Keegan Cup holders Dunboyne received a favourable draw when they were paired with Curraha in the opening defence of their crown at last night’s championship draws in Dunganny.

Curraha failed to win any of their group matches in their first season in senior ranks in 2018 but survived the relegation playoff.

The champions were drawn in Group C and also included in the group is Simonstown who lifted the Keegan Cup both in 2016 and 2017. They take on near neighbours Wolfe Tones in what is probably the tie of the round.

The remaining tie in the group is between Na Fianna, who were beaten finalists in 2013 and 2015, and St Colmcille’s, who lost to Summerhill in a quarter final in 2018.

Last year’s runners-up Summerhill have a tough opener against Donaghmore/Ashbourne in Group B. The ‘Hill last won the title in 2013.

Newcomers to the grade, last year’s intermediate champions Longwood, face a stiff first round tie against Ratoath. The remaining game in the group is between Moynalvey and Rathkenny. This pair clashed in a Round 4 tie in 2018 and it ended in a draw.

Navan O’Mahonys who top the winners list with 20 Keegan Cup titles play Seneschalstown in the opening round in Group A. Also included in the group is Skryne who have the longest unbroken record in senior ranks and they play St Patrick’s in the opening round.

Gaeil Colmcille who lost out to eventual champions Dunboyne in the 2018 quarter final after extra-time take on Dunshaughlin.

This year’s Keegan Cup campaign is expected to be the most competitive for years with the fifth and sixth placed teams in each group contesting the relegation playoff in a one-off game. Three teams will be forced to drop down to intermediate ranks at the end of the campaign.

First round ties will take place over the weekend of 5th, 6th and 7th of April.

Group A – Seneschalstown v Navan O’Mahonys, Skryne v St Patrick’s, Gaeil Colmcille v Dunshaughlin.

Group B – Moynalvey v Rathkenny, Longwood v Ratoath, Donaghmore/Ashbourne v Summerhill.

Group C – Dunboyne v Curraha, Na Fianna v St Colmcille’s, Simonstown Gaels v Wolfe Tones.

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