Home advantage in Meath final not a factor, says Donaghmore-Ashbourne captain Quinn
View of the Donaghmore Ashbourne ground during an O'Byrne Cup tie. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Donaghmore-Ashbourne captain Evan Quinn has insisted that playing Sunday's Meath SFC on their home pitch doesn't give them an advantage.
With Páirc Tailteann undergoing a €26m redevelopment and out of commission until next April, the Donaghmore-Ashbourne club was pencilled in to take the final from some way out.
The Ashbourne venue, which has a seated stand in front of an impressive clubhouse, has hosted a number of Leinster U-20 FC games, while the county's senior team have also played there.
Meath SFC holders Summerhill, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin and finalists Wolfe Tones were all considered to be ahead of Donaghmore-Ashbourne in the rankings earlier in the season, particularly after Donaghmore-Ashbourne lost their opening group game.
But Timmy O'Regan's side, powered by veteran Meath midfielder Bryan Menton, pulled off a series of big wins over Dunshaughlin, Simonstown Gaels, Trim and Ratoath to qualify for a first final in a decade.
It may also be a good omen that they won the early season Feis Cup competition on their home ground, beating Skryne.
"It's unusual for both teams because usually the finals take place in Páirc Tailteann but it is what it is," said defender Quinn. "Each club is going to have their own mix of supporters there. At the end of the day, it's 15 v 15 on the pitch and we're just looking forward to a great game."
The Ashbourne venue is typically wind-buffeted and the pitch has a slight slope.
"Look, the wind can change as well," said Quinn. "The wind goes across and down the pitch at times, and obviously you can never know what's going to happen on the day.
"It's definitely special for the club and the community but look, we'd be equally as happy if the final was in Navan where it usually takes place."
The Moors came good with a strong second-half performance at the Meath GAA training centre in Dunganny to overcome Ratoath in the semi-final.
Quinn's powerful run helped set up Darragh McGovern for the game-clinching goal and the defender's form has been a big part of their resurgence after that Round 1 loss to Gaeil Colmcille.
"We knew that we had to do something major to turn it around," said Quinn. "Then we went out and beat Dunshaughlin and that was the spark that we needed to keep driving it on."
Former Meath forward Andy Tormey who, along with Menton and half a dozen more experienced players, also competed in the club's last final in 2016, is arguably in the form of his career. The player himself said he strongly considered retiring after the 2025 campaign.
"This year in particular, something's just clicked with him," said Quinn of the centre-forward. "He's flying, he's playing some of the best games I've seen since I've been up playing senior football."
Opponents Wolfe Tones, finalists in 2024 and champions in 2021, took out holders Summerhill at the semi-final stage.
Thomas O'Reilly, Oisín Martin, Caolan Ward and Kyle Moran have impressed in attack for the Kilberry side though they will meet a miserly defence in Sunday's showpiece.
Donaghmore-Ashbourne have conceded an average of just 12 points across their five games.
"We're happy with our defensive shape and how little we're conceding," said Quinn. "It's not something that's left to the defenders - it's basically a full team effort. We rely on everybody to get back and to give a dig out at defending. Everybody takes responsibility for it."
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
