SFC starts to take shape
THERE were wins for Dreadnots, Sean O’Mahony’s and Naomh Mairtin in the opening round of the Louth SFC, while St Mary’s and Dundalk Gaels shared the spoils.
Dreadnots went on to top their group by beating Cooley Kickhams the following week and the Gaels joined them in the last eight with a handsome win over O Raghallaigh’s.
Naomh Mairtin lost their second match against Newtown Blues, but they too marched on to the last eight.
The following weekend Geraladines, O’Mahony’s, the Blues and St Mary’s also reached the quarter-finals, with just one back fixture remaining between champs St Pat’s and Kikerley left to decide who would complete the line-up.
In Meath GAA, Mick O’Dowd’s team were knocked out of the championship before ‘the 12th’ for the second year running after a threepoint Qualfier round two defeat by Derry in Owenbeg. It was the last game of O’Dowd’s reign as manager and he the opportunity to take a swipe at the GAA pundits, some of whom he described as ‘over-paid, inflated egos ripping decent people in the GAA apart’.
It was a disappointing month also for the county minors who were unable to follow up on their brilliant win over Dublin as they exited the Leinster championship at the hands of Kildare.
St Patrick’s continued their push towards a Division 1 League Final appearance when overcoming fellow challengers Seneschalstown with the help of 1-7 from forward Niall Whearty. Rathkenny were on the cusp of top-flight football after beating Drumbaragh and Syddan secured promotion and a place in the Division 3 Final after a big win over Kilmainham. However, Drumconrath were relegated to Division 4 despite registering their best score of the year - 1-14 - against Clann na nGael.
Infrastructure chairman Noel Dempsey told the July County Committee meeting that the feasibility study on redevelopment of Pairc Tailteann would soon be completed. He said any proposed work would likely be on a phased basis over at least a 10-year period, and it would result in the stadium becoming fully covered.