Hogan and Danesfort end Ratoath’s Leinster dream

Two goals, one of which was scored by Kilkenny legend, Richie Hogan, proved costly as Ratoath’s 2025 journey ended in defeat to Danesfort in the Leinster Club IHC final.

Danesfort 2-15

Ratoath 0-12

In the 43rd minute of this Leinster IHC final, Padraig O’Hanrahan sent over a short-range free to put Ratoath six points to the good over Danesfort in the last ever match played in front of the current main stand at Pairc Tailteann.

As O’Hanrahan’s free sailed over the posts, Richie Hogan took to the field and his presence alone was enough to completely shift momentum in favour of the Kilkenny side. The seven-time All-Ireland Inter-county SHC winner contributed 1-1 as Danesfort hit 2-9 in the final quarter without response and claimed the Tommy Murphy Cup, named, coincidentally, after Danesfort’s centre-back Paul Murphy’s father.

It was a very brave effort from Andy Dermody’s side and in particular, their marksman O’Hanrahan was superb. The wing forward broke his toe midway through the first-half and still finished with a remarkable tally of 0-10. However, the Meath SHC champions will have regrets and the two goals that Danesfort scored directly originated from Ratoath errors.

A handling error in the 48th minute from netminder Colm O’Riordan proved costly as Sam Hayes captalised and brought Danesfort back to within two points. The Kilkenny side then rattled off two points to draw level before a brief lapse in concentration from Conor McGill allowed Danesfort to pounce again. This time it was that man, Richie Hogan, who punished Ratoath for their mistake.

Ratoath got off to a flying start and in comparison to their opponents, were very clinical early on. Only 19 seconds had elapsed when Daithi McGowan split the posts with the opening score. Danesfort responded through Daire O’Neill but they then missed several great opportunities for points.

Ratoath took full advantage of Danesfort’s wayward shooting and five points on the spin for O’Hanrahan handed them a 0-6 to 0-1 lead at the end of the first quarter. O’Hanrahan’s fifth and Ratoath’s sixth was a super score from a huge distance out.

Ratoath had two great opportunities for goals in the first-half, Gavin McGowan forced a great save out of Paddy Hogan before Bryan McMahon had a significant claim for a penalty waved away by the official’s in the 19th minute.

Danesfort pulled two points back through frees from Cathal Kearney and Anthony Ireland Wall but the men in blue and yellow closed out the half well with another brace of frees from O’Hanrahan and a fantastic point from Darragh Kelly. At the interval, Ratoath led 0-9 to 0-3.

Danesfort came out with intent in the second-half and dominated proceedings early on. Points from Cathal O’Neill, Wall and Sam Hayes closed the gap back to three. Ratoath then settled and hit three points fon the spin all from the hurl of O’Hanrahan. The third score, a short-range free, transpired to be Ratoath’s last as Richie Hogan was introduced and Danesfort seized momentum.

The first crucial blow was dealt five minutes later when Hayes capitalised on the O’Riordan error to make it 1-7 to 0-12 after 48 minutes. Danesfort drew level through points from Wall and Fionn Mahony. Richie Hogan then rubberstamped his vital contribution with Danesfort’s second goal.

Richie’s brother and netminder Paddy Hogan knocked over a couple of frees and in the closing stages the Kilkenny side sailed into the sunset with points from Wall, Richie Hogan and Robbie Walsh. Conor Daly’s final whistle brought to an end what has been an incredible journey in 2025 for Andy Dermody’s Ratoath.

Danesfort - Paddy Hogan (0-2 two frees); Adam Byrne, Diarmuid Phelan, Darragh Coverdale; Des Dunne, Paul Murphy, Daire O’Neill (0-1); Cathal Kearney (0-1 one free), Cathal O’Neill (0-1); Robbie Walsh (0-2), Dan Dowling, Sam Hayes (1-1); Anthony Ireland Wall (0-5 three frees), Colm Phelan, Fionn Mahony (0-1). Subs - Richie Hogan (1-1) for C Phelan 43m, Aiden Cowley for Dowling 56m.

Ratoath - Colm O’Riordan; Liam Corbett, Ben McGowan, Conor McGill; Niall McLarnon, Darragh Kelly (0-1), Domhnall Rogers, Ciaran O’Hanrahan, Jack McGowan, Rob Hayes, Daithi McGowan (0-1), Padraig O’Hanrahahn (0-10 seven frees); Bryan McMahon, Cian Rogers, Gavin McGowan. Subs - Tomas Corbett for Hayes 54m.

Referee: Conor Daly (Kildare)