Summerhill Win Meath SFC Title in a Tough Final Against Ratoath
In a keenly anticipated Meath Senior Football Championship final, Summerhill edged out old rivals Ratoath with a 0-16 to 0-13 victory at Pairc Tailteann. The defending champions’ triumph secures a ninth Keegan Cup and marks a return to the summit for a club that has rediscovered its ruthless edge this season. At the heart of the triumph was captain Eoghan Frayne, who piled up eight points to spearhead Summerhill’s assault and turn the tide in a final that had plenty of bite and few soft moments.
Frayne’s Season-Defining Performance
Meath captain Eoghan Frayne demonstrated why he is one of the strings in Summerhill’s bow, finishing with eight points and repeatedly finding the target when it mattered most. His efficiency from the placed ball, combined with smart movement and relentless running, gave Summerhill the early momentum and the established foothold they would not relinquish. Frayne’s scoring contribution was complemented by Conor Frayne and Liam Shaw, who chipped in with key scores to push the advantage to double digits at the interval.
A Tale of Resilience and Team Depth
Summerhill’s victory was more than one man’s show; it was a testament to a collective effort that had the diligence to convert possession into points and defend staunchly against a dangerous Ratoath attack. David Clare’s side looked hungry from the outset, with a defensive unit that stood tall under pressure and a midfield axis—shaped by Adam Flanagan’s return and his work with Adam McDonnell—that helped control the tempo for long periods.
Ratoath, under the management of Kerry great Paul Galvin, offered stubborn resistance, particularly after the break when they rallied to close the gap. Yet Summerhill’s discipline and game management—especially in the crucial stages of the second half—kept the gap manageable and ultimately secure. Ronan Ryan, the county defender who captained the side, anchored a defensive wall that repelled wave after wave of Ratoath pressure as the clock wound down.
Key Moments That Shaped the Outcome
Summerhill’s early dominance was underscored by a period where three two-pointers in rapid succession established a commanding lead, aided by Conor Frayne’s form and Liam Shaw’s contributions. The first half closed with Summerhill up 0-10 to 0-04, a margin that gave them the platform to weather the challenging wind in the second half. Ratoath’s tactical shift—highlighted by Galvin’s decision to remove corners backs in the second half—attempted to disrupt Summerhill’s rhythm, but the champions refused to yield.
Crucial turning points included a fast, one-on-one chance for Eoghan Frayne off a Shaw feed that Conor Rooney saved at the near post, and late chances for Ratoath that failed to convert when it truly mattered. As summer approached, Ratoath’s late surge was checked when Summerhill’s Diarmuid McCabe, tasked with grounding any late ball into the box, completed the defensive act as the final whistle blew.
The Aftermath and What It Means for Summerhill
This win marks a second final triumph over Ratoath in four seasons for Summerhill, with the 2019 and 2022 deciders previously slipping away from them. Their route to glory this year — including knockout wins over Trim and Dunshaughlin after extra time — showcased a team that can elevate its performance when it truly matters. With the Meath club not returning to Leinster club SFC duty until November 2, they have plenty of time to celebrate and plan for the challenges ahead.
Looking Forward
Summerhill’s success underlines the depth and resilience of a club that has built a winning culture around strong defense, efficient attack, and a leadership core that remains calm under pressure. The tactical acumen of manager David Clare, combined with the experience and scoring punch of Eoghan and Conor Frayne, suggests more battles lie ahead for Summerhill as they seek further silverware in the coming seasons.
Team and notable contributors
Summerhill: Sean Muddiman; Ben Moran, Ronan Ryan, Iarla Hughes; Jack Bannon, Ross Ryan, Jamie O’Shea; Adam McDonnell, Adam Flanagan; Diarmuid McCabe (0-01), Kevin Ryan (0-01), David Larkin; Conor Frayne (0-04, 1 tp), Eoghan Frayne (0-08, 1 tpf, 0-06f), Liam Shaw (0-02, tp). Subs: Padhraig Geraghty, John Keane, Conor Lyons, Barry Dardis.
Ratoath: Conor Rooney; Callum Brady, Conor McGill, Sean Considine; Gavin McGowan, Ben Wyer, Liam Kelly; Jack Flynn (0-03, 1 tpf, 0-01 45), Ben McGowan; Cian O’Brien, Glen O’Reilly, Daithi McGowan; Bryan McMahon, Bobby O’Brien, Cian Rogers. Subs: Cian Crawford, Eamonn Wallace, Joey Wallace, Ronan Byrne.