamon Ryan it's stated that Na Fianna were relegated from the SHC last year, it was in 2014 that Na Fianna dropped down to the IHC when they lost a relegation play-off to Navan O'Mahonys.

Apologies to both Na Fianna and Navan O'Mahonys for that error - last year's SHC relegation play-off featured Boardsmill and Rathmolyon. This year's SHC relegation play-off featured Clann na nGael and Navan O'Mahonys.