Crunch time for St Patrick’s in Meath SFC group stage
SIX clubs - Summerhill, Gaeil Colmcille, champions Simonstown, Moynalvey, Dunboyne and Ratoath - have all secured their place in the knockout stages of the SFC, leaving three places up for grabs going into the final round of games over the weekend.
Duleek-Bellewstown will contest the relegation play-off along with two from St Colmcille’s, Blackhall Gaels, Dunshaughlin and Skryne.
SFC Group A Summerhill v Wolfe Tones, Simonstown, Friday (8.0)
Summerhill have full points to date and already assured of a quarter-final spot, while Tones, despite a defeat and a draw, look likely to join them. They need another point to be certain, but a narrow defeat would probably be enough to pip Donaghmore/Ashbourne on score difference. Verdict: Summerhill
Gaeil Colmcille v Rathkenny, Meath Hill, Friday (8.0)
The Kells men are also through to the knockout stages following their roundfour win over Donaghmore/Ashbourne. Rathkenny have nothing to play for - they cannot make it through and are safe from the relegation play-off. Looks like only one outcome here. Verdict: Gaeil Colmcille
Duleek-Bellewstown v Donaghmore/ Ashbourne, Donore Friday (8.0)
The Ashbourne outfit need a massive win, plus a defeat for Wolfe Tones, to be in with a chance of a knockout spot on score difference. It’s the relegation play-off for Duleek-Bellewstown regardless of how they fare here. Pride should ensure that the east Meath side will deny last year’s beaten finalists the margin of victory they need. Verdict: Donaghmore/Ashbourne
Group B St Colmcille’s v Moynalvey, Skryne, Saturday (6.0)
The Cille’s are still seeking a first win of the campaign, but regardless of the outcome here should avoid the relegation play-off due to a superior score difference to Blackhall Gaels. Moynalvey are already through to the knockout stages and are on a great run at present. Another tough outing for Des Lane’s men. Verdict: Moynalvey
Simonstown v Blackhall Gaels, Dunshaughlin, Saturday (6.0)
Top against bottom, with the champions attempting to extend their winning sequence. St Colmcille’s supporters will also be keeping a close watch on this one. Blackhall are fighting for their lives here, but it is difficult to make a case for them to cause a shock. Verdict: Simonstown
Seneschalstown v Navan O’Mahony’s, Pairc Tailteann, Saturday (6.0)
Surely the tie of the round, with a preliminary quarter-final the prize for the winners. O’Mahony’s have a slightly superior score difference, so a draw would be enough to see them through. Full back Niall McKeigue was red-carded in the loss to Simonstown, so barring a technicality he will miss this vital clash. Joe Sheridan and Seneschalstown are finding a bit of form at present. Verdict: Draw
Group C Skryne v Dunshaughlin, Trim, Sunday (3.30)
The relegation play-off awaits the losers of this one, while a draw would be enough for Dunshaughlin as they have a superior score difference. A share of the spoils with Na Fianna is the best both sides have managed from their four previous outings. A local derby and a real fight for survival here. Verdict: Skryne
Dunboyne v Ratoath, Pairc Tailteann, Sunday (3.30)
The clash of two sides with a 100% record and already assured of their place in the last eight. Both are genuine title contenders, but Ratoath have had a litany of injuries lately and that could scupper their chances of Keegan Cup glory. Dunboyne are likely to be without county player Ronan Jones due to study commitments abroad. Verdict: Dunboyne
St Patrick’s v Na Fianna, Walterstown, Sunday (3.30)
A massive game for the east Meath men following their round-four victory over Dunshaughlin. A draw will be enough to see them through to a preliminary quarter-final, while Na Fianna need to win. The Enfield/Baconstown outfit only have two draws to date and will progress with just one victory if they come out on top here. Verdict: St Patrick’s
IFC Syddan v Walterstown, Castletown, Saturday (7.0)
Mathematically Syddan can make it to the knockout stages with victory in this one, though they could also end up in the relegation play-off if they get beaten and other results goes against them. A win for last year’s semi-finalists Walterstown would see them clear of relegation trouble, but they cannot make it to the knockout stages. A big test for both sides in what is a repeat of last year’s quarter-final. Verdict: Syddan
Curraha v Ballivor, Seneschalstown, Sunday (6.0)
Curraha need a win to be certain of their place in the knockout stages. Five of the six teams in the group are in contention going into the final round. Ballivor will contest the relegation playoff regardless of the outcome here. Verdict: Curraha
JAFC Drumconrath v Carnaross, Pairc Tailteann, Saturday (4.15)
Drumconrath attempt to take a step closer to a Junior A decider when they take on Carnaross in this quarter-final. The Drums have come through a really tough group to finish runners-up to neighbours Meath Hill. Carnaross also finished second in their group and have yet to taste a defeat. This one has the potential to be a real cracker. Verdict: Drumconrath
JBFC Slane v Kilbride, Dunshaughlin, Saturday (4.15)
When the sides clashed recently in the group stages Kilbride had four points to spare at the finish. Slane are attempting to avoid an unwanted hat-trick, defeat in three successive Junior B semi-finals, following losses to Seneschalstown and St Vincent’s. They will also have to cope with the loss of the injured Podge McGowan. Verdict: Slane