Summerhill's Historic
Under 21 breakthrough .....
Most observers were surprised to find that Summerhill's victory
in the 1997 U/21 FC was their first in the grade. The club that rose so spectacularly
in the 60's to win 4 successive senior titles during the 70's had its name inscribed
on most of the trophies in Meath football but never the U/21 Cup. There were painful
memories of a 1973 defeat to Kilmainhamwood, and when the 1997 Championship came
around nobody was referring to the Hill as likely contenders. Thats when the footballers
in blue and gold are most dangerous!
click
here for larger image and names
They
showed tremendous resilience and bravery when coming from behind to snatch a draw
against Simonstown in Dunshaughlin in October. Even though Simonstown missed a
penalty they had the Hill in difficulties and led by 1-5 to 0-5 at the half way
stage. They led by 3 points with eight mins remaining, 1-10 to 1-7, and from somewhere
Summerhill dug deep and forced a draw with three late points. The second game
was a classic affair, with more than its fair share of excitement and drama at
the same venue. Extra time was required before the Hill advanced to the semi's.
The first half was very exciting with the exchanges being evenly contested. Summerhill
opened better than they did in the same period the first day, and deservedly led
at the break by 0-8 to 0-7. Simonstown got a huge boost when Michael Cantwell
blasted to the net past Colin Dunne, to edge the Navanmen ahead entering the closing
stages, by 2 points. Once again the Hill had to dig deep, and two late points
sent the game to extra time. The score at the end of normal time was similar to
that of the drawn game, 1-10 to 0-13. Few could have anticipated the manner in
which the game was to turn in extra time but it soon became obvious that Simonstown
had suffered serious psychological effects after losing leads in both the drawn
and replayed games. Their Meath senior panelist Ned Kearney was struggling with
an injury and Summerhill took control from the throw in. Summerhill had the greater
hunger and will to win and that swung it for them in the end. Mattie Kerrigans
lads rampaged throughout extra time and added six points while Simonstown failed
to hit the target. Final score, Summerhill 0-19, Simonstown Gaels 1-10. Gary Rispin
finished with a personal tally of 0-10, while others to shine were Denis Farrell,
Martin McNally, John Comey, Damien Dalton, Brian Rispin and goalie Colin Dunne.
From
left, back row; John Comey, Christopher Comey, Brian
Rispin, Richard Carey, Patrick Carey, Niall O'Reilly. front row; Seán
Boylan, Gary Rispin, Mark O'Reilly.
Summerhill
overcame Skryne in the semis who were the '96 runners up. And so to the final
where Dunboyne were installed as slight favourites. They had disposed of Walterstown,
O'Mahonys and Trim, the latter in a replay. The game was played in Trim and despite
the bad conditions the teams served up an exciting hours football. Dunboyne had
first use of the strong gale and were soon 0-4 to 0-0 up. Nigel Crawford and Gerard
McGovern were in control in the middle, but Summerhill stuck to their task and
opened their account through a free by Gary Rispin. Scores were going to be difficult
to get against the wind, so for Summerhill it was a case of keeping in touch until
they had the wind on their backs. After Dunboyne had restored their 4 point lead,
Gary Rispin scored 3 successive points to leave just one in it at half time. The
advantage now seemed to be with Summerhill for the second half and although it
took all of 8 mins they were level from another Rispin point. Morgan Hughes was
unable to start due to illness but his introduction as a sub led to the Hill taking
the lead for the first time when he calmly slotted over the bar. He also earned
the free from which his team took the lead for the second time after Dunboyne
equalised. It was very tense and exciting, and with 5 mins remaining, Dunboyne
equalised again. There was another twist in this great game when Niall O'Reilly
was penalised for touching the ball on the ground and Leo Reilly pointed to give
Dunboyne what looked to be the winner. Summerhill rallied, and yet again dug deep
as they had done in previous matches in the championship, and Niall O'Reilly set
up Barry Fagan to kick the leveller. All square! Final score Summerhill 0-8, Dunboyne
0-8. Summerhills stars on the day were Mark O'Reilly, Gary Rispin, Niall O'Reilly,
Brian Rispin and Brian Foley.
Páirc
Tailteann was the venue for the replay and Dunboyne's prospects were dealt a blow
with the unavailability of Neville Reilly who was injured in the drawn game. Ken
Gannon was also out as he was sent off in the closing stages of the same game.
At the end of the first quarter the Dublin bordermen were 0-3 to 0-2 ahead with
Leo Reilly in accurate form from frees which the under pressure Hill defence had
to concede. Dunboyne looked the better team so far and were full value for their
2 point interval lead 0-5 to 0-3. Full-Forward Martin McNally was switched to
centre-field for the second half and although the move was highly influential,
it was still Dunboyne who looked likely winners early on in the second half. They
were 3 points clear with about twelve mins left, but Summerhill started to chip
away at them. Points from Morgan Hughes (again a timely substitution), Brian Rispin
and Mark O'Reilly levelled proceedings, and having gained the initiative Summerhill
went for their opponents jugular. The Dunboyne defence came under sustained pressure
and Gary Rispin sent over three unanswered points to seal a hard earned but deserved
victory. Barry Fagans contribution was immense while Niall O'Reilly and Noel Kennedy
also excelled in defence along with John Comey. Brian Rispin, Mark O'Reilly, Gary
Rispin and Denis Farrell were others to shine. Final score, Summerhill 0-11, Dunboyne
0-8. The men who made history were: C.Dunne, B.Foley, B.Fagan, N.Kennedy, D.Dalton,
N.O'Reilly, J.Comey, S.Gray 0-1, M.O'Reilly 0-1, A.Kenny, G.Rispin 0-6, D.Farrell
0-1, B.Lyons, M.McNally, B.Rispin 0-1. Sub: M.Hughes 0-1.
Mark
O'Reilly raises the cup after Summerhill's first ever Under 21 success in 1997.
