SFC Previews: Moving week for most in the race for the Keegan Cup
The Meath SFC race has only one lap ran, but already half the teams find themselves on the brink of elimination and staring at the prospect of the a relegation battle.
A second loss in succession this weekend will end any talk of Keegan Cup glory and turn attentions to a battle for survival, but for the teams who chalked up a win in round one the opportunity to secure a quarter-final spot is massive.
Every game has consequence. Finish in the top two and you're through to the last eight. Finish in the bottom two and you enter the relegation slog, a battle where one team will face the drop and that is why round two promises to be the most intense and important round of games in the group stages of the SFC.
Dunshaughlin v Na Fianna: Both these sides won their opening round game, so the pressure isn't as intense. However a win for one will at Pairc Tailteann on Friday will go a long way towards securing quarter-final football. Na Fianna are still without Shane Walsh and made hard work of disposing of Curragh. Dunshaughlin are a fast, powerful, young outfit and certainly on the rise. Verdict - Dunshaughlin.
Curraha v Donaghmore/Ashbourne: Undoubtedly blessed with several players of outstanding ability Curraha struggle to knit it all together at times. Donaghmore/Ashbourne have their own qualities and if they click into gear then they should be too strong at Ratoath on Saturday (6.30pm) and condemn Curraha to another relegation battle, while keeping their own outside hopes of a quarter-final place alive. Verdict - Donaghmore/Ashbourne.
Trim v Seneschalstown: Another clash of two sides who lost their first round games. Defeat is unthinkable for either as it will ensure they will face a relegation battle. Trim have been hit by injuries and have a heavy work load with so many dual players. Seneschalstown could have key personnel back for this one, but will it be enough to pick up the win in Bective Saturday at 6.30pm? Probably not. Verdict - Trim.
St Peter's v Simonstown: Simonstown enjoyed the rarest of first round victories the last time out when their defensive plan saw off Trim. They will have to produce a similar level to hold off Donal Lenihan and St Peter's at Walterstown on Sunday at 6.30pm. However, the Dunboyne men have so many options and should secure their quarter-final place with a game to spare. Verdict - St Peter's.
Moynalvey v St Colmcille's: Depleted Moynalvey face another mission impossible on Friday in Skryne when they face a multi-talented St Colmcille's. Putting 15 men behind the ball was expected against Ratoath in round one, but now Moynalvey need a win and have to open up, if they do then St Colmcille's should expose them. Verdict - St Colmcille's.
Skryne v Ratoath: Davy Byrne brings his Skryne side to Ashbourne on Sunday (6.30pm) to face the side he led to Keegan Cup glory in 2019.
While Ratoath will undoubtedly respect Skryne's challenge they should be simply too strong and this should be straightforward for Kevin Reilly's defending champions. Verdict - Ratoath.
Summerhill v Wolfe Tones: Two of the more sides from round one clash in Pairc Tailteann on Sunday at 4pm and it promises to be a cracker. Summerhill's greater strength in depth gives them the edge, but if Wolfe Tones can get off to a good start they will be tough to knock over. The tightest game to call, but Summerhill might just have too much. Verdict - Summerhill.
Gaeil Colmcille v Ballinabrackey: Gaeil Colmcille are another of those clubs who have been decimated by injury and their trip to Trim on Sunday at 6.30pm could highlight their issues further against a Ballinabrackey side determined to show that they are better than their second half performance against Summerhill. Verdict - Ballinabrackey.