The 2020 Keegan Cup could be making its way to Kells

SFC PREVIEW Defending champions Ratoath might struggle to retain crown

In these most bizarre and unpredictable times where everything has been up in the air, there was a sense of inevitability that Gaeil Colmcille and Ratoath will contest next Sunday's SFC final at Pairc Tailteann, 2.15pm.

In the last week of July the headline of the Meath Chronicle's preview to the start of the football championships screamed 'Sprint rather than a marathon could suit Gaeil Colmcille' and the article went on to justify why the Kells men could win the Keegan Cup for the first time since 1991.

It was almost a given that Ratoath would emerge from a group that included Nobber, Skryne and Simonstown, but calling Gaeil Colmcille wasn't as straightforward.

However, on reflection it is clear to see why Gaeil Colmcille are, and have been for the last five years, genuine contenders.

Collective talent, organisation, good coaching and individual brilliance will get a decent team so far, but when you throw in hunger, determination, heartbreak, a dark side, desire and the odd slice of good luck along the way, then you have Gaeil Colmcille - and every other team with genuine aspirations of success.

As a group, and under the superb guidance of coach Lar Wall, they have been one of Meath's most consistent teams in the SFC over the last five years.

They have contested four of the last five SFC semi-finals and the only year they missed out on a last four spot in that spell was in 2018 when they were beaten after extra-time in the quarter-final by a Dunboyne side that went on to win the Keegan Cup.

On two of the four occasions that Gaeil Colmcille fell at the penultimate hurdle the team that beat them went on to win the championship, Simonstown in 2016 and Ratoath last year - is it a source of solace or regret to be beaten by the eventual champions?

For Gaeil Colmcille it has been a case of too many 'what might have beens'.

There is no denying they are an exceptional bunch.

Steeled at the back by players like Paul Tormay, Seanie Curran, Johnny Quigley, Jordan Muldoon and James Reilly.

Creative ball winners in Fionn Reilly, captain Liam Ferguson, Evan Sheridan, Conall Courtney and Oisin Reilly and threatening, incisive and often elusive attacking options with Keith Reilly, Seamus Mattimoe, Brian Hanlon and Martin Barrett, Gaeil Colmcille have it all.

There is also a strength-in-depth from the bench with players like Adam Muldoon, Barry Smith and Philly Ward giving strong defensive options while Ryan Farnham and Cian Doogan add flair to a potent attack - they appear to be the complete package.

So why have Gaeil Colmcille failed to reach a final before now?

That's where the huge slice of luck often comes into play.

In last year's semi-final against Ratoath they looked in control until the tide turned.

Against Dunboyne in 2018 they missed an opportunity to win in normal time that they'd take 99 times out of 100 - the list could go on.

Another hindrance is the weight of expectation.

There is a huge following in Kells for Gaeil Colmcille and they expect victory.

Sometimes that expectation can get the better of the players and that can lead to a loss of discipline at crucial times, a lack of composure in certain situations or a sense of panic when things are going wrong.

For those reasons this year's championship and the quickfire format has been a help to Gaeil Colmcille.

They haven't had time to let the pressure get inside their heads.

Undoubtedly capable of winning a senior championship in any one of the last five years, now they have the added bonus of getting on with the job in hand without delay, but they will also be wary of the challenge that lies ahead.

Ratoath will be formidable foes and the are the reigning champions.

Like Gaeil Colmcille, their individual talent is unquestionable.

They are a team packed with power, pace and excellence of execution.

They too have the dark side to their game that means they will do whatever it takes to get the job done - without that element no team would win anything.

On reflection, Ratoath's success in last year's championship was no great surprise.

They have one of the best full-backs in the country in Conor McGill, one of the liveliest forwards playing the game in Bryan McMahon, power through their spine with Darragh Kelly, Ben McGowan and Gavin McGowan and three of the most exciting young, dynamic forwards in Meath in Cian Rogers, Conor Rooney and Jack Flynn.

Tight-marking, no-nonsense corner-backs Ciaran O Fearraigh and Ben Wyer are as effective as any defenders in the county while Jack Gillespie has been exceptional and was particularly impressive in the semi-final win over Summerhill.Cian O'Brien is another who is enjoying an excellent spell after a few seasons plagued by injuries.

All those outstanding stars and we haven't even mentioned former Meath u-21 captain Connell Ahearne or the Wallace brothers Eamon and Joey, all of whom would walk onto any other team in the country - without fear of contradiction.

After the turbulent end to their championship-winning campaign that saw them replace their manager, not much else has changed for Ratoath. They are well organised, disciplined and hugely effective, but they have shown a tendency to struggle to breakdown strong defensive units and that's where the difference could lie next Sunday.

Weighing up the respective performances in this year's campaign and studying the respective paths to the final, there is little to choose between them. Gaeil Colmcille's victory over Dunboyne will have instilled a huge amount of belief that they can knock over a big gun. After suggesting that the Kells men would win from the outset they have done nothing to change that opinion and they could end their 29-year wait for Keegan Cup glory next Sunday.