Meath Sports Awards... Tones prove surprise packets as Keegan Cup is claimed
What a year 2021 turned out for Wolfe Tones as they emerged from the pack to claim the biggest prize of all in Meath football - the Keegan Cup.
When the draw for the 2021 SFC was made Wolfe Tones found themselves in the same group as Moynalvey, Skryne and Gaeil Colmcille. It was what might be considered, with real justification, as a Group of Death. Difficult to emerge from.
Yet the Tones showed the consistency, the resilience, the determination required to ensure their place in the knock-out phase. It was an indication the Tones, under the guidance of manager Micheal McDermott, were building up a head of steam. McDermott had a wealth of management experience to draw on including a spell in charge of the Clare senior football team.
He had clearly tapped into that experience to mould the Tones into a real team; a formidable unit; a team with a purpose.
They defeated Na Fianna (3-10 to 1-13) in the quarter-finals and caused arguably the upset of the championship when they overcame Ratoath (0-13 to 1-8) in the last four. Awaiting them in the final was Dunboyne who were regarded by many as the favourites. Strong favourites.
On the day Dunboyne never really found their form as Wolfe Tones produced a typically composed, structured display to help them claim the Keegan Cup for just the second time. Saran O Fionnagain's goal proved crucial in helping the Tones win, 1-9 to 0-9. The Tones lost out in the Leinster Club SFC to Kilmacud Crokes but they really made the Dublin side work.
Despite that defeat 2021 was a red-letter year in the history of Wolfe Tones.