Cille’s will have to hit their peak to beat the ‘Hill

SFC quarter-finals

St Colmcille’s v Summerhill, Skryne, Friday 8.0

A really difficult assignment for Cille’s who are appearing at this stage for the first time ever. Des Lane’s side will need all hands on deck for this one against last year’s finalists and if Ben Brennan hasn’t recovered from injury that could seriously weaken their chances. Graham Reilly and James Conlon also missed the defeat to Ratoath but both should make a return here.

Summerhill have recovered well from their eight-point opening-round defeat by Gaeil Colmcille and a feature of their four victories after that has been the impressive tallies they posted. They are by far the highest scorers in the campaign so far and in their five matches to date have netted 15 goals.

Cille’s leaked three goals in the early stages when going down to Moynalvey and a repeat of that would spell disaster. They defended quite well in the subsequent win over St Patrick’s as well as the defeat by Ratoath, getting behind the ball in large numbers. They will probably need to do the same against John Lyons men while still managing to get a decent supply to Reilly, Conlon and Conor O’Byrne if they are to have a chance.

The ‘Hill had 11 points points to spare when the sides clashed in the league in June, though that outcome will have little bearing on this meeting. Verdict: Summerhill

Ratoath v Donaghmore/Ashbourne, Pairc Tailteann, Saturday 4.30

A meeting of close neighbours and one that both sides who probably rather have avoided at this stage. For the second year in a row Ratoath have topped their group and qualified with an unbeaten record. Last year they lost at the quarter-final stage to Wolfe Tones when they were expected to win. They will also be expected to advance here, but they have yet to face any of the big guns and a question mark remains as to whether they are yet ready to take on some of the more seasoned sides.

Ashbourne haven’t set the world on fire so far but have been boosted by the return of Andrew Tormey following a lengthy layoff through injury. Thomas and Darragh McGovern could also be back in the fold to boost their hopes. They are tipped to cause a mild surprise.

Verdict: Donaghmore/Ashbourne

Simonstown v Skryne, Pairc Tailteann, Sunday 4.0

Simonstown, chasing a threein-a-row, lay their title on the line against a Skryne team who 12 months ago was fighting a relegation play-off. Since then the Tara men have been boosted by the return of the likes of Harry Rooney, Ian Davis and Conor O’Brien. With some of their younger players, notably Darragh Campion, Robbie Clarke and Eoin Smyth now making a bigger impression, they pose a serious threat to the champions. Skryne have already collected silverware in the form of the league title.

For the holders much has changed since last year’s final win over Summerhill. Manager Colm O’Rourke has stepped aside, while injuries have finally put paid to the career of his son Shane. Conor Nash is of course plying his trade down under in the AFL with Hawthorn, while veteran Seamus Kenny hasn’t played at this level this year. The north Navan men should be boosted by the return of forwards Padraig McKeever and Sean Tobin, both of whom spent the summer in the States. Verdict: Simonstown

Dunboyne v Gaeil Colmcille/Wolfe Tones, Dunshaughlin, Saturday 6.30

Dunboyne and the title favourites were awaiting the winners of last night’s (Monday) preliminary quarter-final tie between Gaeil Colmcille and Wolfe Tones.

Relegation play-off

Curraha v Blackhall Gaels, Dunshaughlin, Thursday 8.0

It’s been a difficult first year in senior ranks for Curraha, especially with such a long list of regulars absent. The losers of this Relegation Game 1 play St Patrick’s, the other team involved in the play-off. Curraha should be boosted by the return of a number of regulars, including intercounty player James McEntee.

Blackhall were the only team to finish the group stages without a single point from their five outings. They were also involved in last year’s play-off.

Verdict: Curraha

IFC quarter-final

Syddan v Oldcastle, Pairc Tailteann, Sunday 2.30

These sides met in the division two final in July and Oldcastle had 13 points to spare at the finish following a late goal flourish.

This one should be much closer, with Kevin Traynor back after missing the league decider through injury. Syddan have recovered well from that setback and their most impressive victory was against Dunderry, a win that clinched their place in the knockout stages.

Oldcastle lost two of their opening three games in the group stage, but recent wins over Castletown and Donaghmore/ Ashbourne would suggest that they are hitting form at just the right time.

Verdict: Oldcastle