Was at the Kilmessen v Kiltale match yesterday evening. Absolute cracker of a game and in the end the most clinical, if not the best, team won. Kiltale will take some serious stopping in the SHC. Kilmessen in serious trouble now.

Was also at the Kildalkey v Blackhall Gaels match. Kildalkey won handy enough in the end, but upto the last 10 minutes, this was very close. Kildalkey just ran riot at the end through Derek Doran in the full forward line. Blackhall are a skilful, young team and in a few years could be up there. They should get out of the group with Kildalkey and Killyon.

MeathHurler (Meath) - Posts: 38 - 30/06/2015 11:02:43    1745231

I can see Blackhall Gaels getting out of their group, Dunderry, Rathmolyon and Navan are all just terrible teams lucky to all be drawn together so 2 will survive another year. Killyon and Kildalkey to just coast through their remaining games as 1st and 2nd place are effectively sewn up, the other 4 teams will be prioritising their games vs. each other and writing off their matches against the top 2.

Disagree that Blackhall will ever be "up there" any time soon, they've a few very good hurlers like Morris, Meyler, the Whittys etc.,but they havent any strength in depth, or any underage of note to push on.

Interesting times for Kilmessan, one more loss and their goose is cooked. Great prize for 2nd place in the tough group. You get the 3rd place team fromt the weak group in the QF, and should you win that, you play (90% likely) Kildalkey, who wont have had a tough match since they played Killyon in early June.

CastleBravo (Meath) - Posts: 1678 - 30/06/2015 18:44:11    1745640

kilmessan with a few big names to come back for the last 3 games. I see tispin came on against kiltale, should have marsh and maybe Martin Horan back too. Should see them through to a quarter final. Kilmessan and dunboyne is going to be a huge game whenever that is.

Kildalkey still have to play league semi against kiltale and depending on CCC could have to play them in the Brendan Davis semi-final re-match too. So they won't be without competitive games leading into the semi final.

On a separate note I have to say what a fantastic job Nick fitz done refereeing the game Monday night, let the game flow and used the advantage rule well. Great to see former players stepping in and reffing the game with common sense. Really added to what was a very intense, clean game.

begining (UK) - Posts: 321 - 01/07/2015 12:27:57    1745915

Round 3 coming up. Prediction time.
Rathmolyon v Blackhall Gaels: Rathmolyon could win this game, BHG got a hammering last day out against Kildalkey and don't carry much scoring threat, if Mickey Cole gets firing they could sneak this one- Rathmolyon by 1pt.
Kildalkey v Navan O'Mahonys: NOM hammered by BHG and Kildalkey hammer BHG. I think only one result here from an in form team. Kildalkey by 15pts.
Killyon v Dunderry: another non contest game. Killyon by 20pts.
Kiltale v Boardsmill: kiltale cruising in 2nd gear at moment, Boardsmill to suffer at hands of Champions. Kiltale by 12pts.
Kilmessan v Longwood: Longwood in relegation battle this year, Kilmessan really struggling at the moment but they should get back on track here. Kilmessan by 9pts.
Dunboyne v Trim: game of the round, trim impressive so far, Dunboyne running up big scores too. If Dunboyne are to be taken seriously they need to take a scalp of a big team. Dunboyne by 2pts.
There is a serious lack of quality and competitiveness in SHC this year. The strong teams are getting stronger and weak teams weaker. Any answers to improve or solve this problem??

Redman7 (Meath) - Posts: 81 - 06/07/2015 13:04:25    1748356

There is a serious lack of quality and competitiveness in SHC this year. The strong teams are getting stronger and weak teams weaker. Any answers to improve or solve this problem??
in answer to this..... there are about 6 teams who believe they can win the championship... and realistically about 3 who actually can and 1 that probably will !!!

predictions:
Kilmessan Longwood Kilmessan by 9 points
Dunboyne Trim Trim by 3
Kiltale Boardsmill Kiltale by 11

Killyon Dunderry Killyon by 12
Kildalkey Navan Kildalkey by 15
Blackhall Rathmolyan Blackhall by 3

overthehill72 (Meath) - Posts: 334 - 06/07/2015 14:01:19    1748425

The way the groups were drawn this year are really showing that there is at least 4 maybe 5 clubs who are not fit for senior some serious beatings been given and more to come I think. I think whats happening in the league next year with 8 teams in division 1 is the way to go for championship also making a really competitive championship with lots of tough games while this would also make for a very strong intermediate championship. Realistically there is not 12 senior clubs in a county like Meath anyway for my predictions this week
Rathmolyon v Blackhall. Blackhall should have enough here final score didn't reflect most of game against kildalkey while Rathmolyon really struggled Blackhall by 5
Kildalkey v O'Mahoney's. Kildalkey had tough game for 40 mins against Blackhall but showed there class in the end and will do the same here although navan might not last as long as the 40 minute Kildalkey by 15+
Killyon v Dunderry. Unfortunately another lobsided match here Killyon cruised to a big win against Rathmolyon and in truth only hurled for about 10 mins this one should be a bit tougher if dunderry can stay in it they could keep it respectable. Killyon by 10
Kiltale v Boardsmill. Kiltale looked in trouble for long stages against Kilmessan but came good in the end. Boardsmill started brightly against Trim and played some nice hurling early on but when the pressure came on they wilted only one winner here Kiltale by 12
Longwood v Kilmessan. Kilmessan looked like they had the game won against kiltale for long stages but once kiltale upped it they had no answer. Longwood really missing there few injuries and struggling but should keep this one close Kilmessan by 3
Dunboyne v Trim. Game of the round a win here will guarantee qualification Trim have surprised me didn't think they would keep last years form but seem to be so far very slick at times against Boardsmill
Dunboyne once again seem to be motoring well but this is a big game for them to see where they are haven't really been tested yet but they will here see Trim taking this one but only just Trim by 1

Flash27 (Meath) - Posts: 55 - 06/07/2015 20:41:05    1748870

I do agree that there are some big wins already and probably more to come in the Group stages; but you cannot simply isolate the top 8 teams in the county for the rest of time. Teams like Na Fianna, Blackhall Gaels and Dunderry are young teams and not allowing them to compete with the more established hurling clubs is a mistake and there progress will be halted. Maybe a ranking system should be in place for the 2 Groups to ensure a more even spread?

Rathmolyon v Blackhall Gaels: Blackhall played well most of game against Kildalkey and the score was not a reflection on the first 45/50 minutes. Rathmolyon seem to be a team in transition and not playing well. Blackhall by 6

Kildalkey v O'Mahoney's: Kildalkey were tested by Blackhall |Gales for 3/4 of the last match. O'Mahoney's are really struggling based on there 1st round match and have no forwards. Kildalkey to run riot. Kildalkey 15+

Killyon v Dunderry: Dunderry had a good win in the 1st round. However they beat Rathmolyon by 4 playing well and Killyon bet Rathmolyon by 20+ playing in 3rd gear. Killyon look good this year and should win this one. Killyon by 10

Kiltale v Boardsmill: Kiltale struggled against Kilmessan but as usual got the goals to win. Boardsmill are a good team but not at the standard that Kiltale -play at. Kiltale to score goals to win. Kiltale by 8

Longwood v Kilmessan: This is a must win and must win well match for Kilmessan. They could and should have beaten Kiltale but will not make that same mistake here against a poor Longwood side. Kilmessan by 10

Dunboyne v Trim:As everyone else has said, this is the game of the round. Trim are playing good hurling at the moment. However, Boardsmill kept with them for long periods and outplayed them in certain parts of the game. Dunboyne are a strong outfit and although this is their first game against one of the so called bigger teams, I think they will win this one. Dunboyne by 4

MeathHurler (Meath) - Posts: 38 - 07/07/2015 09:30:59    1748965

I wouldn't go changing the group structure to be honest. Apart from this year with the one sided groups I think it's very fair system. Allows room for an upset in the latter stages of the championship. In recent years you've seen the likes of longwood and omahonys coming through the groups and doing very well. A single group of 8 wouldn't allow for the underdog.

Predictions this weekend

Kilmessan v longwood, longwood missing Anthony Healy and Eoin lynch should prove too big a loss. Kilmessan need to learn from their mistakes and kill the game off, not like the kiltale game. If longwood are still in the game with 10 to go it will be interesting, very hard team to stop when they get momentum. Kilmessan by 3

Trim v dunboyne, going to be a lot of neutral interest at this game. Kilmessan is a very tight pitch which should suit trim more than dunboyne. Dunboyne will have to do something they don't usually do which is dig deep and grind out a win. trim to battle it out and win by 2

Kiltale v boardsmill. Going to be a lot closer than people think. Kiltale are missing jack Reagan and mark Sullivan and boardsmill are the only team to beat Kiltale this year. I'll go for kiltale but only just.

In group B there's not much to talk about. Kildalkey are in the semi, kilyon second and 3rd is anyones.
Blackhall v rathmoylain will be the only contest here. Blackhall by 5 or 6

begining (UK) - Posts: 321 - 07/07/2015 11:16:50    1749065

I don't think any teams would be isolated for all time if you win the intermediate you would get promoted as always. If you look at similar counties yo ourselves very few of them have 12 senior clubs. Take Westmeath and Carlow for example both well ahead of us at intercounty and both have an 8 team senior championship I think the competitiveness of the 8 top teams can only help the county team and whoever wins the inter would be well fit to join them as this would also be very competitive which can't be said at the moment. If you had senior of all the Kills,Trim,Dunboyne Boardsmill and Longwood not too many hammering between these and an intermediate of O'Mahonys, Blackhall, Dunderry, Ratjmolyon, Na fianna Drumree, Clan na Gael and Wolf tones or Kilskyre once again very competitive with whoever wins well fit to join senior ranks

Flash27 (Meath) - Posts: 55 - 07/07/2015 12:13:56    1749127

Was at the Blackhall Gaels v Rathmoylon match last night. Blackhall won by 7/8 points but should have won by double that. Only for a few goals, one with last puck of the game, kept the score respectable. Rathmoylon are in bad shape and you would fear for them over the next few years. Long road ahead for them. On the other hand Blackhall looked good without pushing it to the limit. I think they will give Killyon a good match in the next round.

MeathHurler (Meath) - Posts: 38 - 09/07/2015 10:37:12    1750321

Well after 3 rounds of the championship gone what are peoples opinion on how things are shaping up and who is looking good. For me Kiltale still look the team to beat not even out of second gear yet going to take a good side to beat them. After that its hard to know Dunboyne had a good win last night and should take second spot now although they still have 2 tough games and could miss out. Trim seemed to be going well will be interesting to see how they react to last nights defeat think they will finish third. Kilmessan seem to be improving but it could be too late think they mite beat Dunboyne in last game but might miss out on scoring difference. The other group is a bit more clear Kildalkey will top group and are prob Kiltales biggest threat but lack of competitive games could be a hinderence. Think Killyon should take second and also could cause a surprise or two Also lack of competitive games could hamper them and Blackhall should take third which will be a good year for them but can't see them troubling any of the main contenders.. So I see the quarters looking like this Dunboyne v Blackhall with the winners playing Kildalkey and Killyon v Trim with the winners playing Kiltale championship is shaping up nicely

Flash27 (Meath) - Posts: 55 - 16/07/2015 20:05:08    1754593

Anyone have any thoughts on round 4 coming up this weekend?
Dunboyne vs Kiltale is the pick of the round. Decides a lot.
Kilmessan must win. Should win.
Rest of the games have a one sided look- Kilyon vs BHG might be closer
Trim to beat Longwood.
Kildalkey to beat Dunderry.
O'Mahonys to beat Rathmoylon.

GoalanTwo (Meath) - Posts: 6 - 12/08/2015 11:23:44    1768633

boardsmill v kilmessan - kilmessan by at least 8
longwood v trim - trim to win by at least 6
blackhall v killyon - close game killyon by 2
dunboyne v kiltale - game of round. kiltale by 3
dunderry v kildalkey - kildalkey by at least 15
navan v rathmolyon - navan to shade it by 2

niallermcna99 (Meath) - Posts: 7 - 12/08/2015 19:56:23    1769103

boardsmill v kilmessan - must win for kilmessan and will do by at least 10
longwood v trim - easy game for trim and will win by 8
blackhall v killyon - not the hammering the Chronicle are suggesting but killyon will win by 6-8
dunboyne v kiltale - Huge game for Dunboyne, but Kiltale are unbeatable this year. kiltale by 5
dunderry v kildalkey - mismatch IF kildalkey turn up. If they do this could be a 20+ point victory
navan v rathmolyon - navan to win by 5/6

MeathHurler (Meath) - Posts: 38 - 13/08/2015 11:33:15    1769325

boardsmill v kilmessan - Kilmessan need to win and run up a score for their score difference, Boardsmill really struggling and have no scoring threat at all, Kilmessan by 14pts.
longwood v trim - Interesting game, The 'Wood fighting to stay and Trim looking to bounce back after they're late collapse v Dunboyne, Trim by 4pts.
blackhall v killyon - Killyon going well, very physical team and BHG won't like that. Killyon by 10pts.
dunboyne v kiltale - Looking forward to this game, two teams going well, can Dunboyne finally step up to the level they've always threatened but never reached? Kiltale by 3pts.
dunderry v kildalkey - Kildalkey should hammer Dunderry, would think 15+Pts depending how ruthless Kildalkey are for goals, could be more.
navan v rathmolyon - navan to win by 7/8pts, Rathmolyon are just out of their dept at mo.

Redman7 (Meath) - Posts: 81 - 13/08/2015 18:29:57    1769664

Boardsmill v Kilmessan. Think Boards mill will keep it tight for a good bit but Kilmessan should open up in last 15 mins to win by 7 or 8
Longwood v Trim. Could be a bit like the first game would expect Trim to take it by 7 or 8 also scoring differ could be vital in this group so both Trim and Kilmessan will be looking for big wins.
Killyon v Blackhall. Again this could take a while for Killyon to kill of Blackhall but in the end they should have too much Killyon by 4 or 5
Dunderry v Kildalkey. This one has only one winner Kildalkey by at least 15
Dunboyne v Kiltale. Game of the round Kiltale yet to hit top gear if they do only one winner if not could be tight enough big test for Dunboyne. Kiltale by 3
Navan v Rathmolyon. Another defeat for Rsthmolyon who are heading for inter Navan not much better but will take heart from performance against kildalkey and win by 6 or 7

Flash27 (Meath) - Posts: 55 - 14/08/2015 12:44:41    1770074

Dramatic night. What a win for Boardsmill!

RR (Meath) - Posts: 168 - 15/08/2015 10:12:42    1770510

Great result for Boardsmill and Meath hurling. I read the preview of the match in the Chronicle during the week and whoever wote those reviews has no idea about the SHC. Blackhall were also meant to be on the receiving end a hammering and I heard they ran Killyon very close and if they took there chances they might have nicked it. All very positive.

MeathHurler (Meath) - Posts: 38 - 15/08/2015 11:53:11    1770563

Well done to Boardsmill, great for Championship to have a surprise result like that. On the other hand what's going on in Kilmessan?? Trim had an easy win and also Killyon had a very handy win too.

Redman7 (Meath) - Posts: 81 - 15/08/2015 15:06:34    1770637

Well that was some weekend for Bmill. the interesting game was in navan where Dunboyne were really unlucky to lose out in the end. Kiltales young ross regan is really hurting teams this year where Jack was doing the business last year. Very hard to see anyone topping them this year as they have quality all over the pitch.

Also I was at the trim game and thought they preformed well considering the sending off of Ryan Andrews after I think it was 7 minutes. Could have no complaints about the red and was foolish as it put the trim set up under some serious pressure for the next 20 minutes. That said they got their house in order and played smart enough to get up a good score. Longwood looked after the 50th minute like they were set to hang up the gear to next year.

Navan got another win that will see them safe for another year.

Kildalky got a bit of a wake up call and will need to up it considerably as whoever they meet from the other group in the semi's will be far more battle hardend and cant see them getting to the final.

Irish_downunder (Meath) - Posts: 651 - 17/08/2015 14:46:52    1771458