Jubilee Cup dream lives on for Kiltale as Kilmessan achieve sweet final victory
Kiltale powered their way to another SHC final when they defeated Ratoath 2-22 to 1-10 in their semi-final clash today while in the curtain-raiser at Pairc Tailteann Kilmessan won the JHC showdown defeating Dunboyne, 0-15 to 0-14.
The opening half of the SHC semi-final was a close encounter with Kiltale going in at the break with a 1-8 to 1-7 advantage despite a slow start.
In the second-half it was Kiltale who found another gear powering their way to victory adding point after point and leaving Ratoath in their wake with the contest played before a small crowd.
Kiltale's first-half goal was scored by Mark O'Sulllivan with Cathal McCabe getting another just before the final whistle.
O'Sullivan ended up with 1-4 while Jack Regan hist seven points, four frees, one '65' while Ross Ryan lofted over three points. Padraig Kelly, McCabe, Eoghan Frayne, Cillian O'Sullivan and David Donoghue were others to contribute points to Kiltale's final tally.
Ratoath made a bright start with Gavin McGowan knocking the ball to the net after Kiltale goalkeeper Conor Ryan made a super save from Cian Rogers.
Ratoath, however, progressively faded and they particularly struggled after the interval as Kiltale took charge.
In the JHC final Dunboyne made an excellent start and led 0-5 to 0-1 after eight minutes but Kilmessan kept battling away.
At the break Dunboyne still led 0-9 to 0-7 but Kilmessan drew level before edging in front in the last minute. As the game slipped into extra time Kilmessan went two up with Dunboyne getting a late consolation.
Paul Grimes showed the way for Kilmessan with six points, five frees, while Marty Mulhall, Aidan Mangan and Ger O'Neill scored two points apiece with Danny Thynne and Jack Brady also raising white flags.
Conor Gilmartin hit five points for Dunboyne, four frees, one '65' but Dunboyne couldn't muster the late goal they needed.
The teams were level five times in the second-half but Kilmessan had the energy to drive on and secure victory.
Match reports, photographs and preview of SHC in next issue of the Meath Chronicle