Summerhill turn on the style to see off Killoe challenge

LEINSTER CLUB SFC

Summerhill.............................. 2-2-18 (28)

Killoe Emmet Og...................... 1-2-12 (19)

The provincial scene hasn't been the happiest of hunting grounds for Meath's Keegan Cup champions, but Summerhill once again proved they have a knack of getting over the opening round as they saw off Longford winners Killoe Emmet Og in fine style at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday.

The last time Summerhill dipped their toes in these waters they saw off Tullamore in 2023 before losing out to Naas in Hawkfield in the quarter-final. Kildare will once again provide the opposition for Summerhill in this year's last eight with Athy seeing off Baltinglass to set up a home clash with their Meath counterparts.

Two years ago Summerhill were a long way second best against Naas, but on Sunday's evidence they have matured, grown and developed into a much more cohesive and physically stronger side and Killoe felt the full brunt of the Meath champions at close to their best.

Killoe's last two wins in the Leinster Club SFC came against Meath opposition when they defeated Navan O'Mahonys in 2012 and '15, but they couldn't make it three-in-a-row against Meath champions as Summerhill stayed in the game when faced against a strong wind in the opening half and then dominated the contest after the break.

With 12 different scorers, a resolute defence and a dominant midfield Summerhill looked every inch the complete package against a dangerous Killoe side who showed glimpses of their capabilities during an exciting opening period.

At times in that first-half Killoe found gaps in the Summerhill defence and exploited them, but Summerhill were quick on the counter and Killoe never got enough of a foothold, or a lead, when they had the advantage of the wind behind them.

The Longford visitors looked to have manoeuvred themselves into a strong position when Larry Moran palmed Mickey Quinn's centre to the net to open up a 1-10 to 0-7 lead after 25 minutes, but Summerhill's response was emphatic and decisive.

Eoghan Frayne almost hit back with a goal 30 seconds later, but his palmed effort was deflected over the bar by Darren Moffet. The goal did arrive a minute later and Eoghan Frayne was involved again as he got a crucial flick on Diarmuid McCabe's long ball to float the ball goalwards. Danny Mimnagh's attempt to scoop the ball off the line clipped off the inrushing Jamie O'Shea and the ball ended up in the net.

Sean Muddiman landed a '45' and O'Shea added a point to his goal to turn the six-point deficit into a draw match and even though Paddy Moran restored Killoe's lead with a free to make it 1-11 to 1-10 at the break, there was a sense that all the momentum and the wind would get Summerhill over the line.

Proof of just how good Summerhill's first-half performance was against the wind was evident in that Killoe managed just five points after the resumption, just two from play, as the Meath side dominated and put the game to bed when Adam Flanagan punched their second goal in the 46th minute to make it 2-15 to 1-12.

The game started at a frantic pace with Paddy Moran opening the scoring after 45 seconds. The outstanding Adam McDonnell responded with a fine score before Cian Farrelly restored the visitors lead in the third minute.

Scores from Liam Shaw and O'Shea edged Summerhill ahead, but Killoe settled again with James Moran (two-pointer) and Paddy Moran (free) pointing as Jack Bannon was denied a goal by a fine save and Shaw was denied a point by an umpire error.

Points from David Larkin and McCabe brought Summerhill back to within one before another two-pointer, this time from a Michael Hughes free, pushed Killoe 0-8 to 0-5 ahead.

McDonnell pulled one back, but then Killoe took a firm grip on proceedings with Paddy Moran and Mark Hughes on target. Conor Frayne landed the next score for Summerhill, but then Killoe grabbed their goal when Cian Farrelly's two-point attempt came back off the upright and as Summerhill failed to clear the danger Quinn set up Larry Moran for his palmed finish.

Instead of being a dagger to the heart of Summerhill's aspirations they responded brilliantly with that glorious spell before the break and when Kevin Lyons quickly restored parity after the resumption there only ever looked like one winner.

Eoghan Frayne's two-point free was followed by a converted '45' from Muddiman and a point from McCabe to make it 1-15 to 1-11 as Summerhill went from six down to four up in the space of 15 minutes of play either side of the break.

Paddy Moran's response from a free was countered by Flanagan's goal and the final quarter was academic as Summerhill controlled the game and despite two frees from Paddy Moran and a couple from play from James Moran and Ronan McGoldrick the Meath champions kept the scoreboard ticking over with McDonnell, Conor Lyons, James Lavelle, Eoghan Frayne (two) and Shaw adding significant gloss to an already well polished performance.

Summerhill - Sean Muddiman (0-2 '45s'); Ben Moran, Ronan Ryan, Iarla Hughes; Jack Bannon, Ross Ryan, Jamie O'Shea (1-2); Adam McDonnell (0-4 one two-pointer), Adam Flanagan (1-0); Diarmuid McCabe (0-2), Kevin Ryan (0-1), David Larkin (0-1); Conor Frayne (0-1), Eoghan Frayne (0-5 one free, one two-point free), Liam Shaw (0-2). Subs - Padhraig Geraghty for Bannon 42m, Conor Lyons (0-1) for O'Shea, John Lavelle (0-1) for Hughes both 48m, Barry Dardis for C Frayne 54m, Kevin Lyons for Larkin 55m.

Killoe Emmet Og - Michael Hughes (0-2 two-point free); Liam Hughes, Darren Moffet, Paddy Kiernan (0-2 two-pointer); James Moran (0-2), Niall Farrelly, Ryan Moffet; Mickey Quinn, Ronan Keogh; Larry Moran (1-0), Cian Farrelly (0-1), Danny Mimnagh; Gavin Farrelly, Paddy Moran (0-7 five frees), Mark Hughes (0-1). Subs - Ronan McGoldrick (0-1) for L Moran 47m, Cian Dooner for Kiernan 50m, Evan Farrelly for C Farrelly 54m, Gavin Hughes for Keogh 56m.

Referee - Alan Coyne (Westmeath).