thelutch (Meath) - Posts: 1119 - 20/07/2025 13:28:34    2626625

Looking forward to the football championships starting.
For me I can only see four teams who have a realistic chance of winning the Keegan Cup, Dunshaughlin (my own club I hope go well again), Ratoath, Dunboyne & Don/Ash.
Although league form is not always a good indicator, all 4 were consistent & occupied the top 4 spots.
All 4 should make the quarterfinals as they are in separate groups.
Summerhill the best of the rest.
Skryne are unfortunate to be in the same group as Dunboyne & Summerhill (this year's group of death with Kells) and would do very well to get to a QF.
The Dunboyne V Skryne game on Thursday night should be cracker.
On Saturday the game Simonstown & Wolfe Tones will have big bearing on that group.
On Sunday at noon Meath Hill & Trim might be closer than people are predicting as Meath Hill are a different animal in championship.
For a lot of teams results could be determined by what personnel are available (travelling, injuries, etc).
With only the bottom team in each group going into the relegation semi finals this year, it should make it interesting especially in Group B where two of the three teams that finished in the bottom 3 places in the league will avoid relegation and one of them will make the Keegan Quarterfinal.
My prediction to make the QF's,
Group A : Dunboyne & Summerhill
Group B: Ratoath & (hard one)St. Colmcilles
Group C: Dunshaughlin & Trim
Group D: Ashbourne & Wolfe Tones (but with Rafferty playing so well, it might be enough to oust the Keegan Cup 2nd favourites WT).
I am sure not too many agree with that but love to hear other predictions.
Who is the dark horse?
In the Intermediate Moynalvey look the best, with the winners of Friday night's game between Duleek & O' Mahony's to push Moynalvey. Oldcastle the dark horse.

madmeath (Meath) - Posts: 97 - 28/07/2025 22:05:55    2628838

Meath Senior Football championship round 1
Group A
Dunboyne vs Skreen:
The championship begins when the balls throws in on Thursday evening in PT. Two teams were beaten semi finalists last year. Both teams wont be looking near that stage yet with how tough this group looks. Dunboyne look strong enough again but Jones and Kinlough are big losses while the Tara outfit will be happy to see Campion return in recent weeks but I can only see this going one way and that's Dunboyne getting off to a good start and winning here comfortably by 6 points.

Summerhill vs Kells
This has the makings to be a great game, Summerhill have had a poor enough year so far compared to their high standards the club has. They played Kells in the league a month ago and the North Meath men won by a point. Summerhill have Frayne and Ryan returning from Meath to improve their team, however the men from Kells will look to cause an upset here by getting stuck into the summerhill boys early on. This is a 50/50 game imo but i do think the Hill will pull through here with the quality the team has and will win it by the minimum.

Group B
St Colmcilles vs Seneschalstown
Both teams had poor league campaigns with Sench going down and Cilles in a relegation final which they won. This game all depends on whos around for each team. Alot of Cilles younger lads were out in the States and Banty pulled his hammer when he was playing great stuff for Meath. Finnegan and Commons are two very good club forwards on their day but i think they are out. Cilles did beat Ballinabrackey in that relegation final who are also in this group and whoever wins this game will be looking at a quarter final instead of relegation but you'd like to think their players won't be backing the other team this year especially in this one as i do think the Cilles will win it by 3 and make a good start here.

Ratoath vs Ballinabrackey
The Bracks could go all the way this year (that is down to the intermediate championship for 2026) but they will be happy enough with their group this year considering they were in very tough groups since they won inter in 2020, but they do have a hard game to start vs Ratoath who are without jack flynn through injury. Galvin is gone and this could go badly wrong or it could go the other way and rejuvenate them. Either way i don't think it will affect them till the quarter final as i think they'll top this group convincingly. Ratoath by 6

Group C
Rathkenny vs Dunshaughlin
Rathkenny should have a full team here with the return of Keogan and Curtis, two lads who played admirably for their county this year. Dunsh are missing a few Meath lads to holiday for this game but just won the league without the Meath lads all year. They look the best in the championship after dealing with Ratoath and Dunboyne easy enough in the league semi and final. They look to be a better team than the one that won the championship last year and could be looking at a provincial run. See them winning this by 6.

Meath Hill vs Trim
I can only see this going one way and its not up the mountain. I think Trim have looked really good so far this year and under new management will be looking at going deep into this championship. Caulfield was brilliant for Meath this year and Aaron lynch is one of Meaths best club forwards. Meath Hill will look to Gary Breslin who was brilliant last year for them and gave great commitment to Meath this year. They will have been preparing for this game all year but i think Trim will send them back up the mountain and win easy here by 10.

Group D.
Na Fianna vs Ashbourne
This could be closer than people imagine, Sean Rafferty looks set to get an all star after a great year at full back for Meath while Menton, but Kevin Cully looks set to replace him who is capable. However I do think Ashbourne are still a top club team in Meath and expect a big championship from them so I see their supporters bus going home happy

Wolfe Tones vs Simonstown.
A local rivalry in PT on saturday evening, the Tones are going for their third trophy this year after winning the Feis Cup. However they had a mixed bag in the league. The town team aren't near the team that won the two keegans in a row in 16 and 17 but they still can compete on their day as shown in this fixture in the quarter last year. I think the Tones will win this tho and will look to Alan Callaghan to lead them to 7pt win.

Meathboyos86 (Meath) - Posts: 77 - 29/07/2025 09:27:19    2628897

Just had a look through the list of fixtures for the weekend and see junior championship games fixed for the Tuesday? Jesus lads that's very harsh on lads waiting around till Tuesday of a bank holiday, with the ladies all Ireland on the Sunday. No surprise it's junior players taking the hit and not 2 senior championship games fixed for the Tuesday!

3rdmanin (Meath) - Posts: 22 - 31/07/2025 18:21:29    2629528

Donboyne shocked by Skyrne tonight, didn't see that coming. Wasn't at it, but look like pure muck with both teams kicking a lot of wides early on.

Big win for Skyrne though in what looked to be a group they would struggle to be competitive in.

Cabbagepatch1667 (Meath) - Posts: 58 - 31/07/2025 21:36:40    2629541

Group A**

**Summerhill vs Kells**
Summerhill, one of the most consistent championship teams over the last decade, seem to be in a slight decline as a key group of players age. However, with the two Fraynes, they possess some of the two best forwards in Meath-both likely to thrive with the extra space and the new 2-point arc.
Kells have underperformed in recent championships. They have quality however but not enough to overcome Summerhill's firepower.
**Prediction: Summerhill by 5.**


**Group B**

**St Colmcilles vs Seneschalstown**
James Conlon is the heartbeat of this Colmcilles side-arguably the single most important player to any team in the senior championship. Some of their younger players have been away in the U.S., and it's unclear if they're back, which could impact things.
Seneschalstown are usually well-organised and boast quality in players like Hickey. I don't believe Finnegan is available, which is a loss-he's capable of putting up big scores on his day.
St Colmcilles have let me down in predictions before, but I think they'll have just enough here.
**Prediction: St Colmcilles by 2.**

**Ratoath vs Ballinabrackey**
There are rumours Galvin has stepped away from Ratoath, which would be surprising given they made the league semi-finals. But the managerial merry-go-round/mess at Ratoath in recent year can only be comparable to Manchester United.
This is a clash of styles-Ballinabrackey play more like an Ulster side, gritty and dogged, while Ratoath favour an expansive, Dublin-like approach.
Ratoath have serious class, and I fully expect McGowan to take advantage of the new 2-point arc, especially from long-range frees.
**Prediction: Ratoath by 6.**

**Group C**

**Rathkenny vs Dunshaughlin**
This is a meeting of last year's champions against a team likely just happy to retain senior status. These sides met in the 2022 Intermediate quarter-final, which Rathkenny lost by 3, but I don't see it being as close this time.
Dunshaughlin have two of Meath's classiest operators in Kinsella and Costello, both capable of turning a game within seconds. I think they'll push beyond just a league title this year and win it out.
**Prediction: Dunshaughlin by 6.**

**Meath Hill vs Trim**
Meath Hill, the standout Intermediate side from last year, will have been targeting this fixture for some time. In Breslin, they have a real prospect up front, though the step up to senior might take him a few games-especially given his youth.
Trim topped Division 2 and won the final impressively, even without Lynch and Caulfield.
I expect Meath Hill to show spirit early on, but Trim's quality will tell in the second half.
**Prediction: Trim by 4.**


**Group D**

**Na Fianna vs Ashbourne**
This is essentially Baconstown and Rafferty vs a large north Dublin town (plus a few genuine Meath lads). Ashbourne have been ultra-consistent and very competitive in recent years. While they can play some "puke football" at times, they get results.
Na Fianna have talent all over the pitch, with Devine and Walsh both excellent at club level. If Menton is unavailable for Ashbourne, that's a huge loss.
Na Fianna will push them all the way, but Na fianna lack of squad depth could cost them and see them fall short of the line.
Prediction: Ashbourne by 3

**Wolfe Tones vs Simonstown**
A Navan derby and the only Meath championship game being shown on Clubber this weekend. Simonstown were in Division 2 this year, while Wolfe Tones competed in Division 1.
Simonstown have pulled off the odd upset in recent years-most notably against Dunboyne in Walterstown two seasons ago.
No upset here though. Tones to take the win.
Prediction: Wolfe Tones win

Meathfootball12 (Meath) - Posts: 8 - 31/07/2025 22:05:47    2629546

My Prediction for Senior and Intermediate this weekend:

*SENIOR*
Group A)
Summerhill v Gaelic Colmcilles - Summerhill by 5

Group B)
Ratoath v Balinabrackey - Ratoath by 6
Colmcille's v Seneschalstown - Colmcilles by 4

Group C)
Dunshaughlin v Rathkenny - Dunshaughlin by 7
Meath Hill v Trim - Trim by 6

Group D
Donaghmore Ashbourne v Na Fianna - Ashbourne by 3
Simonstown v Wolfe Tones - Tones by 2

*INTERMEDIATE*
Group A)
St Pat's v Walterstown - Pats by 5
Ballivor v Moynalvey - Moynavley by 2

Group B)
Drumbaragh v Oldcastle - Oldcastle by 6
Curraha v Longwood - Curraha by 7

Group C)
Navan O'Mahoney's Vs Duleek Bellewstown: Navan by 2
Castletown v St Michael's: Castletown by 10

Group D)
Dunsany v Kilbride: Kilbride by 5
Bective v Blackhall Gaels: Bective by 2

Cabbagepatch1667 (Meath) - Posts: 58 - 31/07/2025 23:32:52    2629560

Huge win for Skryne last night.
Captain hindsight but not sure how the bookies had Dunboyne such hot favs, Skryne were in a semi final last year and Dunboyne missing 2 county players.


Group A)
Summerhill v Gaelic Colmcille - Interesting game - Kells seem to be getting a final tune out of the older contingent throughout the league as well as the 3/4 young players coming through. I think Shill will have enough for them but wouldn't be surprised to see Kells in a quarter final especially after last nights result. Summerhill by 3

Group B)
Ratoath v Balinabrackey - Ratoath by 7
Colmcille's v Seneschalstown -Both teams seem to be missing a lot going by league performances . Sench by 1

Group C)
Dunshaughlin v Rathkenny - Dunshaughlin by 8
Meath Hill v Trim - Another interesting game. I admit I know absolutely nothing about Meath hill but the IFC is very strong and the winners tend to do well when coming up with a bit of momentum. How much of that momentum has stalled on the back of an average Div 2 campaign is the question. I expect a big year from Trim maybe contend a semi final with the right draw. Trim by 4

Group D
Donaghmore Ashbourne v Na Fianna - There's never anything between these two - Draw
Simonstown v Wolfe Tones - Tones to have to much pace and power around the middle - Tones by 5

mlc800 (Meath) - Posts: 69 - 01/08/2025 09:02:28    2629580

Good win for Skryne last night, they were well worth the win. Their forwards were a lot lighter so they moved the ball well, into space and ran off each other to good effect. Short kick outs went well for them. Dunboyne are a bit of a conundrum - so many good footballers but very disjointed. They won a minor two years ago and if that was Skryne, those lads would be all over their team but instead Dunboyne started a side including five lads who didn't play underage with them.
The whistle wasn't blown too often last night and it was the same for both teams. As a neutral it is entertaining but sometimes you are flinching.

Roger (Meath) - Posts: 481 - 01/08/2025 11:07:06    2629619

Group A)
Summerhill v Gaelic Colmcille - Kells by 1……..

Group B)
Ratoath v Balinabrackey - Ratoath by 6
Colmcille's v Sench- Colmcilles by 3

Group C
Dunshaughlin v Rathkenny - Dunshaughlin by 11
Meath Hill v Trim -Meath Hill by 2

Group D
Donaghmore Ashbourne v Na Fianna -- Na Fianna by 4
Simonstown v Wolfe Tones - - Tones by 6

Points76 (Meath) - Posts: 51 - 01/08/2025 16:10:43    2629674

Meathfootball12 (Meath) - Posts: 8 - 01/08/2025 19:54:21    2629703

thelutch (Meath) - Posts: 1119 - 01/08/2025 20:46:47    2629708

Some farce that the ballinlough dunderry game being over in dunganny, scoreboard not working, temporary site railing around the pitch, no dug out. Get away with it today, but imagine a wet day, no shelter for anyone,

lough4life (Meath) - Posts: 7 - 02/08/2025 18:26:13    2629806

thelutch (Meath) - Posts: 1119 - 02/08/2025 18:38:02    2629808

A open championship.

Points76 (Meath) - Posts: 51 - 02/08/2025 19:40:54    2629818

Keith Curtis kicked 2-11 out of Rathkenny''s 2-16 in their win over Dunshaughlin.

He chipped over two pointed frees and 45s for fun, have to wonder why he wasn't given the opportunity to kick them for Meath when Billie Hogan was kicking everything wide and we were struggling with frees.

Even so masterful performance against the champions. Rathkenny are a very underrated team, they've a lot of good player and will fancy themselves again Trim and Meath Hill for sure.

Cabbagepatch1667 (Meath) - Posts: 58 - 02/08/2025 20:23:33    2629824

First question: how many two point frees did Keith Curtis make today? Second question: should he have been on those frees in a Meath jersey this year?

New rules could make this an absolutely wide open championship this year.

Ratoath Royal (Meath) - Posts: 1400 - 02/08/2025 21:18:56    2629835

Great win for seneschalstown, 19 year old Cian Commons with 1-6. Future Meath star if he can stay injury free.

Sheridan2010louth (Meath) - Posts: 256 - 02/08/2025 21:19:08    2629836

lough4life (Meath) - Posts: 7 - 03/08/2025 02:18:50    2629855

The ref should at least try and get 2 umpires but sometimes they can be hard got.. There's quite a few clubs who don't even have a club referee and are very quick to criticize!

Stretch289 (Meath) - Posts: 7 - 03/08/2025 17:01:17    2629921