Wallace goal rescues double-winning Ratoath

Ratoath retained the SFC Keegan Cup with a 1-14 to 1-13 win over Gaeil Colmcille at Pairc Tailteann today.

That is the basic information from a totally amazing 2020 Keegan Cup decider that was a thrill-a-minute type of game.

The real story behind that scoreline is that Ratoath were almost as surprised to win as Gaeil Colmcille were that they lost.

Gaeil Colmcille had the game as good as won when Brian Hanlon converted a penalty as the clock ticked into the first of seven minutes added time.

The goal gave Gaeil Colmcille a 1-13 to 0-13 advantage, a thoroughly deserved advantage and Ratoath were a man down after substitute Emmet Boyle was red-carded in the 56th minute.

Showing admirable character Ratoath gave it a go, but when Bryan McMahon sent a free over the bar in the fifth minute of added time it looked nothing more than a consolation point.

Then Gaeil Colmcille withdrew Hanlon and Martin Barrett, although there was some confusion there with James Reilly making his way to the sideline before going back on and Barrett departing.

Ratoath had possession from what was a needlessly conceded sideline around the 45-metre line and Andrew Gerrad sent a predictable high ball into the Gaeil Colmcille square.

It broke to the far post and man-of-the-match Joey Wallace was in the right pace to finish to the net.

It was a totally unexpected recovery that even surprised the Ratoath camp and it just totally deflated the Gaeil Colmcille players and supporters.

And up to that point Gaeil Colmcille delivered an almost perfect performance as they coped with anything Ratoath had to offer.

Gaeil Colmcille were ahead by 0-9 to 0-6 at the interval with points from Hanlon (four), Seamus Mattimoe (two), Evan Sheridan, Liam Ferguson and James Reilly.

Ratoath had a brace apiece from Daithi McGowan and McMahon and one each by Jack Flynn and Wallace.

The second-half saw the sides level (0-12 each) at the water break as Ratoath upped the tempo with points from McMahon and Daithi McGowan (two each), Wallace and Cian O'Brien while Hanlon, Mattimoe and Conall Courtney sustained Gaeil Colmcille.

When play resumed Wallace fisted Ratoath ahead, Boyle saw red for a challenge that forced Courtney off and then Mattimoe drew the sides level.

Then Hanlon converted the penalty and it should have sealed a memorable Gaeil Colmcille victory, but it didn't and the quest for the silverware continues.

For Ratoath, with the football out of the way, they can now concentrate on next week's SHC final where they will bid to complete the senior football and hurling double for the first time since Navan O'Mahonys in 1985.

SCORERS

Ratoath - Joey Wallace 1-3; Bryan McMahon 0-5 one free; Daithi McGowan 0-4 three frees; Jack Flynn 0-1; Cian O'Brien 0-1.

Gaeil Colmcille - Brian Hanlon 1-5 penalty goal, four frees; Seamus Mattimoe 0-4 three frees; Conall Courtney 0-1; Evan Sheridan 0-1; Liam Ferguson 0-1; James Reilly 0-1.

TEAMS

Ratoath - Shane Duffy; Ciaran O Fearraigh, Conor McGill, Ben Wyer; Jack Gillespie, Gavin McGowan, Andrew Gerrard; Ben McGowan, Cian O'Brien; Daithi McGowan, Cian Rogers, Conor Rooney; Joey Wallace, Bryan McMahon, Jack Flynn. Subs - Eamon Wallace for Rogers 37 mins, Emmet Boyle for Gillespie 44m, Conall Ahearne for Rooney51m, Keith McCabe for O'Brien 56m.

Gaeil Colmcille - Justin Carry-Lynch; Jordan Muldoon, Paul Tormey, James Reilly; Adam Muldoon, Seanie Curran, Fionn Reilly; Liam Ferguson, Oisin Reilly; Evan Sheridan, Philip Ward, Conal Courtney; Seamus Mattimoe, Martin Barrett, Broan Hanlon. Subs - Barry Smith for Ward 37 mins, Barry Tormay for Curran 45m, Ryan Farnham for Hanlon and Cian Doogan for Barrett 50m.

Referee - David Coldrick (Blackhall Gaels).