GAA Football Leagues Forecast

Updated: Wednesday, 10th February, 2010 4:52pm

DIVISION 1

Wolfe Tones v Seneschalstown - Repeat of last year's SFC final, a mouth-watering clash for the opening round. Wolfe Tones will be eager for revenge and get the defence of their A FL Div 1 title off to a winning start. Verdict - Wolfe Tones.

Walterstown v Simonstown - SFC relegation matters may still concern Walterstown, so expect Simonstown to take advantage. Verdict - Simonstown.

Dunshaughlin v Donaghmore / Ashbourne - Dunshaughlin still trying to recapture the glory days, their opponents will be hoping to maintain the form they found late last year. Verdict - Donaghmore/Ashbourne.

Blackhall Gaels v Dunboyne - Derby games are the flavour of the weekend in many sports, this contest falls into that category. Expect a no holds barred contest. Verdict - Dunboyne.

Duleek / Bellewstown v Skryne - 2009 Div 2 champions Skryne will probably fancy their chances, but Duleek / Bellewstown were in last year's Div 1 final. Verdict - Duleek/Bellewstown.

Trim v Summerhill - Another local derby that should have plenty of spice. With Darren Fay in charge, Trim will seek to impress in their first year back in the top flight. Might be too much to expect. Verdict - Summerhill.

DIVISION 2

St Michael's v Cortown - St Michael's will be eager to impress the new coaching duo of Gordon Ward and former Wolfe Tones supremo Tony Kearney. They have a strong under-age set-up and that might help them here. Verdict - St Michael's.

St Ultan's v Dunderry - Everybody needs good neighbours, but there will be no love lost when these too collide. Dunderry are on the up, but St Ultan's senior experience should stand to them. Verdict - St Ultan's.

Syddan v St Patrick's - Syddan have found life tough for the last few years and it won't get any easier against the Stamullen side. Verdict - St Patrick's.

Castletown v Rathkenny - With their senior status still in doubt, Rathkenny could be sufficiently distracted by a Castletown side that also struggled last year. Verdict - Castletown.

St Colmcille's v Navan O'Mahonys - With so many players involved with the Meath team, coach Finian Murtagh will be pinned to his collar to get a win close to the coast. Verdict - St Colmcille's.

Carnaross v Oldcastle - Oldcastle will still be on a high after winning the IFC last year and they will have far too much firepower for a Carnaross side that rely on John L McGee and Ollie Murphy. Verdict - Oldcastle.

DIVISION 3

Na Fianna v Drumbaragh - It took Graham Geraghty a while to find a winning formula as manager of Na Fianna, but without Jamie Queeney and Ollie Lewis it will be a major handicap while Drumbaragh will be looking to impress new coach John Henry. Verdict - Drumbaragh.

Gaeil Cholmcille v Ratoath - The Kells men will be in serious contention for IFC honours while Ratoath will be aiming for JFC success. That gulf in class should see Gaeil Cholmcille through. Verdict - Gaeil Cholmcille.

Longwood v Drumconrath - These two clubs traded places in the championship last year. Longwood should still be on a high after their glorious 2009 that included Meath and Leinster JFC titles. Verdict - Longwood.

Clann na nGael v Meath Hill - Clann na nGael have a strong crop of good youngsters coming through and that, mixed with experience, might give them the edge. Verdict - Clann na nGael.

Ballinlough v Moynalvey - Both are in the ascendancy. Both have new managers and will be eager to impress. Ballinlough's more recent senior experience could be crucial. Verdict - Ballinlough.

Nobber v Kilmainhamwood - A repeat of last year's IFC semi-final. Kilmainhamwood were successful on that occasion, but Nobber could bounce back with Davy Cahill in charge. Verdict - Nobber.

DIVISION 4

Bective v Ballinabrackey - Junior clubs keen to lay down markers for the championship, but home advantage might suit Bective. Verdict - Bective.

Moylagh v Moynalty - North Meath rivals are notoriously difficult to separate and this game should be no different with Moylagh's home form enough to give them the slight edge. Verdict - Moylagh.

Dunsany v Slane - Beaten JFC finalists Dunsany will be aiming to get off to a winning start, but they could be without key players against an improving Slane outfit. Verdict - Slane.

Kilmainham v Curraha - With former Meath minor manager Pat Coyle in charge, Curraha are sure to be contenders. Kilmainham have been knocking on the door and this could be a big year for them. Verdict - Kilmainham.

St Vincent's v Ballivor - With several players due back at Ballivor after a brief spell with Kildalkey they should be stronger and that should be enough to secure victory over St Vincent's. Verdict - Ballivor.

St Brigid's v Kilbride - Kilbride are always tough opposition and after a year in Div 3 they could be too strong for most in Div 4. Verdict - Kilbride.

DIVISION 5

Clonard v Drumree - You never know what you'll get with Drumree, Clonard are developing on and off the field. Verdict - Clonard.

St Mary's v Boardsmill - Boardsmill endured a difficult 2009 and it's unlikely that this year will be much better with a couple of key players defecting to Trim. Verdict - St Mary's.

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