Will Ratoath be galvanized to win the Keegan cup for the 4^th Time?

Thursday 9 January 2025, 11:20 am

By Darren Donoghue

It’s the 9^th of January and the dreaded pre-season slog is under way in the Gaa circles, as clubs go in search of the holy grail.

The Gaa club manager merry go round is nearing its conclusion which would have started towards the end of 2024.

Yesterday, we broke the news the four times All-Ireland winner Paul Galvin was confirmed as the new Manger of 3 times Keegan Cup champions Ratoath.

Yet another high profile managerial appointment from Ratoath, following on from former Mayo star David Brady who guided Ratoath to their last Keegan cup success in 2022. Brady departed in 2023 saying “taking up a new position in his professional life” which prevented him from continuing as Ratoath Manager.

Since Brady, Former Meath player Kevin Reilly was charge of Ratoath for 2023 and he guided to them to the county Final but came up short against a dogged Summerhill side who prevailed after extra time. Last season Lar Norton was the man in the hot seat for Ratoath. They bowed out at the quarter final stage, losing to eventual champions Dunshaughlin.

One would have to asked the question, is an outside manager or High profile manger better than appointing a manger from within the club?

Growing up in Yellow Furze and flying my trade with Seneschalstown, the great Mattie McCabe thought this reporter and many other youngsters to “box-clever”, to out wit your opponents.  Many clubs are starting to “Box-clever”, as they appoint in house managers who know the club.

One perfect example of this was when Dunshaughlin appointed former Meath and Club star Richie Kealy. During his 3 years in charge, Kealy guided the black and amber promotion from Intermediate to Senior level and secured a promotion back to Division 1 league football. Last October, Kealy this year guided Dunshaughlin to their first Meath Senior Football championship title in 22 years.

 Kealy knew the ins and outs of the club and was a perfect fit for the Black and Ambers at time, but stepped down from the role in December.

Seneschalstown is another club that have seen plenty of managers come and go in the past few years. But the yellow Furze side has appointed former club player and manager David Hosie as the manager for 2025 season. Likewise, to kealy Hosie is a former club player and knows the club inside out. So, it could be a great appointment as Seneschalstown has a great crop of youth coming through who have won many underage titles and recently won the u19 championship back in October. They could potentially be the dark horses for the keegan cup in 2025.

Galvin wont be waking into the dark when he takes over in Ratoath as former Donegal Player Nathan Gavigan who many thought would be taking the reigns but  will now resume his coaching role with Ratoath a position that he held last year under Galvins predecessor Lar Norton.

Gavigan could be the Key ingredient if Galvin is to guide Ratoath to their 4^th Keegan Cup. The Donegal man knows the Ratoath players from his coaching role last year and will no doubt help Galvin get the best out of them

Paul Galvin was this reporter’s idol growing up. He was a great footballer who had a brilliant footballing brain, who was one of the best at winning the dirty ball or breaking balls. His passion and fiery character put fear into those who tried to mark him and undoability he will try and instil his characteristics, skills and work ethics into the Ratoath players.

Will Ratoath be galvanized  to win the Keegan cup for the 4th Time? We will have to wait and see.

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