Ratoath edge out Dunboyne in thriller

Ratoath took full advantage of the 47th minute dismissal of Neil Hackett as they got the better of Dunboyne by 1-19 to 1-14 in a thrilling SHC encounter at Kilmessan on Friday night.
Ratoath burst from the traps and inspired by a brilliant Gavin McGowan goal they raced into a 1-3 to 0-1 lead, but Dunboyne rallied impressively with Hackett blasting a fine goal to ensure parity at the break, 1-9 each.
Hackett picked up his first yellow card in injury-time at the end of the opening period and when he added his second 17 minutes after the restart it left Dunboyne's backs against the wall.
The teams were tied 11 times in an excellent encounter, but following Hackett's dismissal Ratoath outscored Dunboyne by 0-6 to 0-2 to claim their first win of the campaign and leave Dunboyne pointless after two games.

Pick up Tuesday evening's Meath Chronicle for Fergal Lynch's full match report on this pulsating encounter.