Simonstown may prove too strong in quarter-finals

When compiling the previews for the 2011 race for the Keegan Cup back in April it wasn't anticipated that either Dunshaughlin or Simonstown Gaels would have a major impact, but the critics have been proved wrong and next Saturday evening at Pairc Tailteann one of them will be celebrating a place in the last four. For the vanquished side there will be heartbreak, but once that initial disappointment clears they will be able to look back at a decent year that has provided plenty of reasons for optimism for the campaigns ahead. Last year Dunshaughlin lost to Walterstown, Seneschalstown, Rathkenny and Blackhall Gaels and it was only by the luck of the draw that they were in the same group as St Ultan's that helped them avoid a relegation battle, so there wasn't much hope held out for them this time around. Being pitted against Navan O'Mahonys, Donaghmore/Ashbourne, Seneschalstown and Rathkenny suggested that Dunshaughlin would be battling it out with Nobber to avoid the drop, but what transpired has been something of a revelation for the former three-in-a-row champions. The emergence of several players from a couple of very successful minor sides has come sooner than expected and with the return to form of some of the 'older heads' Dunshaughlin got the wins over Seneschalstown, Nobber and Rathkenny that were needed to book their last eight place. The enormity of the task needed to win the Keegan Cup was displayed in the final round when Gary Farrelly's (pictured) side were given a lesson by Navan O'Mahonys, but with their passage already secured Dunshaughlin didn't have the pedal to the metal and that ensured they were comprehensively beaten. The old reliables are still playing to a high standard. Ronan Gogan, Kenny McTigue, Caoimhin King, Denis Kealy, Ray Maloney and Trevor Dowd have been the mainstays for Dunshaughlin for many years and supplemented by Tommy Johnson, Conor Devereux, Fergus Toolan and Cathal O'Dwyer they have the nucleus of an excellent team. The same can be said for Simonstown Gaels. They also have an excellent mix of youth and experience, but they went about qualifying for the last eight in a totally different fashion. Simonstown Gaels avoided relegation in 2010 by defeating St Ultan's in a play-off and they looked set to struggle this year in what appeared to be a tough group. Prospects didn't improve when they were hammered by Blackhall Gaels in the opening round, but manager Sean Barry made wholesale changes. Draws followed with Wolfe Tones and Oldcastle backed up victories over Trim and Summerhill to ensure second place in Group A despite having the second worst scoring difference of minus 11. After that embarrassing 20-point defeat by Blackhall Gaels in April it was difficult to see a way back for Simonstown, but they have regrouped brilliantly and with outstanding individuals like Shane O'Rourke, Seamus Kenny and Wayne McCarthy they have been difficult to defeat. Add in solid, reliable players like Joe Lyons, Shane Carr, Padraig McKeever and Mark McCabe and it is easy to see why Simonstown have made it this far. It will be difficult to take it one more step, but Dunshaughlin's worrying loss to O'Mahonys will give Simonstown hope.