SEAN WALL

WITH the NFL campaign eventually ending on the last day of March the Meath CCC will be hoping that nothing gets in the way of two rounds of the club championship in the month of April.

April has been specifically set aside for club action and fingers will be crossed that the weather or any other unforeseen circumstances doesn’t upset the schedule.

Simonstown Gaels are seeking a three-in-a row of senior crowns and if they can achieve that it will be without Colm O’Rourke who has stepped down as manager.

Colm’s son Shane might not play any part in Simonstown’s three-in-a-row quest either due to persistent injuries.

However that could change if the North Navan men are still in contention in the concluding stages of the campaign.

If Simonstown are to be relieved of their crown then St Peter’s Dunboyne, Ratoath, Wolfe Tones and Skryne seemed best placed to go all the way.

Dunboyne have threatened in recent years without quite managing to go all the way while Ratoath, if they can keep all their players free from injury, have an outstanding chance.

Wolfe Tones lost out at the semi-final stage last year but were compensated with a Division 1 league title and an U-21 championship crown.

Skryne were involved is a relegation battle in 2017 but since then they have benefited from the return of a number of players from foreign parts including their midfield powerhouse Harry Rooney.

They are going great guns in the league at present but outright championship success might be beyond them.

It could be left to Dunboyne and Ratoath to battle it out with the Ratoath men tipped to lift the Keegan Cup for the very first time.

East Meath clubs St Patrick’s and St Colmcille’s could have a battle on their hands to make an impression with their main focus on securing enough points to be clear of the relegation trapdoor.

The Stamullen men could be vulnerable but it is Blackhall Gaels who are tipped for the drop.

The intermediate championship continues to be a wide open affair with any number of teams capable of outright success.

Last years runners-up St Michael’s could be pushed to make it back to another final and it is the 2017 runners-up Dunderry who could go all the way this year.

Syddan, Ballinabrackey and Nobber will hope to be at the business end of things but this could well be Dunderry’s year.

Senior

A tough opener for the Stamullen side who have in the past managed to cause an opening round upset. Ratoath will likely be without Eamon Wallace who limped out of the NFL game against Louth with a suspected hamstring injury.

Anything other than a Ratoath victory will be a major shock.

Verdict: Ratoath.

Skryne v Curraha

The tie of the round between these two neighbouring clubs.

There is history between this pair going back many years but it has been off the field stuff.

Curraha have come from junior to senior in a relatively short space of time and will be keen to show what they are capable of.

However Skryne are going great guns in the league and should hold the bragging rights after this one. Verdict: Skryne.

Seneschalstown v Donaghmore/Ashbourne

Donaghmore/Ashbourne have still the get their hands on the Keegan Cup following a few near misses and they might have to wait another while to achieve that ambition. However they should get their campaign off to a winning start against a young Seneschalstown outfit.

The best Damien Sheridan’s side can hope for this year is avoiding the relegation playoffs.

Verdict: Donaghmore/Ashbourne.

St Colmcille’s v Rathkenny

This is a really interesting tie as Des Lane comes up against the club he previously managed. Rathkenny are motoring well in in Division 2 of the league while the Cille’s seem to be finally getting their best team out following a slow start to their Division 1 campaign. Impossible to separate the two though the Seasiders might edge it.

Verdict: St Colmcille’s.

Simonstown v Dunshaughlin

The champions are up against the last team to complete a three-in-a row in this one.

Dunshaughlin avoided the relegation playoff last year and there is little to suggest that they will be any better this year. Despite the absence of a number of last years winning side Simonstown should make a winning start.

Verdict: Simonstown.

Dunboyne v Blackhall Gaels

Dunboyne went down narrowly to Simonstown in a quarter final in 2017 while Blackhall were involved in the relegation playoff.

That suggests a big gap between these team and Dunboyne now have Drogheda-based teacher Sean Kelly as their coach.

Verdict: Dunboyne.

O’Mahonys v Na Fianna

Another tough one to call between these clubs who met in the 2015 decider.

The fortunes of both has waned somewhat since then. The Navan men made it to the quarter final last year after recording a preliminary quarter final win over the Enfield/ Baconstown side.

This one could even end in a draw.

Verdict: Na Fianna.

Gaeil Colmcille v Summerhill Last years finalists Summerhill defeat the Kells men, 1-15 to 0-9, at the semi-final stage, the third time in a row the town side lost at the penultimate stage.

Both clubs are capable of being involved at the business end again.

Verdict: Gaeil Colmcille.

Moynalvey v Wolfe Tones

Recent successes at league and U-21 level would suggest that Wolfe Tones are on the way back, or maybe that should be already back! Champions Simonstown defeated them at the semi-final stage last year and Tony Kearney’s side can expect to make a serious challenge again this year.

Pauric Harnan is a big loss to Moynalvey and they will do well to repeat last years achievement by reaching the quarter final stage.

Verdict: Wolfe Tones.

Intermediate

Syddan struggled to make an impression in the grade last year but so far are unbeaten in the league and sit pretty at the top of Division 2.

Some of the young players who came through the ranks in recent times are now making an impact and they are capable of being involved in the closing stages of the competition. Opponents Drumbaragh have been hot and cold in Division 3 of the league and that all points towards a Syddan win.

Verdict: Syddan.

Duleek/Bellewstown v Castletown

Demoted Duleek-Bellewstown face a tough opener in their first game back in the intermediate grade. Castletown recently departed with their manager and just might struggle this term.

If the East Meath men get all of their players back from injury they could go well in the competition. Verdict: Duleek-Bellewstown.