LMFM MFC Round 2 Preview

The LMFM Minor Football Championship resumes this evening with crucial games across all six divisions as teams look to build on their victories in the opening round while others have ground to make up after they got off to a disappointing start to their campaign.

Among the eye-catching games is the Navan Derby between Simonstown Gaels and O’Mahonys.  Both of these teams fell to defeats two weeks ago in contrasting manners, Simonstown losing out to Walterstown by nineteen points while their rivals from across town were edged out by Kilbride by a solitary point.  A win for either would put them back on track for a place in the semi-finals while a defeat will leave the loser heading for the Shield competition.

There are two games not taking place as in Division 1A and Division 5A Skryne and Simonstown (B) respectively are not fielding.

All games throw-in at 19:15 unless stated.

Division 1A.

Results to date.

St. Peter’s Dunboyne v Gaeil Colmcille

Referee – Owen Ganly (Trim)

Venue – Dunboyne

St. Peter’s Dunboyne may have lost out to Summerhill in their opening-round game but for a promoted team who many had believed would struggle, their performance was impressive, even in defeat.  On another day had they got the rub of the green then Sean Callanan’s charges may have come away with at least a point to their name and they will be looking to pick up a valuable home win here.  By contrast, Gaeil Colmcille who had been fancied to get off to a winning start against Duleek/Bellewstown fell to a surprisingly heavy defeat.

Sean Thornton was in impressive form between the uprights for Gaeil Colmcille the last day as he pulled off some excellent saves and if they can get some more ball into their talented forward line then they could make hay.  Alex Williams has an eye for a goal with his late runs from deep often causing problems for the opposition defence while full-forward Cian Murphy is more than capable of causing problems for the St. Peter’s Dunboyne full-back.

The Dunboyne outfit will be looking to boost the spirits in the club after their disappointing loss to Gaeil Colmcille in the Fairyhouse Steel SFC on Sunday which seen them exit stage left and with this being their solitary home match before a tough encounter away to Duleek-Bellewstown in Round 3, a victory here is a must if aspirations of qualification to the semi-finals are to be maintained. That home advantage might just give them the boost they require.

Verdict – St. Peter’s Dunboyne

Duleek/Bellewstown v Summerhill

Referee – Joe Synnott (Donaghmore/Ashbourne)

Venue – Duleek

Evan Gaffney with two and Henrique Magno were the goalscoring heroes the last day for Summerhill and no doubt they will be tightly watched by the Duleek/Bellewstown rear-guard who will not want to let them repeat the trick.  If this deadly duo can hit form again then Summerhill have every chance of picking up a second victory but they come up against the Duleek/Bellewstown side who turned in probably the performance of Round 1 when blitzing Gaeil Colmcille in Grangegodden.

Having had twenty-five players togged out for that game, Duleek/Bellewstown have no shortage of players which augurs well for the future of the club and having been finalists with this team at the U-15 grade two years ago, they look like a group who have designs on going deep into the competition.  If Duleek/Bellewstown’s attack can again reach the heights they hit a fortnight ago, they will be hard stopped by Summerhill.

Verdict – Duleek/Bellewstown

Division 1B

Results to date.

Ratoath v Dunshaughlin (19:00)

Referee – Padraig Coyle (Seneschalstown)

Venue – Ratoath

A local derby to whet the appetite sees Ratoath needing a win after coming up short in Piltown the last day coming up against a Dunshaughlin side who were in sensational form against Skryne.  If Dunshaughlin hit those heights again it will be hard to see them defeated by anybody but Ratoath with their backs to the wall are sure to be a dangerous proposition.

Knowing that a defeat here will likely consign them to partaking in the Shield for the third year in succession, Ratoath will be fired up for this encounter and know that a win would leave them in with a brilliant chance of qualifying for the semi-finals with a home game to come against Skryne in Round 3.

County Minor panellist Ruairí Kinsella was in electric form for Dunshaughlin two weeks ago as he plundered 3-06, 2-05 of which came in the final quarter.  With John McDonagh pulling the strings at centre forward and Kinsella on fire inside on the edge of the square, Dunshaughlin have no shortage of firepower and if they hit top form again then Kieran O’Riordan could see his team book their semi-final place.

Verdict – Dunshaughlin

Skryne v St. Colmcilles

Skryne are not fielding.  The points have been awarded to St. Colmcilles.

St. Colmcille’s v Ratoath in Division 1B Round 1 via Brian Mulligan.

Division 2A

Results to date.

Kilbride v Walterstown

Referee – Pat Clarke (Seneschalstown)

Venue – Kilbride

David slayed Goliath in Round 1 when Kilbride downed O’Mahony’s by a point in Paddy O’Brien Park and they come into this encounter knowing that a win on home soil will leave them with one foot in the semi-finals.  Walterstown on the other hand were mightily impressive in dismantling the Simonstown challenge two weeks ago in a most comprehensive manner as they had nineteen points to spare at the final whistle.

At the beginning of the competition we tipped Kilbride on these pages to make the semi-finals with Walterstown missing out.  That huge win for Walterstown left that prediction looking wildly off course but a slip up in Kilbride and a win for O’Mahony’s in Simonstown this evening would leave them needing a positive result in Round 3.  How they marshal players like Zach McGovern and Josh Harford will be key and while Kilbride have some star quality sprinkled around their team, Walterstown are possibly a more evenly balanced outfit.  Eoghan McCague whose father Aidan is a former club secretary will be a key player this evening for the away side and if he along with the likes of Adam Quinn and Troy Campbell O’Brien can hit top form then the points can go to Walterstown but the extra stardust around Kilbride suggests they won’t.

Verdict – Kilbride

Simonstown Gaels v Navan O’Mahonys

Referee – Richard Morris (Blackhall Gaels)

Venue – Simonstown

It has been a difficult few days on the Proudstown Road as Simonstown hit the headlines with the news that an adult player in the club had tested positive for Covid-19.  Their 48-hour cancellation of all activities elapsed last night, and their Minors will be the first team back in action.  The north side blues are another club who are in need of a positive on field news story after they fell to defeat against Nobber in the Fairyhouse Steel SFC at the weekend.

A local derby against O’Mahony’s is surely the best game to get as they look to recover from the reversal two weeks ago in Walterstown, but the continued absence of Luke Caffrey is a major blow as his scoring ability isn’t easily replaced.  Tadgh Hanrahan who impressed in last year’s Championship will need to be at his best around midfield while Darragh Dooner at the back will have to be at the top of his game along with the likes of Jack Melia and Davy McKeever up front.

O’Mahony’s have spent the last two weeks licking their wounds after that narrowest of defeats to Kilbride and would surely love nothing more than to knock Simonstown out of contention while getting themselves back into the qualification race.  There is nothing like a friendly rivalry! Putting up a tally of 3-12 the last day shows that their forward line is impressive and if team selector Cormac McGuinness can impart a few pearls of wisdom on the art of defending then they are surely going to be tighter at the back and can return to winning ways and take hold of the bragging rights in the town.

Verdict – Navan O’Mahonys

Division 2B

Results to date.

Donaghmore/Ashbourne v Seneschalstown (19:00)

Referee – Liam O’Brien (Duleek-Bellewstown)

Venue – Ashbourne

For many Donaghmore/Ashbourne losing to Killary Emmets in Round 1 was a surprising result but it merely franked the form from their League encounter when Killary also came out on top.  Seneschalstown were mightily impressive the last day when overcoming Trim and will take the short trip down the N2 full of confidence that they can back that performance up and come away with their second win of 2020.  Interestingly this is the fourth time these clubs will have met in just six days having met in the Fairyhouse Steel SFC as well as at U-13 and U-15 level since last Friday.

Like a racehorse who improves for the run on its first trip to the racecourse of the season, Donaghmore/Ashbourne will be looking to have come on markedly for their opening round game and if they do then the ‘Moors could have enough to pick up a vital two points.  To do so the home side will have to show a much greater return in front of the posts as their tally of eleven points against Killary Emmets will not win too many games.

Seneschalstown on the other hand showed a penchant for scoring goals in their win against Trim, raising three green flags and reports suggest they left a few more behind them.  Conor McDonnell at centre back is the lynchpin of their defence and the returning Oisín McEvoy brought a scoring aspect to their half forward line which was marked absent in the Spring League.  In goals Cathal Darby will be looking to impress again ahead of the upcoming Leinster Minor Football Championship.

Verdict – Draw

Trim v Killary Emmets

Referee – Henri Clifford (Boyle)

Venue – St. Lomans Park

Two teams who had contrasting fortunes in their opening round encounters with Trim losing out by five points to Seneschalstown while Killary Emmets pulled off a brilliant win over Donaghmore/Ashbourne.  The rivalry between these teams on the pitch is developing nicely and when they met back in February it was Trim who eked out a hard-fought two point win as they defeated the home side by 2-07 to 1-08.  Since then though they’ve lost their talented full forward James Foley whose absence was keenly felt the last day with Ciaran Caulfield having to take on a greater role in attack meaning his absence in midfield was keenly felt.

The concession of three goals against Seneschalstown shows one area where Trim will have to improve but in Josh Harris, they have a rugged full back who has a few tricks up his sleeve to keep his direct opponent quiet.  If he can withhold his urges to burst forward at every opportunity, and instead protect the edge of the square for the hour then it will be a big help for the Brian Dowling and Ger Dwane coached team.  Trim’s greater need for the victory might be enough to help them over the line and claim a valuable victory.

Verdict – Trim

Division 3A

Results to date.

St. Michael’s/Nobber v St. Mary’s

Referee – Kieran Olwell (Moynalty)

Venue – Deerpark, Carlanstown

If they were lucky enough to get the golden ticket to their clubs Championship wins over the weekend then the youngsters from St. Michael’s and Nobber won’t be short of inspiration for this encounter after witnessing a brilliant win for the Micks against Moylagh and a stunning victory for Nobber over Simonstown.  St. Colmcille’s proved too hot to handle at the seaside two weeks ago as they ran out five point winners over the combination outfit while St. Mary’s registered more scores than Wolfe Tones but were left to rue the concession of three goals as they lost out by four points.

In an era when it is ever more difficult to get team news from clubs ahead of big games, it was novel to log onto the St. Mary’s twitter feed twenty four hours before that Wolfe Tones encounter to see their team announced. Sources say their performance against the ‘Tones was impressive despite the defeat and St. Mary’s are capable of making the journey to Deerpark in Carlanstown a profitable one.

Verdict – St. Mary’s

Wolfe Tones v St. Colmcilles (B)

Referee – Robbie Barrett (Walterstown)

Venue – Gibbstown

Wolfe Tones were impressive in Donore two weeks ago, but that win could come at a cost after finishing the game down a player after he was shown a red card.  His absence will no doubt be keenly felt against a St. Colmcilles team which is exceptionally talented and caught the eye with their clinical forward play the last day.

Both of these sides displayed a keen eye for goal with the ‘Tones seeing the green flag raised three times and the ‘Cilles hitting the back of the net on four occasions.  Both of these sides have been tipped from the outset to make it to the semi-final stage of the Championship and while they may find the visitors a shade too strong in Gibbstown, Wolfe Tones will still be in contention going into the final round.

Verdict – St. Colmcilles (B)

Division 3B

Results to date.

St. Ultan’s/Cortown Gaels v St. Patrick’s

Referee – Paddy Clarke (Kilmainhamwood)

Venue – Sean Newman Park

St. Patrick’s had their opening round encounter called off at short notice the last day with confirmation of the postponement coming three hours before the throw in time.  Whether they will be ring rusty or not as a result of that postponement will be crucial here against a St. Ultan’s/Cortown Gaels outfit who showed well in their opening encounter before falling to a narrow defeat in Meath Hill.

This is the solitary home game for the Tomás Coyne managed team who know they need to pick up a win here otherwise the Round 3 trip to Ballinabrackey next week will become all the more daunting.  If St. Patrick’s have managed to get any Challenge games played to get them up to match speed, then they might just have a few too many weapons in their arsenal for the home side.

Verdict – St. Patrick’s

Ballinabrackey v Drumconrath/Meath Hill

Referee – Martin Ennis (Longwood)

Venue – Ballinabrackey

Round 1 proved to be a negative experience for the Ballinabrackey youngsters after their game was postponed due to a positive Covid-19 case in the club.  Thankfully, things were back to normal soon after with all other tests coming back clear for the virus which hangs over every conversation like a dark cloud.  Now attention switches back to on field matters and they have the visit to Boyne Park of Drumconrath/Meath Hill to focus on.

Drumconrath/Meath Hill were in very good form when picking up the points the last day and they will set out on the lengthy drive to this match in buoyant form knowing a win here would put them in the driving seat to top the group.  Boyne Park though is a notoriously difficult place to come away from with a victory and Ballinabrackey are taken to edge a tight encounter.

Verdict – Ballinabrackey

Division 4A

Results to date.

Ballinlough v Na Fianna

Referee – Gerry Skelly (St. Brigid’s)

Venue – Ballinlough

One of these teams has an away victory to their name and the other a home defeat.  Ballinlough had one of the more eye-catching performances of Round 1 when trekking to Ratoath and coming away with a ten point margin of victory while Na Fianna fell to defeat against the Rathkenny/Slane combination in Enfield.

Sean McDonnell showed well for Na Fianna in that game and he will need to be at his most inspirational here while for Ballinlough, the Shine twins (Daire and Tom) combined to tally 1-09 between them.  Na Fianna will need to keep them under lock and key and avoid the concession of scoreable frees as they had six points between them in Ratoath from placed balls.

Verdict: Ballinlough 

Rathkenny/Slane v Ratoath (B)

Referee – Noel Hand (Hunterstown Rovers GFC)

Venue – Rathkenny

Rathkenny/Slane entertain Ratoath knowing that a victory could effectively book them a place in the semi-finals.  In Sean O’Hare they probably had the standout performer on the pitch in Enfield a fortnight ago with the flame headed midfielder lighting up the pitch with his all-round performance.

Ratoath who have a very young side who will practically all be underage again in 2021 for the Minor grade know that they were excellent for spells against Ballinlough and if they can repeat that showing are more than capable of bouncing back with a win.  They will need to cut down on the concession of frees in the scoring zone as David Curtis is capable of punishing any indiscretions.

Verdict – Rathkenny/Slane

Division 4B

Results to date.

Kilmainhamwood v St. Peter’s Dunboyne (B) (Saturday August 22, 18:00)

Referee – Peter O’Halloran (Drumconrath)

Venue – Kilmainhamwood

A fancied Kilmainhamwood team are in need of a win after slipping up away to Bective and welcome a St. Peter’s Dunboyne team who are in red hot form after a power packed second half saw them topple Moynalvey/Boardsmill.  St. Peter’s Dunboyne tallied twenty four points with Kilmainhamwood tallying twenty three which suggests this could be a game for the purists with both sides going all out.  As a result, it may come down to who has the stronger defence.  The Dunboyne side were watertight only conceding eleven points while the ‘Wood shipped twenty four.  There’s room for Kilmainhamwood to improve and if they can tighten up at the back, they are capable of getting their first win.

Verdict – Kilmainhamwood

Moynalvey/Boardsmill v Bective/Dunsany

Referee – Jack Gordon (Walterstown)

Venue – Boardsmill

Moynalvey/Boardsmill led St. Peter’s Dunboyne by the minimum at the half time interval before ultimately losing out by thirteen points as they failed to sustain the excellent play which had been a hallmark of the opening half. By contrast, Bective/Dunsany just about held on against Kilmainhamwood to eke out a one-point victory after being ahead by three midways through the game in what was arguably the contest of the opening round of action.

If the Navan/Dunsany side can repeat their superb display in front of the posts and hit anywhere near their 3-15 tally again then they look sure to pick up another brace of points and with it take a massive step towards the semi-finals.

Verdict – Bective/Dunsany

Bective/Dunsany v Kilmainhamwood in Division 4B Round 1 via Paula Greif.

Division 5A

Results to date.

Blackhall Gaels v St. Vincent’s/Curraha

Referee – Sean Gahan (Ratoath)

Venue – Kilcloon

A last-minute walkover cost St. Vincent’s/Curraha a game but earned them the points when Simonstown failed to field two weeks ago.  As a result, they may lack match sharpness this evening against a Blackhall Gaels side who recorded a noteworthy victory over Dunderry.  The match sharpness gained from that game against Dunderry could prove crucial for Blackhall Gaels.

Verdict – Blackhall Gaels

Simonstown (B) v Dunderry

Simonstown (B) are not fielding.  The points have been awarded to Dunderry.

Division 5B

Results to date.

Inny Gaels v Round Towers

Referee – Seamus O’Connor (Carnaross)

Venue – Ballinacree

Two teams coming into this game on the back of contrasting fortunes in Round 1, Inny Gaels with a brilliant away win in Moynalty and Round Towers losing out to Longwood in Kilmainham.  Off the back of that victory, Inny Gaels will have their tails up and are capable of making it two wins from two.

Verdict – Inny Gaels

Longwood v Moynalty/Carnaross (Friday August 21, 19:15)

Referee – Eamon Barry (Walterstown)

Venue – Longwood

Longwood caused something of a mild surprise with their defeat of Round Towers and now back on home turf will be confident of overcoming Moynalty/Carnaross and potentially booking a semi-final place in the process.  Moynalty/Carnaross are capable of bouncing back from that defeat and will travel with plenty of optimism but home advantage may sway it for Longwood.

Verdict – Longwood

Division 6

Results to date.

Clonard v Donaghmore/Ashbourne (B)

Referee – TBC

Venue – St. Finian’s Park

It is a long trek from Ashbourne to Clonard and with Donaghmore/Ashbourne having had a BYE in Round 1 having a handle on their form is tricky.  The benefit of having had a game a few weeks back should stand to Clonard and they may make the most of home advantage and pick up the points.

Verdict – Clonard

Clann na nGael v Ballivor (19:00)

Referee – Martin Dawson (St. Michael’s)

Venue -Gillstown, Athboy

These two sides had impressive wins in the opening round with Clann na nGael defeating Clonard and Ballivor coming away from Millbrook with the points in what was a very noteworthy performance as they showed great character to grind out the win by the narrowest of margins.  In a mouth-watering local derby, a draw might keep everyone happy.

Verdict – Draw

Oldcastle v BYE