Ratoath's Leinster bid falls short

There was yet more heartbreak for Meath clubs in Leinster SFC action as Ratoath became the latest Keegan Cup champion to fall at the first hurdle following their 2-12 to 3-11 loss to Westmeath side Garrycastle at Cusack Park Mullingar today.

The two-point margin of defeat doesn't give a fair reflection of the contest as Garrycastle were the superior side and with 12 minutes of the hour remaining they led by nine points before Ratoath's late flourish.

That late rally could have saw ratoath claim a seensational victory as Daithi McGowan's goal gave them and Conor McGill almost flicked a late winner to the net, but his effort was turned around the post atr the expense of a '45' which was kicked wide in the last action of the absorbing contest.

Ratoath, who were without Bryan McMahon, Jack Gillespie and Ben Wyer, started well and raced into a 0-2 to0-0 lead. However Garrycastle responded with a goal and with Dessie Dolan in fine form they deservedly led by 1-9 to 0-5 at the break.

Ratoath started the second-half well with a sublime finish to the net from Cian Rogers after he had dispossessed the host's goalkeeper and with 25 minutes the gap was closed to just 1-7 to 1-9.

However Garrycastle settled again and moved 3-11 to 1-8 clear and that proved to be enough of a cushion as they survived Ratoath's late rally to set up a Leinster SFC semi-final meeting with Dublin winners Ballyboden St Enda's.

Read Fergal Lynch's full match report and reaction from Ratoath manager Davy Byrne in Tuesday's Meath Chronicle.