Frayne Stakes His Claim as Summerhill Claim the Meath SFC Crown
Summerhill claimed their ninth Keegan Cup with a 0-16 to 0-13 victory over Ratoath in a re-ignited Meath Senior Football Championship final at Pairc Tailteann. The win underscored the leadership of Meath captain Eoghan Frayne, whose eight points proved decisive as the Hill dethroned old rivals Ratoath in what was the fourth final between the two clubs in seven seasons.
Frayne’s All-Around Influence Sets the Tone
Frayne, alongside his brother Conor Frayne, supplied the bulk of Summerhill’s scores, combining for 0-12 between them. But this was more than a one-man show. David Clare’s Summerhill displayed an appetite for destruction and a hunger for breaking ball that unsettled Ratoath from the throw-in. The defending champions defended stoutly and were clinically efficient when opportunities arose, with Ronan Ryan marshalling a tight defensive unit from the full-back line and serving as captain on the day.
From Early Struggles to Midfield Mastery
The Hill faced a stiff breeze in the second half after leading 0-10 to 0-4 at the interval, but their discipline and structure kept Ratoath at bay. Adam Flanagan’s return to midfield alongside Adam McDonnell provided a powerful axis that helped Summerhill control the middle of the park. Ratoath, managed by Kerry icon Paul Galvin, pressed back late in the game as they chased the deficit, but Summerhill’s defensive resilience and efficient use of possession proved decisive in the closing stages.
Ratoath’s Struggles in Front of Goal
Ratoath had brief moments of threat, including a couple of early chances and the best opening of the second half when a Ben McGowan effort palmed straight at Sean Muddiman. Yet the visitors found it difficult to convert pressure into scores in the first half and were unable to translate possession into a sustained scoring run. Their late surge cut the gap to two, but Eoghan Frayne’s late free seal the victory and sent Summerhill on their way to a famous title.
Summerhill’s Journey to the Title
Summerhill’s route to the final was far from straightforward. They needed to navigate a tough group stage, twice fighting back from the edge in knockout ties, including a comeback win over holders Dunshaughlin after extra-time. The victory over Ratoath now stands as a second title win at their rivals’ expense in four seasons, following a 2019 defeat and a 2022 decider absence. The win cements Summerhill’s status among Meath’s most successful clubs and adds another chapter to the rivalry with Ratoath.
Looking Ahead
With the Meath SFC title in the bag, Summerhill now switches focus to the Leinster club SFC campaign. They won’t be in Leinster action again until November 2, when they face the Longford champions. The win also provides a strong platform for the team to build on as they return to training and prepare for further challenges on the county stage, while Ratoath can take heart from their performance and regroup for the next campaign.
Key Contributors
Summerhill’s scorers were led by Eoghan Frayne (0-08, including a crucial late free) and Conor Frayne (0-04, with a decisive presence in the first half). Other notable contributions included Liam Shaw and Diarmuid McCabe, who helped secure crucial ball and defend staunchly in the late stages. For Ratoath, Ben McGowan and Gavin McGowan provided moments of threat, but the team’s failure to convert key chances ultimately cost them a shot at back-to-back titles.
Final Whistle Impressions
As the crowd dispersed, there was little doubt that Summerhill had earned their triumph through collective effort and resilience. It was a performance built on team ethos, disciplined defense, and efficient forward play, with Eoghan Frayne’s leadership at the core. The Meath SFC title remains a cherished prize for the club, a testament to their enduring competitiveness and hunger for success.
