Ratoath going for All-Ireland glory
Ratoath will bid for the All-Ireland Club Junior camogie title when they take on Monaghan champions Clontibret in the curtainraiser at Pairc Tailteann tomorrow writes FERGAL LYNCH
Ratoath might well have felt their season was done when they won the Meath intermediate crown with a stunning replay victory over Kildalkey at Rathmolyon, but with that pressure off they have set their sights higher.
A masterclass from Sinead Beagan gave Ratoath the Leinster final victory over Westmeath side Delvin.
The Meath champions could have been forgiven for settling for the provincial title, but as manager Paul McLoughlin pointed out Ratoath aren't settling and they are eager to make amends for past heartaches.
“Last year the team was just a little too young to go on and grab the Meath title, we were beaten in a replay by Dunderry, but the players have learned a lot from last year, they have learned from the pain of it, and they have really pushed on this year and beat Kildalkey and now they are getting their reward," explained McLoughlin.
"Most of the players are in their late teens or early 20s, but any opportunities they've had this year they have grabbed, they are well tuned into to what is required," he added.
With everything going so smoothly there is a great buzz around Ratoath ahead of the All-Ireland final, but after a tough semi-final win over Mayo's Na Brideoga they know not to take anything for granted.
"We maintained that drive and push and used the heartbreak we experienced last year to win the Meath title and go on in Leinster," said McLoughlin.
"It just shows you how strong the players are mentally to be able to do that because it was heartbreak for everybody involved last year," he added.
The semi-final win was built on an ability to grab goals at crucial times, just as they have done in the big games this year.
Six goals in the replay against Kildalkey, two in the Leinster final win and four in the All-Ireland semi-final victory proves just how potent Ratoath can be in attack.
Na Brideoga tested Ratoath's resolve in the semi-final when they took an early lead and the Meath champions response was impressive.
They were 0-3 to 0-2 ahead by the 19th minute and when Beagan netted from a 20-metre free they never looked back with Fiona McNerney adding a second goal to establish a five-point interval advantage.
When Eimear Griffiths bagged a third goal nine minutes after the restart it put Ratoath firmly in control and by the 43rd minute that lead was out to 10 points when McNerney bagged her second goal.
Na Brideoga piled on the pressure in the closing quarter to close the gap to 0-11 to 4-4, but that was how it finished as Ratoath advanced.
The loss of star player Amy Gaffney to a cruciate knee injury has been a massive blow for Ratoath, but they have done well to reach the All-Ireland final.
Clontibret are a completely unknown quantity, but if Ratoath can replicate their goal-scoring form and repeat their strong defensive resolve then they could well be celebrating All-Ireland glory by Sunday evening.