Ratoath stun Kiltale to leave champs on brink of elimination

Kiltale's almost vice-like grip on the Jubilee Cup was loosened a little in Pairc Tailteann this afternoon as they slumped to their second successive SHC defeat following Ratoath's stunning 1-16 to 0-16 victory.
After suffering a SHC defeat for the first time since 2015 last time out against Kilmessan Kiltale are now on the brink of elimination as Ratoath led throughout and claimed a deserved victory with Gavin McGowan's first-half goal proving decisive.
Ratoath's place in the knockout stages is now secure following their third win, but Kiltale need to pick up victory against Killyon in their last game of the group stage if they are to advance to the quarter-finals.
Ratoath led from the off as the outstanding McGowan split the posts after just 14 seconds and they were 0-9 to 0-4 ahead before McGowan fired emphatically beyond Shane McGann.
Ratoath goalkeeper Colin O'Riordan was another hero for the team in blue as he made two outstanding saves to preserve his side's lead and even though Jack regan finished with 13 points Kiltale couldn't get back on terms and now stand on the edge of elimination.

Pick up Tuesday's Meath Chronicle for full match report and reaction from Ratoath manager David O'Reilly.