Ratoath College 2-15 Colaiste Chill Mhantain 3-7
Ratoath College got off to the better start in this entertaining and closely fought contest played in UCD on Thursday 1st March. The Meath side’s forwards had three unanswered points from play and saw a goal chance go wide in the first five minutes, before hugely impressive half forward Aaron Nugent goaled for the Wicklow Town school with a lob over the keeper. Ratoath responded with three more well taken points, their forwards proving dangerous at all times. Simon Bouchier put over a good point from a free to calm Wicklow nerves, and Jordan Pettigrew’s efforts also yielded a point to leave the score 1-2 to 0-6 after twelve minutes. Then an excellent ball from hard working Warren Kavanagh found Aaron Nugent who expertly rifled to the net for a second goal to put Wicklow ahead. Ratoath notched up two more points in reply and forced a tremendous save from Gary Browne in the Wicklow goal. Points from frees by Aaron Nugent and Ross O’Brien were vital scores at this stage, and O’Brien was a huge presence for the Wicklow Town school in midfield. Another Ratoath score left it 2-4 to 0-9 at half time.
Some switches at the start of the second half for Colaiste Cill Mhantain saw Adam Cox come in at full forward and Ronan Doyle come up to join the attack with Adam Quinn taking over at half back. Both sides missed chances with Gary Browne making another super save, until the Meath school were awarded a penalty after ten minutes to leave the score 2-4 to 1-9. The Wicklow response was immediate, with Graham Merrigan doing great work to deliver the ball to Adam Cox, who drilled home a great shot for a goal. Johnny Delahunt, who also had a strong performance at midfield, put over a 45, followed by another pointed free from Aaron Nugent. However the Ratoath forwards managed to get in for another goal to leave the sides level at 3-6 to 2-9 with ten minutes to go. The Wicklow forwards concentrated their efforts on goal but unfortunately were not to be rewarded and a point by Adam Cox from a free was their only score before the end, while Ratoath scored points from three consecutive frees and then tagged on the insurance points from play. Time ran out for Wicklow in the end but both teams progress to the All-Ireland semi-finals and will have been greatly sharpened by this hugely entertaining contest. Colaiste Chill Mhantain will meet Munster representatives Kanturk and will certainly relish the opportunity of All Ireland success in their first year of existence.
Colaiste Cill Mhantain: Gary Browne, David Jameson, James Kavanagh, Conor Dowling, Mark O’Sullivan, John Crowe, Ronan Doyle, Ross O’Brien(0-1), Jonathan Delahunt(0-1), Aaron Nugent(2-2), Paul Ellis, Warren Kavanagh, Simon Bouchier(0-1), Jordan Pettigrew(0-1), Graham Merrigan.
Subs used: Adam Cox(1-1)for Pettigrew, Adam Quinn for Bouchier, James Kavanagh for Doyle.
Squad: Patrick O’Connor, Ross Quinn, Gavin Weir, Sean Buckley, Andrew Murphy, Jamie O’Connor, Gavin McDevitt.
