Tough test on the cards for defending champions
SFC QUARTER-FINAL PREVIEW
If there was such a thing in the GAA as the Super Cup or a Charity Shield then next Sunday's SFC quarter-final in Ashbourne at 7.30pm could well fit that bill as last year's SFC champions Ratoath put their title on the line against the IFC winners Dunshaughlin.
In any other circumstances, or in the case of most of the intermediate winners coming up to the senior ranks in recent years, they would be given little or no chance when facing off against the defending Keegan Cup holders.
Even up until the last series of games in the SFC were played, any prospect of Dunshaughlin knocking Ratoath off their perch looked about as likely as snow in summer in the Sahara.
However, St Colmcille's have given all others hope with their surprise win over Ratoath that saw them claim top spot in their group ahead of Kevin Reilly's highly regarded charges.
It must be taken into consideration that Ratoath were already assured of their place in the final eight and used the opportunity to get some badly needed rest into some players and some much appreciated game time into others.
The champions may have taken their eye off the ball and had it focused on the bigger picture, but if any team is capable of testing that suspicion then it is Dunshaughlin.
Richie Kealy's men made hard work of confirming their place in the knock out stages with a late, come-from-behind, one-point victory over Curraha. As it transpired the other results went Dunshaughlin's way in round three, so they had no need to fret.
Much like Trim when they made the progression from intermediate to senior, Dunshaughlin went through the group stages unbeaten and now they have nothing to lose when they take on the highly rated champions who are bidding for a fourth Keegan Cup in five years following victories in 2019, '20 and '22.
Claiming a side has nothing to lose is a little disrespectful maybe to the efforts they have put in this far and that certainly can apply to Dunshaughlin because they have all the attributes necessary to be senior champions again for the first time since they completed the three-in-a-row in 2002.
Ratoath still look like the side to beat, but they have injury concerns. Conor McGill hasn't played their last couple of games, while Bryan McMahon suffered an injury the last day out against St Colmcille's that could rule him out of contention.
Manager Reilly has also been without a number of big players all year, but he welcomed back a couple, including Gavin McGowan, against St Colmcille's that will be a boost.
Liam Kelly, Ben Wyer, Brian Daly, Keith McCabe are all outstanding defenders, while with others like Jack Flynn and Daithi McGowan patrolling the skies around midfield it is easy to see why Ratoath are so formidable.
Gavin McGowan's return is a boost and with Eamon Wallace, Conor Rooney and Bobby O'Brien around they have plenty of attacking options should McMahon miss out.
Dunshaughlin have their own injuries to deal with Conor Gray ruled out with a shoulder injury.
However, Ruairi Kinsella's form has been exceptional for Dunshaughlin and if Mathew Costello can also maintain his fine run of form Dunshaughlin will certainly put it up to the champions, but it could be in vain.
Verdict - Ratoath.