Na Fianna get the better of Ratoath in thrilling encounter
One of the most notable achievements of the sporting week in Meath was Na Fianna's victory over Ratoath in a thrilling u-15 Hurling Leauge Div 1 final.
Na Fianna... 2-24
Ratoath... 3-18
After extra-time
One of the achievements of the sporting week was Na Fianna's victory over Ratoath in the u-15 Hurling Leauge Div 1 final.
Na Fianna and Ratoath served up the hurling game of the year so far in this decider played in perfect conditions on a brilliant sod at Boardsmill. In the end extra time was needed to sort these two very talented teams. PHOTOS
Three points each from corner forward Ben Healy and half back Ciaran Enright had na Fianna 0-6 to 0-2 up inside the opening ten minutes. Full forward Conor Duffy brought Ratoath back into the game with a fine goal and by the break only a point separated the teams, Na Fianna 0-10 Ratoath 1-6.
The were still level 0-12 to 1-9 ten minutes into the second half when the impressive Flynn raised the first green flag for Na Fianna.
Man of the Match Kian McKeigue fired over two great points to keep Ratoath in touch before goal number two arrived for the Baconstown Enfield combination courtesy of Tiernan Clinton after great work from centre back Sean Enright.
Na Fianna looked to be on their way to victory leading by three points deep into injury time but Duffy had other ideas and he fired in the levelling goal before referee Conor Ferguson blew the full time whistle to leave it Na Fianna 2-17 Ratoath 3-14.
It was all square it the end of the first half in extra time 2-19 to 3-16. A brace from Healy nudged Na Fianna in front with five minutes to go in the second period of extra time. Again Ratoath came back with an Andrew Doyle point and it looked like penalties. Na Fianna were not to be denied.
Scores from star man Healy and Flynn sealed a memorable win for Tony Healy’s charges. Ratoath did come looking for another equalising goal but the Na Fianna defence led by inspirational full back Patrick Cleary held firm.
After the game joint captains Cathal Flynn and Ben Healy were presented with the Under 15 Division 1 Hurling League Cup.
Na Fianna - Ben Hanley, Sammy Kelly, Patrick Cleary, Michael Flynn, Keelan Derivan, Sean Enright, Ciaran Enright 0-3, John Killoran 0-4, Kyle Kavanagh 0-1, Christopher Cosgrove 0-2, Tiernan Clinton 1-0, Jackson Smith, Ben Healy 0-11, Cathal Flynn 1-2, Rhys King 0-1. Subs - Killian Cahill, Cormac Dunne, Will Doherty, Jayden Farrell, Tadagh Flynn, Keenan Sharkey, Ben Boland
Ratoath - Sean Kirwan, Ben Hayes, Adam O’Kane, Brandon Jordan, Rian Jennings, Eoghan O’Connor, Leon Dempsey, Kian McKeigue 0-7, Jack O’Gorman 0-1, Andrew Doyle 1-5, Eoghan Murphy 0-1, Sean Lumley 0-1, Conor Dickenson, Conor Duffy 2-3, Hugo Hassett. Subs - Luke raftery, Michael Murray, Oisin O’Riordan.
Referee - Conor Ferguson Gaeil Colmcille.