Meath SFC: Donaghmore-Ashbourne and Wolfe Tones make it through
This year's Meath SFC final will have a novel pairing. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
Fairyhouse Steel Meath SFC Semi-Finals
Wolfe Tones 1-17 Summerhill 0-14
Donaghmore-Ashbourne 1-14 Ratoath 0-12
By Paul Keane
Donaghmore-Ashbourne will have a rare chance to make history later this month when they contest the Meath SFC final on their home pitch.
With Páirc Tailteann currently undergoing redevelopment work, the Ashbourne venue has been pencilled in for the October 18 showpiece which will be between Donaghmore-Ashbourne and Wolfe Tones.
Both clubs pulled off huge wins over ultra experienced opposition over the weekend with Wolfe Tones accounting for holders Summerhill this afternoon.
A powerful start, which included 1-2 from Kyle Moran, left Kilberry outfit Tones in a strong position and they led 1-10 to 0-8 at half time.
Tones were 1-7 to 0-5 up after a bright first quarter when Summerhill suddenly caught fire, a two-pointer from Liam Shaw and a single from Barry Dardis cutting the gap to just two.
Then came an Oisín Martin point for Tones and a Moran two-pointer to open up the gap again and leave them five clear at the break.
The concern for Shane McCoy's side was how they would fare playing into the wind after the restart.
But Tones maintained their lead and stretched it to six points by full time to lock down what will be a first ever final between the clubs.
Donaghmore-Ashbourne lost their opening game in the championship to Gaeil Colmcille but have bounced back superbly since then with statement wins over Dunshaughlin, Simonstown Gaels, Trim and Ratoath.
They were full value for Saturday's semi-final win over neighbours Ratoath in Dunganny too, leading by 0-6 to 0-5 at half time and pushing on for a five-point win.
Zach Thornton and Seán Tyrrell chipped in a brace of points each in a cagey first half while Daithí McGowan maintained his strong scoring form for Ratoath with 0-3 in that period.
The second half was a more open affair and rising county talent Adam Ducie drilled three singles for Ratoath.
Donaghmore-Ashbourne, who'd earlier failed to convert from the penalty spot, got the goal they craved in the 40th minute.
It came from Darragh McGovern who'd earlier winced as his penalty kick was saved by the leg of Ratoath goalkeeper Devon Burns.
Now with a 1-10 to 0-7 lead it was a case of being professional and playing out the final 20 minutes or so which Donaghmore-Ashbourne duly did.
Evan Kelly, Thomas McGovern and goalkeeper Andy Colgan all supplied vital scores in the closing minutes to keep Ratoath at bay and to secure that coveted home final on Sunday, October 18.
