Late penalty controversy as Ratoath end 61-year wait in Meath

Trim thought they had a late chance to win it but the referee reversed his decision

 

Meath SHC final: Ratoath 2-15 Trim 1-16 

A controversial stoppage-time penalty decision went Ratoath's way as they were crowned Meath senior hurling champions for the first time since 1963.

Referee Conor Ferguson appeared to signal for a Trim penalty in the 64th minute after James Toher was hauled to the ground.

Trim, who overcame Ratoath in the 2020 and 2022 deciders, trailed by two points at that stage having fought back from a seven-point deficit earlier in the half.

But following consultation with his match officials, referee Ferguson ultimately awarded a free in for Trim and whilst James Murray still had the opportunity to snipe a match-winning goal, his shot was blocked down.

The follow-up strike from Alan Douglas, an earlier goalscorer for Trim, flew wide and Ferguson then blew for full-time, clearing Ratoath to celebrate a two-point win and their first county title in 61 years.

Ferguson was booed by Trim supporters as he and his match officials left the field, prompting Ratoath fans to respond with cheers of their own for the Kells club man.

It will go down as a famous win for Ratoath following losses in three of the four previous county finals.

The McGowan brothers - Ben, Jack, Daithi and Gavin - all played central roles in the landmark win.

Team captain Jack hit Ratoath's first goal in the opening half, helping the Donal Franks coached Brownstown outfit to lead by 1-10 to 0-7 at half-time.

Daithi struck their second goal in the 57th minute while Gavin, later named Man of the Match, fired four points from play.

Ratoath will play Wicklow senior champions Bray Emmets in a Leinster IHC quarter-final on November 16.

Ratoath scorers: P O'Hanrahan (0-8, 4 frees, 2 65s); G McGowan (0-4); D McGowan, J McGowan (1-0 each); S Corbett (0-2); L Kelly (0-1).

Trim scorers: J Murray (0-9, 6 frees); A Douglas (1-1); D Murtagh, C Quigley (0-2 each); D Higgins, J Cole (0-1 each).

RATOATH: C O'Riordan; D Rogers, C McGill, L Kelly; C Butler, D Kelly, B McGowan; C Kelly, C O'Hanrahan; J McGowan, C Rogers, P O'Hanrahan; G McGowan, D McGowan, S Corbett.

Subs: G Crowley for O'Riordan (17); B McMahon for Corbett (53); P Byrne for Murphy (60).

TRIM: C Ennis; D Coleman, B Holden, G Fleming; J Toher, D Higgins, C Quigley; J Cole, D Murtagh; J Murray, J Andrews, P Ryan; M Molloy, M Cole, A Douglas.

Subs: G Dwane for Fleming & E Ryan for Coleman (h/t); I Birmingham for Ryan (40).

Ref: C Ferguson (Gaeil Colmcille).