2026 Meath GAA Club Championship

MEATH GAA 2026 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS PREVIEWS

FOCUS TURNS TO CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION

The Meath GAA football and hurling, camogie and LGFA club championship action will be the main focus of attention for supporters and enthusiasts over the next number of months as the inter-county action winds down.

The hurling clubs will get the sliotar rolling in mid-July followed by footballers, men and women and camogie.

Contained in your FREE MEATH HERALD GAELIC GAMES CHAMPIONSHIP SUPPLEMENT are all the hurling and football fixtures.

Also included are the Group details and first round fixtures for the Meath Ladies GFA which features 10 championship grades and 79 teams, a focus on Meath Camogie with PRO Orla Crocock and the championship fixtures.

There are also some interviews starting with Summerhill’s Keegan Cup-winning manager Dave Clare (pages four and five),

Meath LGFA chairman Tommy Cannon, Meath Hurling Committee secretary Martin O’Halloran and Meath Senior Hurling Championship sponsor CJ Murtagh.

Gaeil Colmcille PRO Alan Tormey looks at the challenges for a dual club in the hurling and football championships.

There is also a look back at who won what in 2025 and a focus on the first club to win the Keegan Cup in 1953, Navan O’Mahonys plus an update on the ongoing development at Páirc Táilteann. Something for everyone from the first round to the last round.

Photos: Summerhill celebrating after the SFC win, Ratoath celebrating after the SHC victory.

Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels after the LGFA SFC victory and Na Fianna’s Clare Coffey with the Meath Camogie Senior Cup.

Championship Countdown for Club Action Across All Codes

BY: CONALL COLLIER

It’s probably appropriate that a former giant of Meath football, Kilbride, will mark a return to the Senior Football Championship on Thursday 6th August against the Keegan Cup holders, Summerhill. Two clubs steeped in Meath GAA history with a notable number of firsts between them.

Summerhill can reflect on the achievement as the first Meath side to win the Leinster Club SFC title in 1977.

Kilbride was the first Meath club to play in the inaugural Leinster Club SFC in 1970.

Summerhill’s rise to the SFC ranks goes back to 1972 while Kilbride’s downward trajectory began around the same time.

It has been a long road back to the top table for Kilbride and the 2025 IFC champions can boast a rich pedigree with five Keegan Cup titles between 1964 and 1971. The golden era for Kilbride started with the 1960 Meath JFC title.

During the next 14 years the club added an Intermediate, five Senior

and two Feis Cups while six Kilbride men featured on the Meath panel that won the 1967 All-Ireland SFC title and then went on to tour Australia.

However, for more than 50 years Kilbride toiled in the lower ranks of Meath club football and, at times, probably celebrated survival as a mark of success.

All that changed with a JFC title in 2023 against a Clann na nGael side that would win the same title in 2025. Kilbride’s IFC success in 2025 was achieved against Castletown and that brought the club back to the top table.

Summerhill won the Keegan Cup for the first time in 1974 and last year took the famous trophy for a ninth time with a 0-16 to 0-13 victory against Ratoath.

Rathkenny and Dunboyne complete Group A and will meet in the opening round, also on Thursday 6th August at Dunsany. Dunboyne managed only one group win last year eventually missing out on qualification on score difference to Summerhill, similar to the fate experienced by Rathkenny.

Both teams will be aiming to get a first round victory and Dunboyne might just shade the verdict ahead of a second round showdown against Summerhill.

Group B will feature Ratoath against Skryne at Dunshaughlin and Na Fianna against Trim at Summerhill. Trim will take good

form into the championships based on 2025 when they topped the group unbeaten while Na Fianna failed to get a victory.

Ratoath and Skryne were unbeaten in separate groups in 2025 and also semi-finalists. They will be expected to fill the top two positions.

Wolfe Tones should be good enough to top Group C with the real race for second place between Ballinabrackey and Seneschalstown while St Colmcille's will have to find plenty of improvement if they hope to avoid another dice with relegation.

In Group D, 2024 champions Dunshaughlin will be expected to build on the form that saw them push Summerhill to semi-final extra-time last year with the race for second likely to be intense between Gaeil Colmcille, Donaghmore/ Ashbourne and Simonstown Gaels. IFC

The Intermediate Football Championship is packed with former giants of Meath club football with Navan O’Mahonys, St Patrick’s, St Michael’s, Walterstown, Blackhall Gaels, Moynalvey and Oldcastle all striving to get back to the top table. Navan O’Mahonys had to grind out a one-point win in the relegation final at Dunganny last September to avoid the drop to junior football and that was surely a reality check for everyong involved with what used to be the biggest club in Navan.

A first round joust against St Patrick’s will be a major test while the third round will see them tackle Bective at Simonstown Gaels in what could determine final positions.

Last year's beaten finalists Castletown will start against Oldcastle while Duleek/ Bellewstown will tackle Ballivor in a hugely competitive Group D.

Meath Hill, relegated from senior, will open Group C against Moynalvey and Dunsany will face Blackhall Gaels in what will be a tough opener for them.

JFC winner and promoted Clann na nGael will take on Drumbaragh in Group B while two former heavyweights, St Michael’s and Walterstown will go head-to-head at Kilmainham.

JFC

The top game in the JFC opening round is Curraha against St Vincent’s at Ashbourne. The Curraha men have endured successive relegations from senior and intermediate and St Vincent’s lost last year’s final –they could meet again in the 2026 decider.

HURLING

There was some compensation for Ratoath in the form of a SHC final replay victory against Kiltale that gave the club a two-in-a-row for the first time as they appeared in a fourth successive decider

only a week after an equally exciting draw.

Ratoath will open the defence of the title against a fastimproving Kilmessan side in a six-team group where the top team will qualify for the decider and the second and third-placed teams will contest one semi-final.

The other contenders will see first round action between Kiltale and Kildalkey at Trim and Na Fianna will tackle Trim at Dunganny.

The race for the SHC B title (Kit Mitchell Cup) will see 2025 champions Killyon (not promoted) bidding to retain the trophy with promotion to the top grade in the mix for the 2026 campaign.

The first round will feature a clash of champions with Killyon set to face the challenge of 2025 IHC champions Kilskyre / Moylagh at Kildalkey.

Kilskyre / Moylagh claimed the Mick Leonard Cup with a 2-14 to 0-12 victory that secured their spot in the SHC B for 2026 with a win over Rathmolyon and the combined side will now have a target of promotion to the top grade.

FOOTBALL

LADIES

Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels will be the team to beat in the Meath LGFA Senior Football Championship but they will be

determined to retain the Joe Breen Cup after completing a three-in-a-row in 2025 with a 411 to 2-8 victory against Dunboyne.

Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels will face Donaghmore / Ashbourne in the opening round in a group that

also features Skryne and Seneschalstown. The other group contains Navan O'Mahonys, Dee Rangers, Dunboyne and Oldcastle in what should be an exciting championship.

Some 79 teams will compete across 10 grades from Senior to

the newly-introduced Junior H in the Meath Ladies Gaelic Football club championships in 2026 with 79 teams set to challenge for the silverware.

CAMOGIE

Na Fianna won the Meath Senior Camogie Championship with a 015 to 0-10 victory against Kilmessan and the sole focus amongst the players for 2026 will be to retain the title and get back to the Leinster Intermediate Championship in order to make amends for faltering at the final hurdle in 2025.

FINAL VENUES

St Loman’s Park, Trim hosted the 2025 Senior Camogie final, but the football, hurling and ladies football deciders were played at Páirc Táilteann.

However, the Navan venue is currently undergoing major refurbishment and will not be available until April 2027.

That means that the hurling finals may return to what was, and is regarded as, the traditional home of hurling, St Loman’s Park, Trim.

Ashbourne (Donaghmore / Ashbourne GAA) may host a number of football finals. However, nothing has been confirmed by Meath Co Board or Meath LGFA or Meath Camogie regarding venues for any of the finals.

Retaining the Keegan Cup is the number one goal

Summerhill manager Dave Clare anticipating a tough opener against Kilbride

BY: CONALL COLLIER

Summerhill GAA club ratified Dunboyne man

Dave Clare as senior football manager in November 2024 and 12 months later the Keegan Cup was brought back to the clubhouse after an exciting 016 to 0-13 victory against Ratoath in what was the last SFC decider at the old Páirc Táilteann.

There will not be a Keegan Cup final at Páirc Táilteann in 2026 with a major refurbishment at the stadium, which was opened by Meath GAA in 1935, set to conclude by April 2027.

Dave wasn’t a stranger to the Summerhill club as he was part of the management team with John Lyons a decade ago and subsequently took the reins at Celbridge, Lucan Sarsfields and was also with Kilmacud Crokes. He also played All-Ireland League rugby with St Mary’s and won a Senior Cup and an AIL Div

1 title in 2000. He was Johnny Sexton’s first captain at senior level and also enjoyed success with his local GAA club, Dunboyne.

“I played senior and intermediate football with Dunboyne, but I moved to the Summerhill area more than 20 years ago,” he explained.

“My first involvement with Summerhill was when I was brought in as a coach by John Lyons and we were beaten in the 2017 and 2018 finals. I was a coach and a selector, but we were beaten by a Conor Nash-inspired Simonstown Gaels and then by Dunboyne which was even tougher to take because of the 15 players who started that day for Dunboyne, I had coached 13 of them, at minor and at senior.

“Going into the Dunboyne dressing room afterwards, all I could say was that I was gutted to lose but that I was extremely proud of the players as well. I moved on in an effort to learn a

bit more and that started with Celbridge and then Dublin clubs.

I was with Lucan for a year and with Celbridge and had a spell with Kilmacud Crokes and also St Sylvester’s.

“Myself and Robbie Brennan would have teamed up together

five or six times between Dunboyne, Crokes and Sylvesters, I actually had two spells with Kilmacud Crokes,” he added.

The obvious question was posed next – how did he get the reins in Summerhill in late 2024?

“My sole intention was to come back to Summerhill at some stage and when Conor (Gillespie) went in with Robbie (Brennan) for the Meath footballers it meant there was an opportunity to get involved with the club again,” explained Dave.

2026 GAA CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS PREVIEW

“I must stress that it was a huge honour to take on the role at Summerhill, a privilege and although I’m a Dunboyne man, Summerhill is where the heart is now.

“Meath club football is definitely on an upward curve over the past decade or so, the attention to detail in Summerhill is second to none, the preparation and the approach to games, but that’s not exclusive to Summerhill, it’s visible in all clubs that I have experience of.

“When lads rock up to training on a Tuesday and Thursday they want to know what and why they are doing things and they ask good questions, if you are not getting questions that’s an indicator also.

“Last year’s final was a bit special with that Summerhill legend Donie Mooney throwing in the ball and he got to pose with the Keegan Cup afterwards.

“Donie did the kitchen in our house a while back and all I can say is that he retired the day after, my wife never told me officially what it cost, but Donie retired after it.

“We always talk about culture and tradition and we have a few hurlers in the club and I have to acknowledge the way they can play football as well. I don’t have to tell them about workload or not doing enough, they know themselves what it takes and will turn up to every training session.

“We use GPS to monitor workload, but you always know

what you will get from a lad who is playing hurling.

“Two different games, one might be a bit more athletic and the other a bit more static, but culturally they blend.

“Looking ahead to the opening round of the championship, we will be expected to beat Kilbride, but it won’t be just as simple as turning up on the day.

“Kilbride have a top man in Anthony Moyles, they have a Dunboyne man, Paul Watters, we won a championship together and I think they have Eamonn Moyles

who won a Leinster Club with Dunshaughlin

“They have a nucleus of good players and they produce an impressive standard of football, they have good forwards and can transition very quickly, they know what they are at.

“The late Tommy Mahon, he was a Kibride stalwart, he used to give me a lift to under-age county training, myself, Enda McManus, Tony Byrne.

“That club has a huge tradition and it’s good that they have made it back to the senior grade, I love

reading the history of Kilbride and even the Flathouse from back in the day.

“The enormity of a Kilbride man sitting on the ball in the 1965 SFC final after he was sent-off and refusing to go, that’s a great story and it gets better as the years advance.

“We will have to prepare properly, we will look at what Kilbride does well and we will chat about how we can stop them and then develop our game plan from there.

Last year we were poor in the early rounds, but we managed to get through and I don’t want a similar occurrence this year.

“With guys on the backroom team like Tony McDonnell, Paul Divilly, Ger Ryan, Pat O’Halloran and one or two more, we will have to be be ready as have Dunboyne, that won’t be easy and then Joey Farrelly with Rathkenny, there’s no real margin for error.

“Liam Shaw is our captain this year, he was brilliant last year coming back from injuries and in Eoghan Frayne we have a Roy Keane-type character, he demands certain standards and we, the coaching team, have to deliver or the players will call us out.

“Ultimately, the goal is to retain the Keegan Cup and get back into Leinster and we won’t be complacent,” he stated.

COUNTY TEAM

I couldn’t let the opportunity pass

without a few questions about the Meath football team and the impact of Robbie Brennan in a relatively short period of time.

“Looking at the county team and the impact that Robbie (Brennan) has had, take this year, I’d suggest that the initial target was promotion to the National Football League Division 1 for 2027 and that was achieved,” stated Dave.

“That has to be viewed as a positive follow-on from what was achieved in 2025 and playing in Division 1 next year, that type of exposure will benefit the players.

“My own personal view is that Robbie has done an excellent job in a short space of time. He has brought Meath football on and he has a good Summerhill man there with him in Conor Gillespie who has, in my view, the finest football brain I have encountered.

“The attention to detail is massive and is very important, Robbie eats, sleeps and talks football.

Dave concluded by saying “The family is steeped in the GAA, Robbie’s wife (Liz) is from the Gallagher family and both David and Denis were fine footballers.

David won three senior football championships with Dunboyne in three different decades, 1998, 2005 and 2018 and the dynasty continues with young Charlie (Gallagher) coming through and Robbie’s son Tadhg is also a useful footballer".

MARTIN O’HALLORAN WELL POSITIONED TO ASSESS MEATH HURLING AT COUNTY AND CLUB LEVELS

Ratoath bidding for three-in-a-row and Kilskyre / Moylagh set

BY: CONALL COLLIER

Meath Hurling & Promotion Development

Committee secretary Martin O’Halloran has clocked up some 30 years with the GAA in various roles and the Rathmolyon clubman is looking forward to the start of the 2026 hurling championships with as much enthusiasm as when he first got involved back in the 1990s.

Martin has served on many committees and sub-committees and has a wealth of experience in the field of administration at both club and county levels.

Looking at the county team and how the senior hurlers fared in 2026, Martin remains optimistic about the future.

He is of the view that there is huge potential for progress in 2027 both in the National Hurling League and in the Christy Ring Cup, a trophy Meath has won on three occasions, 2016, 2019 and 2023.

Relegation from the Tier 2HC (Joe McDonagh Cup) in 2024 put Meath back into the Christy Ring Cup for 2025 where they endured a disappointing campaign. That changed this year when the Royal County was in contention for a place in the decider going into the final round of games and they unfortunately just missed out on score difference to eventual champions Derry.

“It was disappointing to miss out on the Christy Ring Cup final, but it was a very encouraging campaign,” suggested the Meath Hurling & Promotion Development Committee secretary as we discussed the county action before turning to the forthcoming club championships.

“The most important aspect this year was the fact that a lot of young players were introduced to the Meath panel and that will certainly help to build the foundations for future success.

“There were more than 20 changes in personnel over the last two years (2025 and 2026), some players left the panel and, obviously, they had to be replaced.

“Looking at this year, in comparison to 2025, there was a big improvement across the board, on the field the results and the performances improved and I suppose that’s what people will look at first.

“The main targets for the National Hurling League (Div 2) at the outset was to stay in the

Martin O'Halloran has been involved in GAA for more than 30 years

division and to challenge for promotion, both targets were achieved.

“It was a very competitive division with Laois winning the title while Meath defeated Derry, London and Mayo.

“Derry showed the quality they have in then going on to win the Christy Ring Cup despite the fact that they didn’t have a great league campaign and didn’t manage to beat Meath in the Christy Ring Cup either as that game was a draw in Trim.

“Overall, it was very positive for Meath and you always have to aim to improve, to get up to Division 1B and to the Joe McDonagh Cup, I’d be optimistic heading into 2027,” he added.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Looking at the upcoming club championships, Martin suggested that it should be very competitive across all the grades.

“With six teams in each grade there aren’t really too many chances if you slip up as only three teams can make the knock-out stages,” stated the Rathmolyon man.

“I suppose the fact that there will be a semi-final place for the teams finishing second and third will provide some sort of a safety net and the bonus for the group winner is a direct path to the final.

“Ratoath will be going for the three-in-a-row, they have massive experience and will be difficult to stop.

“They have played in the last four finals, or five out of the last six if you want to look back to 2020 when they were edged out by Trim.

for Senior B campaign

It was a very competitive division with Laois winning the title while Meath defeated Derry, London and Mayo.

impact after winning the IHC title last year at the expense of my own club, Rathmolyon.

“That has been a long – term project that is starting to deliver for Kilskyre / Moylagh and with the Shine brothers, Daire and Tom, Darren O’Higgins, Wille McGrath and Sean Geraghty and other players they have a strong hand.

“Kilskyre / Moylagh will find out what they have to deal with when they play Killyon in the first round, that should be a thriller.

“They lost two finals to Trim, but then made up for that in 2024 with a 2-15 to 1-16 victory and last year they had to go to a replay to get the better of Kiltale.

“Three-in-a-row is a big motivation for Ratoath and they will be targeting a win in the first round when they tackle Kilmessan. “Kilmessan have a lot of young players coming through to county panels and it probably won’t be too long before they will be making an impact after a few lean years.

“There was evidence of just how tight the group will be with the Hurling League final at the start of July between Kildalkey and Kiltale.

“There wouldn’t be much to separate any of the six teams in the race for the Jubilee Cup and a lot will depend on how the results go in the first two rounds,” he said.

SENIOR B

The same format will apply for the Senior B Hurling Championship with three qualification places, but this time around, the winning team will be promoted to the SHC and that aspect, according to Martin O’Halloran, will add to the competitiveness.

O'Halloran continued “This year there will be promotion from the Senior B and that will be a big incentive for Killyon to retain the Kit Mitchell Cup that they won last year and didn’t gain promotion, they will aim to rectify that this time around,” suggested the Meath Hurling & Promotion Development Committee secretary

“However, Kilskyre / Moylagh will be aiming to make an instant

“We had the Div 2 HL final there at the beginning of July against Dunboyne and we will be meeting them again in the Championship. “It’s very competitive across the top three championships and in the IHC it’s all first teams, there are no second teams, so I’m looking forward to the action,” he concluded.

FIRST ROUND FIXTURES

SHC - Ratoath v Kilmessan; Kiltale v Kildalkey; Trim v Na Fianna.

SHC B - Kilskyre / Moylagh v Killyon; Navan O’Mahonys v Longwood; Blackhall Gaels v Dunderry.

IHC - Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Clann na nGael; Dunboyne v Drumree; Rathmolyon v Gaeil Colmcille.

IHC B - Wolfe Tones v Boardsmill; Trim v Kiltale; Kildalkey v Kilmessan.

“Dunderry are also producing very good young players and it will be informative to watch what progress they make.

“Looking at the Intermediate Hurling Championship and specifically at my own club, Rathmolyon, trying to get back to the senior.

“It will be a tough opener with a

JHC - Ratoath v Kildalkey; Na Fianna v Dunboyne. Navan O’Mahonys v Killyon; Drumree v St Patrick’s.

JHC B - Kilmessan v Drumree; Clann na nGael v Longwood; St Patrick’s v Wolfe Tones; Rathmolyon v Blackhall Gaels; Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Navan O’Mahonys.

first round outing against Gaeil Colmcille, but there will be a determined effort from everyone to go one better than last year’s reversal in the decider against Kilskyre / Moylagh.

“It can be a struggle to get the numbers, but everyone is doing the best they can and hopefully it will go well.

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New-Look Páirc Tailteann Scheduled for April 2027

Dunganny Centre of Excellence branded Devinish Park

BY: CONALL COLLIER

Meath GAA Co Board indicated at its last meeting that Páirc Táilteann will be scheduled for April 2027 hand over and that Dunganny Centre of Excellence will be known as Devinish Park following the conclusion of discussions on naming rights.

The Co Board announced in January this year that contracts had been signed for the redevelopment of Páirc Tailteann, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of improved facilities for players, members, supporters and the wider community.

The public contract signing took place onSaturday, 10thJanuary atPáirc Tailteann with invited representatives from the GAA, local public representatives and key stakeholders in attendance.

When completed, the new-look stadium will include a 5,000-seater stand, dressing rooms, media facilities, corporate area and meeting rooms as well as new LED floodlights.

“This redevelopment is about providing a safer, more accessible and more welcoming stadium environment for families, supporters, volunteers and, most importantly, for our players at every level,” commented Meath Co Board secretary Ciaran Flynn.

“We appreciate the work of all partners who have helped bring the project to this point, and we look forward to the next phase,” he added. Meath GAA chairman Jason Plunkett gave a progress report at an open evening at the Navan O’Mahonys clubhouse at the end of May. The dual purpose event provided insights into the project by laying out the development plans for the home of Meath GAA and demonstrated potential careers in the engineering industry as lead developer SISK was joined by other major contractors that included Navan business JJ Duffy,

Trimplant,and mechanical and electrical contractor King & Moffat.

“The addition of floodlights and the possibility of evening games is also a key point of anticipation and we hope to have all of our night games here,” stated the popular Co Board chairman.

“Meath teams are on the up, men and ladies football, hurling and camogie, we hope to have some big games ahead in Navan,” he added.

There was an updated report at the June Meath GAA Co Board meeting and club delegates were informed that the new stadium will be returned to the Co Board in April 2027.

According to the report, work is currently progressing on schedule with the precast elements for the next phase of the development anticipated for arrival at the stadium during July / August.

With Páirc Táilteann out of commission, the finals of the club championships will have to be played at alternative venues. Dunganny, which will be known as Devinish Park / Páirc Daimhinis following the agreement for a sixyear term naming rights, will host a large number of club action in the early rounds of the football and hurling championships, but it would not be an ideal location for the major finals.

There is a tradition of hurling finals at St Loman’s Park in Trim and that is probably the most likely venue for the various hurling finals.

Ashbourne may be the best option for the major football finals although no information has been revealed.

HISTORY OF PÁIRC TÁILTEANN

The previous re-development of Páirc Táilteann was completed in 1988 following an initiative by the then Co Board chairman, Fintan Ginnity with the then GAA president John Dowling performing the official opening.

Páirc Táilteann (or the Showgrounds as it was originally known) was purchased by Meath

GAA Co Board from the Land Commission in 1935 for £700 with men like John Newman, Sean Giles and Joe Curran involved in the initial development of the venue. It was opened on Sunday 8th September 1935 by the then GAA president Bob O’Keeffe with the official blessing performed by Rev Fr J. H. Gilmartin, Navan.

Also present on that historic occasion were Co Board chairman John Newman, GAA secretary Padriag Ó Caoimh and Rev Fr McManus CC Duleek.

Two inter-county games marked the occasion with Meath defeating

Kildare by 6-5 to 2-4 and Cavan defeated Louth by 4-8 to 2-3. Included on the Meath team that day were Mattie Gilsenan, Mattie Rogers and Tony Donnelly and some 5,000 spectators flocked to the new stadium. The stand that was recently demolished to make way for the new 5,000-seater structure was completed in 1953 and served Meath GAA for more than 70 years.

The redevelopment in 1988 included the construction of the terraced area that is still in place opposite the stand and there were also upgrades to the stand and

under the stand where Co Board meetings were hosted for many years.

The new-look venue in 1998 was opened in June of that year with Meath, the reigning All-Ireland SFC champions, and Kerry playing out a 1-8 apiece draw. Killyon and Trim also played a senior hurling challenge.

Fr Tully performed the official blessing.

Fintan Ginnity was also the driving force behind the purchase and development of the current Meath GAA Centre of Excellence at Dunganny.

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A Championship of Jeopardy for the Jubilee Cup

Ratoath the team to beat in race for title

BY:CONALLCOLLIER

Popular Trim businessman CJ Murtagh is continuing a 20year family tradition that was started by his late father, Ted, of sponsorship for the Ted Murtagh Clothing & Footwear, Trim Meath Senior Hurdling Championship.

And it’s not just off the pitch that CJ is involved as he is also a selector this year for his local club along with two other stalwarts of Meath hurling, Declan Murray and Benny Murray, as Trim prepare for the opening round joust against Na Fianna on Friday 17th July.

This year’s race for the Jubilee Cup has a slightly

more competitive edge and that also applies to the SHC B, the IHC and JHC grades.

This year only three teams will make the knock-out phase instead of four. The group winner will advance directly to the final while the second and third-placed teams will contest one semifinal.

It is only a small change, but it will add enormously to the competitiveness across all the grades, but especially in the race for the Jubilee Cup.

“There is almost no room for error if you want to make it directly to the final and if a team was to lose more than once that would potentially make it very difficult to get a

top three finish,” commented CJ who was a key player for his club when the Jubilee Cup was a regular visitor to St Loman’s Park.

“My late father was always looking for ways to support Meath hurling through his involvement with the club and also at county level and he was delighted to expand that into sponsorship of the Senior Hurling Championship about 20 years ago.

“It was something I was happy to continue, hurling was a lesser game in the county and Trim and the surrounding areas are really the heart of Meath hurling.

“Just going a little bit off the track for a moment, the

lack of funding for hurling in the so-called ‘weaker counties’ has been an issue for years.

"However, it’s not just the hurling that we support, I would describe us as GAA people.

“I was delighted to provide some support for Cathal O Bric with the under-20

footballers and I really liked what Trevor (Giles) achieved this year with the minor footballers.

“Going back to Colm (O’Rourke) and Andy (McEntee) with the footballers, we try to support across the board, but I suppose the one that gets noticed the most is our role

as sponsor of the Senior Hurling Championship.

“When I was playing with Trim, we had a great record and won a lot of championships in a relatively short space of time, but since we started the sponsorship Trim has only appeared in five finals and only won the Jubilee Cup twice,” he added.

Looking at that aspect of the SHC, Trim went through a 15-year period without making it to the final after the success in 2001, but CJ can understand that type of form.

“It’s a cycle that every club experiences, you can’t keep winning all the time, but we are contenders again now, maybe underachieving a little bit,” he suggested.

“It’s a great honour to present the trophy to your own club, but you have to acknowledge the achievement when another club is successful, clubs like Ratoath, Kildalkey, Kiltale.

Take Ratoath for example, they will be going for threein-a-row this year, Trim managed that in the 1980s, Kilmessan and Kildalkey did it more recently, Kiltale did five in-a-row and beat Trim in two of the finals.

“When I was playing, Ratoath was just a junior hurling team and now they have transformed into a serious senior outfit, they will be hard to stop this year.

“They don’t play Trim until the final round, all the games will be at the same time that day and the results will probably determine the

top three and relegation positions.

“I have presented the Cup to Alan Douglas and James Toher when Trim won in 2020 and 2022 and that was a massive pleasure on a personal level, one of the advantages of the sponsorship.

“It was equally memorable handing the trophy to Kilmessan, Kiltale, Kildalkey and in 2024 to Ratoath for the first time as they had lost three finals before that,” he said.

And what about the 2026 championships, will it be Ratoath again or will Trim

make a double celebration for the sponsor?

“That’s the big unknown, in theory, not always an accurate guide, the contenders would be Ratoath, Kildalkey, Kiltale and Trim, but it’s a championship of jeopardy this year,” stated CJ.

“Kilmessan have some very good young players coming through while Na Fianna, our opposition in the first round, have always posed challenges for Trim and can’t be discounted.

“Previously, a team could go through the motions in the first two rounds with

four teams qualifying, but now only three qualify and there won’t be any easy games or meaningless ones either.

“Traditionally, ourselves (Trim) and Kilmessan used to be the main contenders, but not anymore and the change in format is for the best. It will have a positive impact on all the teams.

“The team that tops the group is rewarded with a direct path to the final, it's the same in the Senior B, so overall, there is plenty to to look forward to.

“With my sponsor hat on as distinct from my Trim hat, I think that Ratoath will have improved and will definitely be the team to beat.

“They have the right ageprofile and in Podge O’Hanrahan they have an excellent free-taker, but they may not top the Group and an extra game (semi-final) could indirectly benefit them.

“There could be an unexpected ‘banana skin’ in each round and that will only add to the drama ahead of that final series of games in mid-September,” he concluded.

Gaeil Colmcille flying the flag on all fronts

Emerging young talent boosts potential for success

BY: CONALL COLLIER

Gaeil Colmcille will be flying the Kells flag in both the football and hurling championships as the countdown to the eagerly-awaited club action gathers momentum with the hurling set to start later this month while the football has an August throw-in date. (See all the fixtures in this Meath Herald supplement starting from page 18).

The club’s footballers, under the guidance of Conn Cleary, will face an opening round test in the race for the Keegan Cup against Donaghmore / Ashbourne with Simonstown Gaels and Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels completing the four-team group.

Assisting Conn Cleary, who was on the coaching team when Lar Wall was the manager, are Niall Flanagan, Alan Nestor and Karl Morgan while Gaeil Colmcille’s second team has club stalwart Benny Reddy at the helm for the All County Intermediate FC with a first round tie also against Donaghmore / Ashbourne.

Benny Reddy could quite easily be termed a ‘dual operator’ as he will be on sideline duty for the hurlers in the Intermediate Hurling Championship

along with Seamus O’Reilly, Hugh Early, Stephen Reddy and Cormac Ferguson. The club’s hurlers, many of them dual players, will start the IHC campaign against last year’s beating finalists, Rathmolyon and will also face Clann na nGael, Dunboyne, Drumree and Donaghmore/Ashbourne in a hugely competitive six-team group.

Gaeil Colmcille will also have two adult teams in the Ladies GFA championships at Junior B and Junior F grades while the camogie is a work-inprogress at the moment with development of players ongoing through the under-age ranks.

To get some insight into what is involved in co-ordinating many aspects of the club’s activities. I had a chat with the Gaeil Colmcille Communications Officer Alan Tormey.

“Gaeil Colmcille has close to 1,000 members now across all codes, football, hurling, ladies football and camogie at both adult and under-age and the development at Grangegodden has been a major positive for the club, although it was challenging at the beginning back about 20 years ago,” stated Alan.

“Willie Newman, the chairman at the time, pushed for the project and it’s

great to see that all the hard work has paid off and it will continue with a permanent structure for the dressing rooms scheduled for 2027.

“The facilities are improving all the time, there are three pitches there and the club is now debt-free, that’s a great position to be in with more support in the pipeline into the future.

“There is now a hurling wall and a 70m x 30m astro, that can be used all year and is a great benefit for the hurlers and camogie players especially.

“We have a great hurling tradition and all the lads that play the hurling give it 100 per cent, but sometimes it can be difficult if the two teams are going well, the hurlers and the footballers.

“This year we were in the Div 4 Hurling League and we won the final there at the beginning of July against St Pat's by 5-13 to 3-14

"Looking ahead to the championship, there wouldn’t be a huge difference between the teams in the Intermediate and the Senior B.“

Kilskyre / Moylagh won the IHC title last year and we are joined up at underage level, Loughcrew Gaels / Gaeil Colmcille, and it’s a strategy that has benefited everyone.

2026 GAA CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS PREVIEW

“From the Kells perspective, the club has produced a lot of good young hurlers who have featured for the Meath minors over the past few years and also the under16s.

“As a follow on from that, we now have a large number of very good young hurlers around the 20-year-old age group and that, in the long-term, will benefit the club and also the county.

“We have some very talented young players, Tadgh Dardis, Eoin Flynn, Oisin O’Reilly, Tiernan Anderson, who has returned from college, Conor Óg Ferguson, Zach Boshell, Max Chamberlain, Fionn Morris, Conall McGovern, John and Andrew Gormley and Liam Devine.

“Those lads can be the nucleus of the hurlers for the next few years and that’s a big positive when it comes to fielding a competitive team and playing a good standard, they should be capable of winning IHC title in the short-term.

“Crucially, there are some experienced players as well, Paul and Barry Tormay, Cormac Ferguson, Gary McGovern, Evan Sheridan, Dylan Roche and Stephen Reddy, a good blend.

“Look at the other teams that are in the IHC this year, Rathmolyon, Clann na n Gael, Dunboyne, Drumree and

Donaghmore / Ashbourne, it will be very competitive and Gaeil Colmcille will be giving it a good shot,” he added.

FOOTBALL

With Gaeil Colmcille set to play in the first round of the SFC on Saturday, 8th August against Donaghmore / Ashbourne, two rounds of the hurling will have

been played on 18th and 31st July and that could mean some of the players will have championship action in successive weeks.

“The football will be even more competitive than the hurling with only three games in the group phase and everyone will be trying to win the first game, there won’t be much in it between ourselves

and Donaghmore / Ashbourne,” suggested Alan.

“Both clubs should probably have achieved more in the last 10 years or so, Donaghmore / Ashbourne lost a final in 2014 and we lost one more recently.

“We have Simonstown Gaels and Dunshaughlin in the next two rounds and they both got to finals

in the last decade, but the difference was they won.

“We can beat any team on our day, last year for example, we beat Summerhill in the opening round, but then we lost to Skryne and Dunboyne and three of us finished level on points with score difference separating the teams.

“We ended up in the relegation play-off semi-final where we beat St Colmcille’s’ but Simonstown were in the other relegation semi.

“If Gaeil Colmcille can find a bit more consistency, like we had when Lar Wall was the manager from 2015 until 2021, that will be a big factor.

We have played some good football in the league this year and we have a semi-final coming up.

“We have good young players, lads like Adam Muldoon, Ahmed Lawal, Ajay Tormey, Conor Óg Ferguson, Andrew Gormley, Fionn Smith, Adam Donnelly and Charlie Twomey and the experience is provided by Brian Hanlon, Johnny Quigley and Evan Sheridan to mention a few.

“We won two Under-19 Division 2 championships in-a-row, we beat Walterstown two years ago and Oldcastle last year, so there is huge potential for success and hopefully, we can deliver on that with some silverware this year,” he concluded.

Chairman enthusiastic ahead of August action

BY: CONALL COLLIER

Dunboyne man

Tommy Cannon was elected to the position of chairperson at the last annual general meeting of Meath Ladies Gaelic Football Association in December 2025 taking over from Kells man Colm McManus who stepped down from the role.

It wasn’t a position that he actively sought, but once there was a vacancy Tommy was of the view that there should be a contest and he let his name go forward.

“Colm told me he was standing down and it was suggested that I might consider going for the position, I felt it was important that there would be a contest, so it ended up

with three candidates and I got enough votes,” he explained.

And before the chat turned to the forthcoming club championships next month, I

lobbed in a question about the on-going and much discussed integration process with the GAA and Camogie Association.

“I cant see this integration proposal finalised anytime soon and I think that it might possibly not be a great move for the ladies football.

“I suppose, on a positive note in relation to the integration, there is regular consultation with the chair of the camogie fixtures, we try to have the Meath club fixtures on alternate weekends to avoid clashes where possible.

“One of the challenges the ladies football faces, in comparison to the men, is just the basic stuff, the

availability of pitches, that can leave it challenging to plan training or fixtures,” he added.

Turning the attention to the recent high-profile launch of the Meath club championships, Tommy was enthusiastic about that particular development and highlighted the fact that the Meath LGFA PRO did most of the organising.

“We had the launch of our club championships in June at a special event in Killeen Castle and it was a great occasion, our PRO, Lynsey McCormack, a member of Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels, did all the preparatory work, but as chairperson I got the opportunity to talk,” he commented.

“Last year the draws were conducted at a Co Board meeting, but after we discussed the 2026 championships at an Executive meeting, it was agreed that we would have an official launch to help boost the profile.

“It is an exciting time with the upcoming season set to be played under the new rules and I must also acknowledge Kepak for their continued support, we were joined by David Coyne of Kepak for the launch in Killeen Castle.

“We had Davy Rispin of the We Are Meath podcast as our MC, he was joined on stage for an informal chat by Niamh O'Sullivan, Emma Duggan, Ellie Lane and Fiona O'Rourke and it was a great occasion as we had the captains and officials there from all the clubs.

“This is the first year that we have 10 championship grades from Senior down to the most recent one, the

Junior H and the success of the Meath senior football team over the last few years has helped to boost the numbers playing at club level.

“From the Co Board perspective, our Player Development Programme (PDP) has the most players this year that we’ve ever had across three age grades, each club is invited to send in six players to participate.

“We have close to 180 players at the under-17 grade, almost 250 at under-15 and a similar number at the under13, some clubs will send in their best players and other clubs will send in players who are on the fringes of the county teams, but they all benefit,” he added.

Finally, a quick word about the championships indicated that Tommy is eagerly looking forward to the start across all 10 grades.

“Looking at the championships, it’s going to be very competitive and obviously Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels will be aiming to get four-in-a-row in the senior,” he said.

“It just mightn’t be that straightforward with the likes of Navan O’Mahonys and Skryne, who won the intermediate last year, aiming to make an impact.

“The intermediate will be a tight affair, St Ultan’s Boardsmill and St Colmcille’s all look strong while there is a new club in the Junior H, Meath Hill, who have some of the Dee Rangers players and that could see them making a positive start in the Junior H FC.

“Overall, I expect plenty of exciting football at all grades once the action starts in August,” he concluded.

FAIRYHOUSE STEEL SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

• Na Fianna

• Ratoath

• Skryne

• Trim

THURSDAY 6th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Dunganny - Summerhill v Kilbride. Dunsany – Rathkenny v Dunboyne.

FRIDAY 7th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Dunshaughlin – Ratoath v Skryne. Dunganny – Ballinabrackey v Wolfe Tones.

SATURDAY 8th AUGUST

Summerhill – Na Fianna v Trim. (6pm)

Donore – Seneschalstown v St Colmcille’s. (7.30pm)

Walterstown – Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Gaeil Colmcille. (6pm)

Dunganny – Simonstown Gaels v Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels. (7.30pm)

• Ballinabrackey

• Seneschalstown

• St. Colmcille's

• Wolfe Tones

THURSDAY 20th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Duleek – Kilbride v Rathkenny.

Ratoath – Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels v Donaghmore / Ashbourne.

FRIDAY 21st AUGUST (7.30pm)

Dunganny – Trim v Ratoath. Seneschalstown – St Colmcille’s v Wolfe Tones,.

SATURDAY 22nd AUGUST

Batterstown – Skryne v Na Fianna, (7.30pm)

Martry – Gaeil Colmcille v Simonstown Gaels. (6pm)

SUNDAY 23rd AUGUST

Dunganny – Dunboyne v Summerhill. (2pm)

Trim – Ballinabrackey v Seneschalstown. (4pm)

• Donaghmore / Ashbourne

• Dunshaughlin

• Gaeil Colmcille

• Simonstown Gaels

FRIDAY 4th SEPTEMBER (7pm)

Dunganny – Trim v Skryne. Summerhill – Ratoath v Na Fianna.

SATURDAY 5th SEPTEMBER (6pm)

Dunsany – Ballinabrackey v St Colmcille’s,. Rathkenny – Seneschalstown v Wolfe Tones,.

SUNDAY 6th SEPTEMBER

Ashbourne – Kilbride v Dunboyne. (2pm)

Dunganny – Summerhill v Rathkenny. (2pm)

Dunganny – Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels v Gaeil Colmcille. (4pm)

Skryne – Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Simonstown Gaels.(4pm)

MEADE FARM INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

• St Michael's

• Walterstown

• Drumbarragh

Navan O'Mahonys

SUNDAY 9th AUGUST

Boardsmill - Longwood v Bective (12pm)

Walterstown - St Patrick’s v Navan O’Mahonys (2pm)

• Clann na nGael

Kilmainham - St Michael's v Walterstown (2pm)

Martry - Drumbaragh v Clann na nGael (2pm)

Summerhill - Blackhall Gaels v Dunsany, (12pm)

Simonstown - Meath Hill v Moynalvey, (6pm)

Grangegodden - Oldcastle v Castletown, (4pm)

Bective - Duleek/Bellewstown v Ballivor, (4pm)

• Blackhall Gaels

• Dunsany

• Meath Hill

• Moynalvey

THURSDAY 20th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Ballinlough – Ballivor v Oldcastle

SATURDAY 22nd AUGUST (7.30pm)

Navan O’Mahonys – Castletown v Duleek/ Bellewstown, Castletown – Dunsany v Meath Hill (6pm)

Dunboyne – Moynalvey v Blackhall Gaels, (6pm)

SUNDAY 23rd AUGUST

Athboy - Navan O’Mahonys v Longwood, (2pm)

Curraha – Bective v St Patrick’s (4pm)

Gibbstown – Walterstown v Drumbaragh, (2pm)

Cortown – Clann na nGael v St Michael’s, (2pm)

Oldcastle • Castletown

• Duleek / Bellewstown

• Ballivor

THURSDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER (7.30pm)

Carlanstown – Oldcastle v Duleek / Bellewstown

Carnaross – Ballivor v Castletown,

FRIDAY 4th SEPTEMBER (7.30pm)

Batterstown – Moynalvey v Dunsany, 7.30pm

Navan O’Mahonys – Meath Hill v Blackhall Gaels, 7.30pm

SATURDAY 5th SEPTEMBER (5pm)

Ratoath – Longwood v St Patrick’s, Simonstown – Navan O’Mahonys v Bective, Trim – Clann na nGael v Walterstown, Dunganny – St Michael’s v Drumbaragh,

BALREASK BAR & RESTAURANT JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Dunderry

St Ultan's

Slane

Syddan

• Carnaross

• St Vincent's

Curraha

SATURDAY 8th AUGUST (5.30pm)

Dunganny - Dunderry v St Ultan's, Rathkenny - Slane v Syddan, (5pm)

Moylagh - St Brigid's v Carnaross, (5pm)

SUNDAY 9th AUGUST

Ashbourne - St Vincent's v Curraha, (4pm)

Dunganny - Ballinlough v St Mary's, (2pm) Carnaross - Nobber v Moylagh, (12pm)

Moylagh

/ 20th SEPTEMBER Quarter-finals

THURSDAY 20th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Gibbstown – St Ultan’s v Slane

Syddan – St Mary’s v Nobber

FRIDAY 21st AUGUST (7.30pm)

Carlanstown – Syddan v Dunderry

Kilmainham – Curraha v St Brigid’s Millbrook – Moylagh v Ballinlough

SATURDAY 22nd August (3pm) Bective – Carnaross v St Vincent’s,

THURSDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER (7.30pm)

Dunganny – Dunderry v Slane, Moynalty – Syddan v St Ultan’s,

FRIDAY 4th SEPTEMBER (7.30pm)

Cortown – Moylagh v St Mary’s, Moynalty – Ballinlough v Nobber

SATURDAY 4th SEPTEMBER (4pm)

Dunganny – St Brigid’s v St Vincent’s, Dunderry – Curraha v Carnaross,

COOLRITE JUNIOR B FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Cortown

Eastern Gaels

Clonard

Boardsmill

THURSDAY 6th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Slane - Cortown v Eastern Gaels Longwood - Clonard v Boardsmill

FRIDAY 7th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Meath Hill - Kilmainhamwood v Drumconrath

Grangegodden - Kilmainham v Moynalty,

Athboy – Boardsmill v Cortown Nobber – Drumconrath v Kilmainham Dunganny – Eastern Gaels v Clonard, (3pm) • St Brigid's

SUNDAY 6th SEPTEMBER (11am)

Ballivor – Cortown v Clonard

Dunsany – Boardsmill v Eastern Gaels

Castletown – Kilmainhamwood v Kilmainham

Kilmainhamwood – Moynalty v Drumconrath

FRIDAY 21st AUGUST (7.30pm) Drumconrath – Moynalty v Kilmainhamwood

SATURDAY 22nd AUGUST (5pm)

ALL COUNTY FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

INTERMEDIATE

SATURDAY 8th AUGUST

Walterstown – Gaeil Colmcille v Donaghmore / Ashbourne, (7.45pm)

SUNDAY 9th AUGUST

Duleek – St Colmcille’s v Dunshaughlin, (11am)

Moynalvey – Summerhill v Dunboyne, (11am)

Dunshaughlin – Ratoath v Skryne, 11am

FRIDAY 21st AUGUST

Kilbride – Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Dunshaughlin (7.30pm)

SATURDAY 22nd AUGUST

Kilbride – Dunboyne v Ratoath, (7.30pm)

SUNDAY 23rd AUGUST

Slane – Gaeil Colmcille v St Colmcille (11am)

Dunganny – Skryne v Summerhill (4pm)

SUNDAY 6th SEPTEMBER

Ashbourne – Skryne v Dunboyne (5pm)

Batterstown – Summerhill v Ratoath (5pm)

Dunganny – Gaeil Colmcille v Dunshaughlin, (6pm)

Skryne – St Colmcille’s v Donaghmore / Ashbourne (6pm)

JUNIOR DIVISION 1

SUNDAY 9th AUGUST (11am)

Trim – Trim v Ratoath

Walterstown – St Patrick’s v Navan O’Mahonys (4pm)

Piltown – St Colmcille’s v Simonstown Gaels

Seneschalstown – Seneschalstown v Wolfe Tones

SUNDAY 23rd AUGUST (11am)

Navan O’Mahonys – Navan O’Mahonys v Trim

Ratoath – Ratoath v St Patrick’s

Gibbstown – Wolfe Tones v St Colmcille’s

Simonstown – Simonstown Gaels v Seneschalstown

SUNDAY 6th SEPTEMBER (11am)

Seneschalstown – Seneschalstown v St Colmcille’s

Simonstown – Simonstown Gaels v Wolfe Tones.

Stamullen – St Patrick’s v Trim

Ratoath – Ratoath v Navan O’Mahonys

JUNIOR DIVISION 2

MONDAY 10th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Ashbourne – Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Gaeil Colmcille

Dunboyne – Dunboyne v Rathkenny

Duleek – Duleek / Bellewstown v Oldcastle

Slane – Slane v Dunderry

MONDAY 24th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Ashbourne – Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Dunboyne

Rathkenny – Rathkenny v Gaeil Colmcille

Duleek – Duleek / Bellewstown v Slane

Dunderry – Dunderry v Oldcastle

MONDAY 7th SEPTEMBER (7.30pm)

Slane – Slane v Oldcastle

Duleek – Duleek / Bellewstown v Dunderry

Dunboyne – Dunboyne v Gaeil Colmcille

Ashbourne – Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Rathkenny

JUNIOR DIVISION 3

MONDAY 10th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Walterstown – Walterstown v Meath Hill

Navan O’Mahonys – Navan O’Mahonys v Ballinlough

Kilbride – Kilbride v Ballinabrackey Enfield – Na Fianna v Blackhall Gaels

MONDAY 24th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Ballinlough – Ballinlough v Walterstown

Meath Hill – Meath Hill v Navan O’Mahonys

Ballinabrackey – Ballinabrackey v Na Fianna

Kilcloon – Blackhall Gaels v Kilbride

MONDAY 7th SEPTEMBER (7.30pm)

Navan O’Mahonys – Navan O’Mahonys v Walterstown

Meath Hill – Meath Hill v Ballinlough

Ballinabrackey – Ballinabrackey v Blackhall Gaels

Kilcloon - Na Fianna v Kilbride

JUNIOR DIVISION 4

MONDAY 10th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Athboy – Clann na nGael v St Colmcille’s

Ballivor – Ballivor v Bective

Dunshaughlin – Dunshaughlin v Castletown

Syddan – Syddan v St Michael’s

MONDAY 24th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Bective – Bective v Clann na nGael

Piltown – St Colmcille’s v Ballivor

Castletown – Castletown v Syddan

Carlanstown – St Michael’s v Dunshaughlin

MONDAY 7th SEPTEMBER (7.30pm)

Piltown – St Colmcille’s v Bective

Ballivor – Ballivor v Clann na nGael

Dunshaughlin – Dunshaughlin v Syddan

Carlanstown – St Michael’s v Castletown

JUNIOR DIVISION 5

MONDAY 10th AUGUST (7.30PM)

Simonstown – Simonstown Gaels v St Patrick’s

Seneschalstown – Seneschalstown v Summerhill

FRIDAY 14th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Moynalty – Moynalty v St Ultan’s

SATURDAY 15th AUGUST (6pm)

Drumbaragh – Drumbaragh v Carnaross

MONDAY 24th AUGUST (7.30PM)

Summerhill – Summerhill v Simonstown Gaels

Stamullen – St Patrick’s v Seneschalstown

FRIDAY 28th AUGUST

Moynalty – Moynalty v Drumbaragh, (7.30pm)

SATURDAY 29th AUGUST (6pm) Carnaross – Carnaross v St Ultan’s, 6pm

MONDAY 7th SEPTEMBER (7.30pm)

Summerhill – Summerhill v St Patrick’s Simonstown – Simonstown Gaels v Seneschalstown

FRIDAY 11th SEPTEMBER (7.30pm)

Drumbaragh – Drumbaragh v St Ultan’s Carnaross – Carnaross v Moynalty

JUNIOR DIVISION 6

MONDAY 10th AUGUST (7.30PM)

Boardsmill – Boardsmill v Moynalvey Trim – Trim v Longwood Ardcath – St Vincent’s v Dunsany

TUESDAY 11th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Duleek – Duleek / Bellewstown v Curraha

MONDAY 24th AUGUST (7.30PM)

Longwood – Longwood v Boardsmill Moynalvey – Moynalvey v Trim Curraha – Curraha v St Vincent’s

SUNDAY 6th SEPTEMBER (11AM)

Ardcath – St Vincent’s v Duleek / Bellewstown Curraha – Curraha v Dunsany

MONDAY 7th SEPTEMBER (7.30PM)

Longwood – Longwood v Moynalvey Boardsmill – Boardsmill v Trim

JUNIOR DIVISION 7

SATURDAY 15th AUGUST (6pm)

Skryne – Skryne v St Mary’s Cortown – Cortown v St Paul’s Drumconrath – Drumconrath v Kilmainham Nobber – Nobber v Moynalty

SATURDAY 29th AUGUST (6pm)

Donore – St Mary’s v St Paul’s Cortown – Cortown v Skryne

Moynalty – Moynalty v Drumconrath Kilmainham – Kilmainham v Nobber

SATURDAY 12th SEPTEMBER (6pm)

Cortown – Cortown v St Mary’s Skryne – Skryne v St Paul’s Moynalty – Moynalty v Kilmainham Drumconrath – Drumconrath v Nobber

TED MURTAGH CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR TRIM SENIOR HC

TEAMS

• Kildalkey

• Kilmessan

• Kiltale

• Na Fianna

• Ratoath

• Trim

FIXTURES

THURSDAY 16th JULY

(7.30PM)

Trim – Ratoath v Kilmessan

FRIDAY 17th JULY

(7.30PM)

Trim – Kiltale v Kildalkey

Rathmolyon – Trim v Na Fianna

FRIDAY 31st JULY

(7.30PM)

Dunganny – Na Fianna v Ratoath.

SATURDAY 1st AUGUST

(7.30PM)

Trim – Kilmessan v Kiltale.

SUNDAY 2nd AUGUST (4PM)

Dunganny – Kildalkey v Trim.

FRIDAY 14th AUGUST (7.30PM)

Dunganny – Kildalkey v Na Fianna.

SATURDAY 15th AUGUST (7.30PM)

Dunganny – Kilmessan v Trim.

SUNDAY 16th AUGUST (4PM)

Trim - Kiltale v Ratoath.

FRIDAY 28th AUGUST (7.15PM)

Batterstown – Na Fianna v Kilmessan.

SATURDAY 29th AUGUST (7.15PM)

Kiltale – Ratoath v Kildalkey.

SATURDAY 30th AUGUST (4PM)

Dunganny – Trim v Kiltale.

SUNDAY 13th SEPTEMBER (3PM)

Boardsmill – Kilmessan v Kildalkey.

Dunganny – Ratoath v Trim. Longwood – Kiltale v Na Fianna.

26th / SUN 27th SEPTEMBER

Venue TBC Second v Third.

FLOODS BUTCHERS

LOMAN DEMPSEY PROPERTY CONSULTANTS SENIOR B HC

TEAMS

• Blackhall Gaels

• Dunderry

• Kilskyre / Moylagh

• Killyon

• Longwood

• Navan O'Mahonys

FIXTURES

THURSDAY 16th JULY

Kildalkey – Kilskyre / Moylagh v Killyon (7.30pm)

SATURDAY 18th JULY

Athboy – Navan O’Mahonys v Longwood, (5.30pm)

Ratoath - Blackhall Gaels v Dunderry, (7.30pm)

SUNDAY 2nd AUGUST

Rathmolyon – Longwood v Blackhall Gaels (2pm)

Grangegodden – Dunderry v Kilskyre / Moylagh, (2pm)

Dunganny, Navan O’Mahonys v Killyon, (2.30pm)

SUNDAY 16th AUGUST

Trim – Navan O’Mahonys v Dunderry, (2pm) – Blackhall Gaels v Kilskyre / Moylagh, (2pm) Killyon v Longwood, (4pm)

SUNDAY 30th AUGUST

Boardsmill – Longwood v Dunderry. (2pm)

Kiltale – Blackhall Gaels v Killyon. (2pm)Dunganny – Navan O’Mahonys v Kilskyre / Moylagh, (2.30pm)

SUNDAY 13th SEPTEMBER (1pm)

Kiltale – Blackhall Gaels v Navan O’Mahonys.

Kildalkey – Dunderry v Killyon. Dunganny – Longwood v Kilskyre / Moylagh.

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ABBEY PHARMACY INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

TEAMS

• Clan na nGael

• Dunboyne

• Drumree

• Donaghmore / Ashbourne

• Gaeil Colmcille

• Rathmolyon

FIXTURES

THURSDAY 16th JULY (7.30pm)

Navan O’Mahonys (Trim Road) –D'more/Ash v Clann na nGael.

FRIDAY 17th JULY (7.30pm)

Ratoath – Dunboyne v Drumree.

SATURDAY 18th JULY (7.30pm)

Boardsmill - Rathmolyon v Gaeil Colmcille.

FRIDAY 31st JULY (7.30pm)

Batterstown – Drumree v Donaghmore / Ashbourne.

SATURDAY 1st AUGUST

Kiltale – Gaeil Colmcille v Dunboyne, (5pm)

Dunganny – Clann na nGael v Rathmolyon, (7.30pm)

SATURDAY 15th AUGUST

Dunganny – Clann na nGael v Gaeil Colmcille, 5.30pm Batterstown – Drumree v Rathmolyon, 7pm

Ratoath – Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Dunboyne, 7.30pm

SATURDAY 29th AUGUST

Trim – Dunboyne v Clann n nGael, (5.30pm); Rathmolyon v Donaghmore / Ashbourne, (7.15pm)

Navan O’Mahonys – Gaeil Colmcille v Drumree, (7.15pm)

SATURDAY 12th SEPTEMBER (6pm)

Trim – Drumree v Clann na nGael. Kiltale – Gaeil Colmcille v Donaghmore / Ashbourne. Dunganny – Dunboyne v Rathmolyon.

SAT 26th / SUN 27th SEPTEMBER

Venue TBC - Second v Third, Semi-final.

SATURDAY 10th OCTOBER

Venue TBC - Semi-Final Winner v First in group, Final, 2pm.

ABBEY PHARMACY INTERMEDIATE B HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

TEAMS

• Boardsmill

• Kildalkey

• Kilmessan

• Kiltale

• Trim

• Wolfe Tones

FIXTURES

FRIDAY 17th JULY (7.30pm)

Kilskyre – Wolfe Tones v Boardsmill.

SATURDAY 18th JULY (7.30pm)

Kilmessan – Trim v Kiltale, 5pm. Kiltale – Kildalkey v Kilmessan.

FRIDAY 31st JULY (7.30pm)

Navan O’Mahonys – Kiltale v Wolfe Tones

Rathmolyon – Kilmessan v Trim.

SATURDAY 1st AUGUST (5pm)

Dunganny – Boardsmill v Kildalkey.

FRIDAY 14th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Navan O’Mahonys – Kilmessan v Wolfe Tones.

SATURDAY 15th AUGUST (5pm)

Longwood – Kiltale v Boardsmill. Kilmessan – Trim v Kildalkey.

FRIDAY 28th AUGUST (7.30pm) Boardsmill- Kildalkey v Kiltale. Athboy – Trim v Wolfe Tones.

SATURDAY 29th AUGUST (5pm)

Rathmolyon – Boardsmill v Kilmessan

FRIDAY 11th SEPTEMBER (7pm)

Dunganny – Kilmessan v Kiltale. Athboy – Trim v Boardsmill. Grangegodden – Kildalkey v Wolfe Tones.

SAT 26th / SUN 27th SEPTEMBER

Venue TBC – Second v Third, Semi-final.

SATURDAY 10th OCTOBER

Venue TBC – Semi-Final Winner v First In Group, Final, 2pm.

K WINDOWS & DOORS JUNIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

TEAMS

• Drumree

• Dunboyne

• Kildalkey

• Killyon

• Na Fianna

• Navan O'Mahonys

• Ratoath

• St Patrick's

FIXTURES

SUNDAY 2nd AUGUST (11am)

Group A – Ratoath v Kildalkey; Na Fianna v Dunboyne.

Group B – Navan O’Mahonys v Killyon; Drumree v St Patrick’s.

FRIDAY 14th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Group A – Dunboyne v Ratoath.

Group B – Killyon v Drumree; St Patrick’s v Navan O’Mahonys.

SUNDAY 16th AUGUST (11am)

Group A – Kildalkey v Na Fianna.

FRIDAY 28th AUGUST (7.15pm)

Group B – Killyon v St Patrick’s; Drumree v Navan O’Mahonys.

SUNDAY 30th AUGUST (11am)

Group A – Na Fianna v Ratoath; Kildalkey v Dunboyne.

FRIDAY 11th SEPTEMBER Semi-finals: Venues TBC 1A v 2B; 1B v 2A.

K WINDOWS & DOORS JUNIOR B HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

TEAMS

• Boardsmill

• Blackhall Gaels

• Dunderry

• Drumree

• Clann na nGael

• Longwood

• Navan O'Mahonys

Donaghmore / Ashbourne

Kilmessan

Kilskyre / Moylagh

Rathmolyon

St Patrick's

Wolfe Tones

FIXTURES

THURSDAY 30th JULY (7.30pm)

Group A – Kilmessan v Drumree; Clann na nGael v Longwood.

Group B – St Patrick’s v Wolfe Tones.

Group C – Rathmolyon v Blackhall Gaels.

Group D – Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Navan O’Mahonys.

THURSDAY 13th AUGUST (7.30pm)

Group A – Drumree v Clann na nGael; Longwood v Kilmessan.

Group B – Wolfe Tones v Dunderry.

Group C – Blackhall Gaels v Boardsmill.

Group D – Navan O’Mahonys v Kilskyre / Moylagh.

THURSDAY 27th AUGUST(7.15pm)

Group A – Kilmessan v Clann na nGael; Longwood v Drumree.

Group B – Dunderry v St Patrick’s.

Group C – Boardsmill v Rathmolyon.

Group D – Kilskyre / Moylagh v Donaghmore / Ashbourne.

THURSDAY 10th SEPTEMBER (7.30pm) Semi-Finals: Venues TBC 1A v 1B; 1C v 1D.

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he

TGROUP A

Clonard

Dunsany

Carnaross

Navan O’Mahonys B

GROUP B

Donahmore / Ashbourne

Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels Skryne, Seneschalstown.

GROUP B

Boardsmill St Ultan’s St Colmcille’s St Michael’s

GROUP B

Dunboyne B Moynalvey St Patrick’s Trim

GROUP B

Blackhall Gaels

Moylagh/St Brigid's Gaeil Colmcille Wolfe Tones

C

Gaels B Summerhill B

GROUP B

Duleek/Bellewstown

Longwood, Na Fianna B St Mary’s

GROUP A

Bective, Dee Rangers B, Curraha / St Vincent’s, Slane.

GROUP B

Donaghmore/Ashbourne B Trim B Oldcastle B St Colmcille's B

GROUP A

Clann na nGael B, Seneschalstown B, St Ultan’s B, Walterstown B.

GROUP B

Boardsmill B, Navan O’Mahonys C, Ratoath B, Skryne B

GROUP A Eastern Gaels, Ballivor Dunboyne C Kilmainhamwood

GROUP B

Dunderry

Moynalvey B

St Patrick’s B, Gaeil Colmcille

GROUP A

Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels C,

B,

C, St Colmcille's C.

GROUP B Castletown Kilbride B Nobber, Donaghmore/Ashbourne C

GROUP A

Bective B Carnaross B Slane B Wolfe Tones B

GROUP B

Meath Hill Moynalty Walterstown C

2026 First Round Fixtures

WED 12th AUG 7.30pm

SFC – Dunboyne v Navan O’Mahonys ; Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels v Donaghmore / Ashbourne. IFC – Boardsmill v St Ultan’s. - JFC – Moynalvey v Trim.

SFC (7.30pm) – Seneschalstown v Skryne - IFC (7.30pm) – Simonstown Gaels v Na Fianna JFC (7pm) – Dunboyne B v St Patrick’s - Clann na nGael v Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels B

SFC (8pm) – Oldcastle v Dee Rangers IFC (7.30pm) - Walterstown v Summerhill - (8pm) St Michael’s v St Colmcille’s JFC (7.30pm)- Ratoath v Kilbride

JUNIOR B

THURS 13th AUG FRI 14th AUG SUN 23rd AUG

Clonard v Dunsany; Navan O’Mahonys B v Carnaross; Blackhall Gaels v Gaeil Colmcille; Wolfe Tones v Moylagh / St. Brigid’s

JUNIOR C

Rathkenny v Simonstown Gaels B; Summerhill B v Drumbaragh; St Mary’s v Longwood; Duleek / Bellewstown v Na Fianna B.

JUNIOR D

Curraha / St Vincent’s v Bective; Dee Rangers B v Slane; Donaghmore / Ashbourne B v Oldcastle B; St Colmcille’s B v Trim B.

JUNIOR E

St Ultan’s B v Clann na nGael B; Walterstown B v Seneschalstown B; Navan O’Mahonys C v Boardsmill B; Ratoath B v Skryne B.

JUNIOR F

Ballivor v Dunboyne C; Kilmainhamwood v Eastern Gaels; Gaeil Colmcille B v St Patrick’s B; Moynalvey B v Dunderry

JUNIOR G

Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels C v Ratoath C; St Colmcille’s C v Longwood B; Castletown v Donaghmore / Ashbourne C; Kilbride B v Nobber.

JUNIOR H

Carnaross B v Slane B; Wolfe Tones B v Bective B; Moynalty v Walterstown C; Meath Hill (bye).

2026 MEATH CAMOGIE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS FIXTURES SHEDULE

TUESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER

Ratoath v Kilmessan

Kiltale v Killyon

Blackhall Gaels v Na Fianna

MONDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER

Kiltale v Kilmessan

Blackhall Gaels v Ratoath

Killyon v Na Fianna

SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER

Kilmessan v Killyon

Na Fianna v Ratoath

Kiltale v Blackhall Gaels

SATURDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER

Na Fianna v Kiltale

Killyon v Ratoath

Kilmessan v Blakhall Gaels

TUESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER

Trim v Dunboyne Navan O’Mahonys v Kildalkey Boardsmill v Clann na nGael

MONDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER

Navan O’Mahonys v Dunboyne Boardsmill v Trim Kildalkey v Clann na nGael

SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER Dunboyne v Kildalkey

Clann na nGael v Trim Navan O’Mahonys v Boardsmill

SATURDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER

Clann na nGael v Navan O’Mahonys Kildalkey v Trim Dunboyne v Boardsmill

Top two in each group play in semi-finals, dates to be confirmed.

First named team home venue in all grades.

Innovation On Many Fronts For Meath Camogie

Recycling plastic and a work experience opportunity for transition year students

BY: CONALL COLLIER

With a permanent home in the development pipeline through an innovative recycling scheme, an AllIreland semi-final on the horizon and 30 teams ready to vie for honours across five grades when the club action starts in mid-August, Meath Camogie is in a good place.

Before the club action starts, there is that All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship semi-final for the Royal County against Antrim on Saturday 18th July at Breffni Park, 3pm.

To get the inside track on all things Meath Camogie-related, I had a chat with PRO Orla Crocock to assess the prospects of an AllIreland title, the plastic pitch perspective and the forthcoming club championships.

A Dunsany woman, Orla now wears a Dunderry hat, but on her journey, she won a junior championship with Kilmessan and now has five years to her credit with Meath Camogie Board.

“Camogie has the sole remaining Meath team in a 2026 All-Ireland Championship and we have Antrim in the Intermediate semi-final on Saturday 18th July,” explained Orla.

“There was a new manager this year, Stephen Sheil, he took over from Anton O’Neill who stepped into the role in 2025 after Brendan Skehan.

“Some of the more established players stepped away last year and that meant put a lot of responsibility on the likes of Rachel O’Neill, Leah Devine, Roisin Heaney, Emma Regan, Olivia O’Halloran and Aoife Carey.

“We had a good campaign getting to the National Camogie League Div 2 final against Kerry and the girls were very disappointed to lose that game, but would have learned from the experience.

“In the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship, it didn’t look good after defeats by Westmeath and Laois, but Ciara Foley’s late goal against Carlow earned the quarterfinal place and we faced Derry at Inniskeen where we won by three points (0-15 to 0-12).

“Hopefully, we can keep the run going, but it will be tough against an Antrim side that was in Division 1A this year,” she added.

Back in 2024, Meath Camogie officials embarked on an ambitious fundraising drive with the aim of generating sufficient finance to develop a pitch by collecting and recycling the plastic as part of the Government-driven Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

“This was a tremendous initiative and the assistance, advice and encouragement from Noel and Valerie Moran has to be acknowledged. We now have finalised the purchase of the land adjacent to the Meath GAA Centre

of Excellence at Dunganny,” explained Orla,

“It represents an investment of €400,000 and we have raised some €275,000 through the initiative up to now and we will be out again at all the concerts, including Slane, this month, and we are always looking for volunteers to help with the collecting as this is on-going.

“We have also had great cooperation and assistance from Meath GAA Co Board and this is a project that will be a tremendous

In 2024, Meath Camogie officials embarked on an ambitious fundraising drive with the aim of generating sufficient finance to develop a pitch

Kiltale, I’m really looking forward to the championship across all the grades.

"The Senior B has six first teams and in the Intermediate, three of the five are first teams which will make for a competitive series of games with a total of 16 clubs and 30 teams.

boost for camogie in Meath in the long-term,” she added.

Turning to the forthcoming club championships, Orla said that there could be serious challengers to champions Na Fianna and 2025 beaten finalists Kilmessan in this year’s competition.

“We have five grades from Senior to Junior B and I have to highlight the success of Wolfe Tones who are in the Junior B, but significantly, they won the Division 5 League this year, a first success at adult level.

“Wolfe Tones also had Cliodhna Ward selected for an adult county team, the first player from the club for the Meath under-23 team.

“Blackhall Gaels won the Senior B last year and will face Killyon in the first round while the big game will be Kilmessan against Na Fianna with Ratoath taking on

“I also want to acknowledge all the club volunteers and also the two guys who take the photos, Martin Costello and Pascal Reilly, they rarely miss a game between them.

“Finally, Walls Construction sponsors Meath under-age camogie and they also run a TY programme to give some work experience of a week in the life of a construction employee, covering different jobs and roles, that’s an innovative development and greatly appreciated,” stated Orla. 2026 DECAY LEAGUE ROLL OF HONOUR

Div 1 - Na Fianna (runner-up Killyon)

Div 2 Drumree (Navan O’Mahonys)

Div 3 Kildalkey (Na Fianna)

Div 4 Kiltale (Donaghmore / Ashbourne)

Div 5 – Wolfe Tones (Boardsmill)

that claimed the first Meath Ladies Football Championship with a 2-5 to 0-1 final victory against Navan O’Mahonys in 1976. Meath LGFA hadn’t been formed at the time and GAA HQ didn’t recognise ‘ladies football’ - at the time.

The players in the photo (from

back Cait Carolan, Catherine Gogarty, Mary Griffin, Ann

Maisie McKeown, Marian Gargan; front - Colette Lynch, Angela Lynch, Frances Kangley (captain), Rosemary Smith and Patricia Carolan.

Retro: Kilbride footballers back in the top grade

Kilbride had a golden era which began with the winning of the Junior Championship in 1960 and for the next 14 years they were the undisputed kings of football in Meath.

BY: CONALL COLLIER

Former giants of Meath club football Kilbride returned to the summit in October 2025 after journeying through years of obscurity since the heady days of the 1960s when they won the Keegan Cup three times and again they achieved a double in 1970 and 1971.

The Kilbride club was officially formed in 1948 and there was a golden era started with the winning of the Meath junior championship in 1960.

During the next 14 years the club won a Junior Championship, Intermediate Championship, five Senior Championships, two Feis Cups and was the first club to represent Meath in the Leinster Club Championship.

However, for more than 50 years Kilbride toiled in the lower ranks of Meath club football and probably celebrated just surviving for many years, but all that changed in recent years with a JFC title in 2023 and an IFC success in 2025.

The 2025 success was achieved against Castletown with a 0-20 to 1-16 victory, THE Kilbride men enjoyed a 0-11 to 1-7 interval advantage and did enough in the second-half to prevail in an absolute thriller.

David O’Leary added the crucial winning score to take his tally for the hour to nine points which included one two-pointer.

Kilbride - Luke Faherty; Mark Dempsey, Ronan O'Leary, Cian Harford; Finn White (0-2), Timmy

Meath Co Board chairman Fintan Ginnity (right) and Bishop Michael Smith with Kilbride GFC officials at the official opening of the club’s new facilities in May 1995.

Farrell (0-1), Andrew McWeeney (0-1); Daniel Boyd, Caolan Howard; Conor McWeeney (0-2),

James Gavin, Gareth Rooney; Josh Harford (0-5), David O'Leary (0-9 one two-pointer).

Retro: Killyon claimed SHC B Kit Mitchell Cup in 2025

BY: CONALL COLLIER

Killyon celebrated the Senior Hurling B Championship final success with a 3-13 to 1-12 replay victory against Longwood at the end of October and that was good enough to take the Kit Mitchell Cup to the club.

The late Kit Mitchell was a stalwart of the club and county during a lengthy tenure and it was an emotional occasion for the players, officials and supporters.

Killyon established a 2-7 to 0-4 interval advantage and the goals proved crucial in the overall success with a brace from Adam Gannon and one for Justin Coyne.

Killyon- Ray Massey; Harry Smyth, Jake Ryan, Cian Douglas; Evan Burke, Paddy Coyne, Brendan Quinn; Justin Coyne (1-1), Cathal McKeon (0-2); Niall Smullen (0-1), Keith Keoghan, Dylan Farrell (0-

on duty for

1980 and Athboy in 1981.

6 three frees); David Raleigh (0-2), James Connolly, Adam Gannon (2-1). Subs- Shane Clarke

for Connolly 45m,

Rour Shaw for Griffith 63m.

Killyon’s last appearance in the

Retro Keegan Cup Final Sunday 4th October 2020

BY: CONALL COLLIER

Ratoath retained the 2020 SFC Keegan Cup with a sensational 1-14 to 1-13 victory against Gaeil Colmcille at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday 4th October when social distancing was a key phrase at the time.

The Ratoath players were almost as surprised to win as their Gaeil Colmcille counterparts were that they lost.

Gaeil Colmcille had the game as good as won when Brian Hanlon converted a penalty as the clock ticked into the first of seven minutes added time.

The goal gave Gaeil Colmcille a 1-13 to 0-13 advantage, it was a thoroughly deserved advantage.

Ratoath were a man down after substitute Emmet Boyle was red-carded in the 56th minute. Showing admirable character Ratoath gave it a go, but when Bryan McMahon sent over a free in the fifth minute of added time it looked nothing more than a consolation point.

Then Gaeil Colmcille withdrew Brian Hanlon and Martin Barrett, although there was some confusion with James Reilly making his way to the sideline before going back on and Barrett departing.

Ratoath had possession from what was a needlessly conceded sideline around the 45-metre line and Andrew Gerrad sent a

predictable high ball into the Gaeil Colmcille square.

It broke to the far post and manof-the-match Joey Wallace was in the right pace to finish to the net.

It was a totally unexpected recovery that even surprised the Ratoath camp and totally deflated the Gaeil Colmcille players and supporters.

And up to that point Gaeil Colmcille delivered an almost perfect performance as they coped with anything Ratoath had to offer.

Gaeil Colmcille were ahead by 0-9 to 0-6 at the interval with points from Hanlon (four), Seamus Mattimoe (two), Evan Sheridan, Liam Ferguson and James Reilly.

Ratoath had a brace apiece from Daithi McGowan and McMahon and one each by Jack Flynn and Wallace.

The second-half saw the sides level (0-12 each) at the water break as Ratoath upped the tempo with points from McMahon and Daithi McGowan (two each), Wallace and Cian O'Brien while Hanlon, Mattimoe and Conall Courtney sustained Gaeil Colmcille.

When play resumed Wallace fisted Ratoath ahead, Boyle saw red for a challenge that forced Courtney off and then Mattimoe drew the sides level.

Then Hanlon converted the penalty and it should have sealed

a memorable Gaeil Colmcille victory, but it didn't and the quest for the silverware continues.

For Ratoath, with the football out of the way, they concentrated on the SHC final.

However, Ratoath lost out to Trim in the Jubliee Cup Final by one point after extra time.

SCORERS

Ratoath - Joey Wallace 1-3; Bryan McMahon 0-5 one free; Daithi McGowan 0-4 three frees; Jack Flynn 0-1; Cian O'Brien 0-1.

Gaeil Colmcille - Brian Hanlon 1-5 penalty goal, four frees; Seamus Mattimoe 0-4 three frees; Conall Courtney 0-1; Evan Sheridan 0-1; Liam Ferguson 01; James Reilly 0-1.

TEAMS

Ratoath - Shane Duffy; Ciaran O Fearraigh, Conor McGill, Ben Wyer; Jack Gillespie, Gavin McGowan, Andrew Gerrard; Ben McGowan, Cian O'Brien; Daithi McGowan, Cian Rogers, Conor Rooney; Joey Wallace, Bryan

McMahon, Jack Flynn. SubsEamon Wallace for Rogers 37 mins, Emmet Boyle for Gillespie 44m, Conall Ahearne for Rooney51m, Keith McCabe for O'Brien 56m.

Gaeil ColmcilleJustin Carry-Lynch; Jordan Muldoon, Paul Tormey, James Reilly; Adam Muldoon, Seanie Curran, Fionn Reilly; Liam Ferguson, Oisin Reilly; Evan Sheridan, Philip Ward, Conal Courtney; Seamus Mattimoe, Martin Barrett, Broan Hanlon. Subs - Barry Smith for Ward 37 mins, Barry Tormay for Curran 45m, Ryan Farnham for Hanlon and Cian Doogan for Barrett 50m.

Retro: Ratoath secured second Jubilee Cup in 2025

Ratoath made it twoin-a-row of Jubilee Cup titles when they edged out Kiltale by 2-22 to 4-10 in a thrilling Senior Hurling Championship final replay at Páirc Tailteann in October only a week after an equally exciting draw.

Goals highlighted both encounters with Ratoath grabbing four in the drawn encounter on a 4-16 to 3-19 scoreline at the Navan venue.

Ratoath had opened their campaign in mid-July with a first round victory against Kiltale that also produced 22 points in a 0-22 to 0-12 victory at Trim They emulated that feat on the scoreboard in the replay as they shaded the verdict against a Kiltale side that was reduced to 14

players with the secondhalf departure of Philip Garvey for a second yellow card.

Kiltale to their credit still managed to finish with a flourish that produced late goals from Jack Regan (two) and Adam Murphy. Important for Ratoath was a solid opening half that gave the defending champions at 1-12 to 0-5 interval advantage with the goal from Bryan McMahon and solid displays from Darragh Kelly and Conor McGill.

A solid opening half gave the defending champions a half time lead of 1-12 to 0-5

Tim Fitzpatrick for Ben McGowan 64m.

RATOATH’S PATH TO THE TITLE

James Kelly claimed an early second-half goal for Kiltale, but that score was countered shortly after when Ratoath’s Cian Rogers netted while top-scorer Padraig O’Hanrahan finished with a tally of eight points to his credit on what was a good day for the Ratoath club.

Ratoath - Colm O’Riordan; Liam Corbett, Ben McGowan, Conor McGill; Cian Kelly, Darragh Kelly

(0-2), Domhnall Rogers; Ciaran O’Hanrahan, Jack McGowan (0-1); Niall McLarnon (0-2), Daithi McGowan (0-3), Podge O’Hanrahan (0-8); Bryan McMahon (1-2), Cian Rogers (1-2), Gavin McGowan (0-2).

Subs - Tomas Corbett for Jack McGowan 33 mins, R Hayes for Cian Kelly 59m,

FIRST ROUND Ratoath 0-22, Kiltale 0-12

SECOND ROUND Ratoath 4-24, Blackhall Gaels 0-10

THIRD ROUND

Ratoath 3-24, Longwood 010

FOURTH ROUND

Ratoath 3-16, Kildalkey 0-11

FIFTH ROUND

Ratoath 6-28, Clann na nGael 2-12

SEMI-FINAL

Ratoath 5-18, Trim 0-22

FINAL

Ratoath 3-19, Kiltale 4-16

FINAL REPLAY

Ratoath 2-22, Kiltale 4-10

Retro: Third JFC Success For Clann na nGael

BY: CONALL COLLIER

Clann na nGael landed the Meath Junior Football Championship (JFC) title with a hard-earned 0-17 to 1-12 victory against Ardcath side St Vincent’s.

It was a third JFC success for the Clann na nGael club, formed in 2002 with an amalgamation between the dual club of Athboy and nearby An Ghaeltacht (Rath Cairn) which was a football-only club.

The inaugural JFC title for Clann na nGael was won in 2007 when a Leinster JFC success was also achieved and a second JFC crown arrived in 2019.

An earlier combination also enjoyed success on the football front when Martinstown / Athboy campaigned for a number of years winning an IFC title in 1979, a year in which the St Vincent’s club dropped down from the IFC to the JFC grade. Playing solely as Athboy, the club also enjoyed success with a JFC title in the 1950s.

The 2025 JFC campaign started with a 1-13 to 0-14 victory against St Brigid’s at Cortown at the beginning of August and that was followed by a narrow win against

Carnaross (2-15 to 1-16) at Ballinlough in mid-August. There was a draw with Moylagh (113 apiece) in the third round at Cortown. That earned a quarter-final against Dunderry and a victory on a 4-17 to 0-12 scoreline at Sean Newman Park, Bohermeen in mid-

September.

Clann na nGael negotiated Slane by 1-13 to 1-6 in the semi-final at Dunganny at the end of September and then had enough to hold off the challenge of St Vincent’s in the decider at Páirc Tailteann in October where it took a huge Tomas O

Dughaill two-pointer with four minutes remaining to secure the title.

Clann na nGael - Eoin Griffin; Philip Garry, Jack Doherty, Daragh O’Reilly; Diarmuid O Donnchadha, Cormac Smith (0-2), Liam Kelleher; Daragh Griffin (0-1), Eoin Kelliher

(0-1); Sean Óg Tiernan (0-1), Paul Tuite, Dylan Doherty (0-1); Ben Corkery (0-5), Darragh Swaine (0-1), Tomas O Dughaill (0-6 two twopointers).

Subs - Ryan McNamee for Kelleher 39 mins, Gerry O’Sullivan for Doherty

FIRST KEEGAN CUP FOR SFC WAS PRESENTED IN 1953

Syddan GAA club gave the impressive trophy to the Co Board in memory of Tom Keegan. Syddan won the SFC in 1952 completing a double while Navan O’Mahonys went on to

complete a five-in-a-row from 1957 to 1961 and they last won the Keegan Cup in 2015.

The first captain to receive the Keegan Cup was Tony McCormack after the Navan men defeated Trim

by 3-7 to 2-4 in the decider of the year.

The Navan O'Mahonys panel and officials from that 1953 final was (from left): back - Ned Giles, Johnny Murray, Johnny Heery,Joe Bartley,

Johnny McCullagh, Jim Carroll, Jack Moyles, Tony Sheridan, Brother Brendan, Jack Callaghan, Seamus King, Tom Duignan, Jackie Carroll; middle - Johnny Gavin, Brendan McCormack, Frankie McEvoy,

Retro: Kilskyre / Moylagh Won 2025 Intermediate Hurling Championship

BY: CONALL COLLIER

Kilskyre / Moylagh will be looking forward to an opening round joust in the 2026 Senior Hurling B Championship against Killyon following the 2025 final victory that saw them claim the Mick Leonard Cup with a 2-14 to 0-12 victory against Rathmolyon at Pairc Tailteann last October.

The victory marked the culmination of an impressive sevenmatch unbeaten championship campaign that produced an equally impressive tally of 19 goals that started with a 6-24 to 0-10 first round victory against St Patrick’s.

That 19th goal was a crucial score in the decider for a Kilskyre / Moylagh side that had a player redcarded close to the interval, but the 14 men battened down the hatches and made the best of a 1-6 to 0-6 interval advantage.

Top scorer Willie McGrath found the net early in that opening half and finished with 1-7 to his credit, but it was a superb Darren O’Higgins goal with about six minutes remaining

that sealed the verdict for Kilskyre/ Moylagh. Tom and Daire Shine delivered match-winning performances and that was crucial, especially against the elements in the second-half.

The only disappointing aspect for Kilskyre / Moylagh was the fact that, as a combination team, participation in the Leinster Club JHC wasn’t permitted and Rathmolyon were handed that ticket.