It’s last-chance saloon for Curraha and St Pat’s
CHAMPIONS Simonstown, unbeaten Dunboyne, Donaghmore/ Ashbourne, Ratoath and St Colmcille’s all all through to the knockout stages ahead of the last round of group matches in the Meath SFC.
The two remaining quarter-final spots, plus two preliminary quarter-final places, will be decided this weekend as well as the three teams to contest the relegation play-offs.
It is difficult seeing Curraha and Blackhall avoiding the relegation dogfight, while St Patrick’s prospects also look perilous at this stage.
SFC
Group A
There is much to play for in this tie to avoid bottom spot in the group, although victory for pointless Blackhall wouldn’t guarantee them safety. Seneschalstown need just a point to climb clear of the relegation play-off. They have shown enough, even in defeat, to suggest that their status won’t come under threat. They should have Niall Hickey back to boost their chances.
Verdict: Seneschalstown.
Donaghmore/Ashbourne v Simonstown, Skryne, Friday, 8.0
This clash will decide second and third place in the group and is a repeat of the 2016 decider. The champions have been without the likes of Sean Tobin and Padraic McKeever of late and if they are to entertain hopes of completing a three-in-a-row they will need this duo. Ashbourne have also been short a number of regulars also, but the return to full fitness of Andrew Tormey has proved a boost. However, Simonstown would seem to possess the greater scoring power.
Verdict: Simonstown.
Dunboyne v Dunshaughlin, Ardcath, Friday, 8.0
Ardcath is the unusual setting for the clash of unbeaten Dunboyne and Dunshaughlin, who have just one win to show for their efforts to date. Dunboyne will need to improve on the form shown against Seneschalstown if they are to capture their first title since 2005. They will hardly need to be at their best to win here though.
Verdict: Dunboyne.
Group B
Summerhill v Na Fianna, Clonard, Saturday, 4.0
A big local derby, with John Lyons - now in charge of Summerhill - against the team he led to the 2013 decider when they were beaten by the ‘Hill. Na Fianna need victory to be with a chance of a knockout spot. Summerhill are all but through and defeat here won’t end their interest as they have a superior score difference than the other contenders.
Verdict: Summerhill.
Gaeil Colmcille v Curraha, Walterstown, Sunday, 4.0
Even if Curraha cause a shock and record their first ever victory at senior level it will hardly be enough to avoid the relegation play-off. A win would bring them to three points, but they have an inferior score difference to O’Mahonys whom they drew with earlier in the campaign. The Kells men let victory slip from their grasp against Skryne and need victory here to keep their interest alive. Navan O’Mahonys v Skryne, Pairc Tailteann, Saturday, 4.0
Consolidation is the name of the game for O’Mahonys at this stage who have completely fallen off the pace since their two-in-a-row success back in 2014 and 2015. Their only win of the campaign has come against Na Fianna in the opening round. They will hardly get it easy from old rivals Skryne who look good for a quarter-final spot.
Verdict: Skryne.
Group C
Rathkenny v Wolfe Tones, Castletown, Friday, 8.0
It’s winner takes all here as Tones will go through to the preliminary quarter-final if they emerge victorious, while a Rathkenny win should be enough to see them through. Form can go out the window in derby ties and Rathkenny could well put it up to their opponents. Verdict: Wolfe Tones.
St Colmcille’s v Ratoath, Duleek, Friday, 8.0
First and second is what’s at stake here, with Ratoath seeking to preserve an unbeaten run. Cille’s impressed in the second half in the win over neighbours St Patrick’s, but they could again be without the injured Ben Brennan. Ratoath’s superior scoring power should see them top the group.
Verdict: Ratoath.
Moynalvey v St Patrick’s, Ashbourne, Friday, 8.0
St Patrick’s produced a big performance in their opening-round draw with Ratoath and another one will be needed to avoid the relegation dogfight. Moynalvey will probably be without David McLoughlin who was injured in the last outing against Rathkenny and that will give the Stamullen men a chance. It could take score difference to separate the teams at the bottom of this group, but anything less than victory won’t be good enough for St Patrick’s.
Verdict: St Patrick’s.
IFC
Syddan v Kilmainham, Moynalty, Friday, 8.0
Regardless of the outcome of the final round of games, Syddan cannot be denied a knockout spot. They have responded well to the heavy defeat suffered in the league final to beat Longwood and Dunderry. That victory over Dunderry was their best performance to date and they should end as group winners.
Verdict: Syddan.
Duleek-Bellewstown v Bective, Saturday, Seneschalstown, 4.0
A crunch tie for the east Meath side who risk losing out on a knockout spot in what is a very competitive group. They were edged out against allinlough the last day, but if they can rediscover the form shown against Donaghmore/Ashbourne they have a big chance.
Verdict: Duleek-Bellewstown
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