Nearly men ready to prove their worth against Ratoath
There's a phrase often demanded by those deemed as underdogs, especially in American lifestyle and sports, to 'put a little respect on my name', well Donaghmore/Ashbourne can certainly feel that they deserve a little more kudos as their journey in the SFC continues.
Often criticised for falling short at the big hurdles Donaghmore/Ashbourne once have a big given chance of springing a surprise when they face Ratoath in Saturday's SFC semi-final at Dunganny, 4pm.
Maybe some of that criticism can be justified because since coming up to senior after winning the IFC in 2007 the hype has been that Donaghmore/Ashbourne would dominate Meath football, such was their population growth and dominance at underage level.
However it took them seven years to reach a senior final after their return and they came up short against Navan O'Mahonys, two years later they reached the final again and lost to Simonstown.
In the 16 other senior championships they've contested before this year they were knocked out at the quarter-finals on five occasions and also reached the semi-finals five times.
In Covid year, 2020, they finished second in their group, which in any other year would also have given them a knockout place, but only the table toppers went through that year.
So in their 19 years in the SFC, including this year, they have finished in the top two in their group 14 times and next Saturday will be their eighth semi-final appearance, but they've only won two and never won the big prize.
It is that consistency that makes them a worthy foe for any side, but it is also that failure to claim the Keegan Cup that questions have they got what it takes to get over the line against Ratoath.
Last year Donaghmore/Ashbourne played Ratoath in the quarter-finals. They led 0-8 to 0-3 at half-time, but ended up being pegged back and brought to extra-time where Ratoath turned on the style and claimed a 2-18 to 0-17 victory.
That defeat hurt the Moors, but instead of wallowing in even more self-pity they seem to have got their act together and while a win over Ratoath on Saturday would be considered a surprise it is certainly well within their capabilities.
Since losing out to Gaeil Colmcille's in round one Donaghmore/Ashbourne have progressively improved. Their seven point win over Dunshaughlin was a statement victory and after demolishing Simonstown in round three they added further fuel to the whispers of their ambitions by thumping Trim in the quarter-finals.
Ratoath showed a similar line of form then also easily seeing off Trim in the group stages, but they stuttered to a win in their SFC quarter-final against Dunshaughlin and that will give Donaghmore/Ashbourne even more reason to believe.
Both sides have very considerable threats all over the field and the battle in midfield between Bryan Menton and Jamie Browne against Jack Flynn and Ben McGown will be crucial.
Can Conor Carton tie up the two-point threat of Daithi McGowan. How will Ben Wyer cope against the influence of the reinvigorated Andy Tormey? The Donaghmore/Ashbourne full-back line will be busy putting out fires started by Bryan McMahon, Adam Ducie and Cian Rogers.
Conor McGill and co will have to find ways to limit the impact of the McGovern twins, of Zach Thornton, of Sean Tyrell.
There are so many fascinating battles to watch in this clash, but there is just something about Donaghmore/Ashbourne that suggests their hunger is ravenous. Maybe it is the possibility of playing a Keegan Cup final in their home pitch that is providing extra motivation, but one thing is for sure, they look more capable of winning big games now than at any other time in the last 19 years and they might just spring a surprise next Saturday.
Ratoath’s dual stars might be hurting from relinquishing the Jubilee Cup and that could be motivating. either way we’re in for a treat.
Verdict - Donaghmore/Ashbourne.