The Division 1B League Final takes place this Saturday evening at 6:30pm between two teams who had contrasting fortunes in 2021.

Trim were crowned Meath and Leinster Intermediate Championship winners and were promoted back up to Senior after ten years in exile, while their opponents Dunshaughlin were relegated down to the Intermediate Championship after 25 years playing Senior Championship football.

Although there are signs that Dunshaughlin have improved this year with a very young side, form would suggest Trim as they went right through the league winning all nine of their games including having a convincing six- point win against Dunshaughlin in late April. Trim had already qualified for the final before the last few rounds of games, Dunshaughlin’s on the other hand suffered two defeats in the league stages and only clinched 2nd place with a win over Curraha in the last round of the league. Both teams are promoted to Division 1A for 2023 and Dunshaughlin will see that as a first important step (in a league playing senior teams) in their quest to regain Senior status. A win for either team would give them a good boost of confidence going into their respective championships as this will be the last big competitive game before championship and it has the makings of a very competitive game as both teams like to play attacking football.

Dunshaughlin would have been disappointed with their level of performance in the earlier game against Trim and will be hoping to do better at the 2nd time of asking. Trim on the other hand are on an amazing winning streak lasting all the way back to the end of 2020, including for all of 2021 (except losing an All-Ireland Final) and all of 2022 so far. Dunshaughlin are on a bit of a streak themselves having won every game since the defeat to Trim, which includes the last four league games in a row. Both teams have serious firepower up front and that was reflected in the high scores both teams put up in the league, Trim scoring 19-112 (169) and Dunshaughlin 19-110(167). Trim’s in form forwards are Aaron Lynch, Alan Douglas, Mikey Cullen and Ciaran Caufield who could be reacquainting himself with some of his Meath under 20 team mates, Ruairi Kinsella, John McDonagh, Conor Gray, Aaron Murphy, Fursey Blake & Ciaran McCarrick. Dunshaughlin will be hoping that Luke Mitchell, Conor Duke and Cathal McCormack’s good league form will carry over into the final.  Dunshaughlin are captained by the very popular Niall Murphy who has been very solid in the backs, appears to be relishing the role and is well supported by Oisin Foley, Alastar Doyle & Danny Quinn. Dunshaughlin welcomed back Mathew Costello from Meath duty for their win over Curraha.

Since taking over last year, Trim manager Kevin Reilly has made a big impact, winning Meath & Leinster Intermediate titles and he is probably especially happy about how little his defence concedes in games, conceding an average of only 10 points a game in the league. The glue that keeps it all together in the back is county hurler James Toher. 

Dunshaughlin’s new management team of Richie Kealy, Paul Curran, Fergus Clancy & TP Toolan will be pleased that their troops have responded so well to their appointment and are playing well for them. 

Two weeks ago, Dunshaughlin reached the Division 2B Final which went to extra time and if this game is anywhere near as entertaining, we are in for a classic.

For spectators going to the game, Summerhill are producing a program illustrating both team’s formations. Throw in on Saturday June 25th is at 6.30pm.

For those who can’t attend the game there will be Free Live Commentary of the game from 6:20pm on Saturday evening brought to you by the “We are Meath” podcast team and you can tune in by hitting the link below.

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