Clubs face losing stars for entire campaign

AFTER last weekend’s false start when the two matches down for decision fell foul to the weather, the Meath fixture fixers will be hoping this week’s schedule proceeds as planned.

A near full programme of first-round games are pencilled in and it’s the start of a heavy schedule of league matches, with four rounds due to be completed by the end of February.

That programme is not good news for clubs with county players and there is a real possibility that some county panellists will play few or no league games with their clubs this year.

However, the picture regarding fixtures may become a little clearer when a decision is made on the proposed changes to the club championships at a meeting in Dunganny this Tuesday.

The 2017 champions Wolfe Tones begin the defence of their Division 1 crown with a home tie against last year’s Division 2 champions Ratoath. The visitors will undoubtedly be hampered by having so many players on the county panel and that could point to the holders making a winning start.

Beaten league finalists and Keegan Cup champions Simonstown have a tricky assignment away to Gaeil Colmcille.

St Colmcille’s, who regained their place in the top tier at the expense of Blackhall Gaels, have Navan O’Mahony’s as visitors to Piltown on Saturday evening. The teams clashed in last year’s championship and it was the Navan men who came out on top, 0-12 to 0-9, against the understrength seasiders.

St Patrick’s also commence their campaign on Saturday when they host Moynalvey. The Stamullen men are probably boxing above their weight and are in need of young blood to complement their long-serving players. A good start will be half the battle if they are to retain their top-flight status.

Two clubs who lost their Division 1 status last year, Seneschalstown and Rathkenny, open their Division 2 campaigns with away ties. Seneschalstown make the long trip to Oldcastle and will be without Joe Sheridan who has departed for foreign shores. Rathkenny make the relatively short journey to Nobber.

Last year’s Intermediate champions Curraha will be striving to win promotion to Division 1 for the first time. They commence with a home tie on Sunday against Syddan and that’s not the easiest of starts, especially if James McEntee and David Toner are on inter-county duty.

Duleek-Bellewstown host Walterstown in one of the other ties.

In Division 4 Slane and St Mary’s should make winning starts at Boardsmill and Clonard respectively. Sunday February 4

Pairc Tailteann: Meath v Clare, 2.0