Rivals lock horns in championship

EAST Meath rivals St Colmcille’s and St Patrick’s will lock horns in the group stages of this year’s SFC after the pair were included in the same Group C when the draws for the various championships were made last week.

Cille’s boss Des Lane will be up against his previous club Rathkenny in an opening-round tie, while the Stamullen men face a tough opening encounter against Ratoath. St Patrick’s and Cille’s are set to clash in a round four tie.

The tie of the opening round would appear to be the Group B clash of close neighbours Skryne and last year’s Intermediate champions Curraha who are competing in the senior grade for the first time.

This group is probably the strongest of the three as it also includes O’Mahonys and Summerhill, both of whom were champions in recent years, along with Na Fianna, finalists back in 2013 and again in 2015, and Gaeil Colmcille.

County champions Simonstown Gaels begin their quest for a three-in-a-row of senior titles against Dunshaughlin, the last club to win the Keegan Cup in three successive years, between 2000 and 2002.

Duleek-Bellewstown begin life back in the Intermediate grade with a tricky assignment against Castletown in the opening round.

Fairyhouse Steel SFC

Group A: St Peter’s Dunboyne v Blackhall Gaels, Donaghmore/Ashbourne v Seneschalstown, Dunshaughlin v Simonstown Gaels. Group B: O’Mahonys v Na Fianna, Gaeil Colmcille, Summerhill, Skryne v Curraha. Group C: Moynalvey v Wolfe Tones, St Colmcille’s v Rathkenny, St Patrick’s v Ratoath.

Meade Potato IFC

Group A: St Ultan’s v Walterstown, Trim v Ballinabrackey, St Michael’s v Nobber. Group B: Drumbaragh v Syddan, Meath Hill v Kilmainham, Longwood v Dunderry. Group C: Duleek-Bellewstown v Castletown, Donaghmore/ Ashbourne v Ballinlough, Bective v Oldcastle.

Junior Football C’ship

Group A: Clonard v Carnaross, Clann na nGael v Moylagh, Drumconrath v St Brigid’s. Group B: Dunsany v Cortown, Ballivor v Kilmainhamwood, Moynalty v St Vincent’s. Group C: Dunshaughlin v St Peter’s Dunboyne, Summerhill v Gaeil Colmcille, Skryne v Seneschalstown, O’Mahonys v Wolfe Tones.

Junior B Football Championship Group A: St Mary’s v Kilbride, Slane v Boardsmill. Group B: Simonstown Gaels v Na Fianna, Nobber v Moynalvey, St Patrick’s a bye. Group C: St Colmcille’s v Donaghmore/Ashbourne, Trim v St Peter’s Dunboyne, Duleek-Bellewstown a bye.

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