What have we learned from the first batch of SFC games?
One of the lessons that is clear from the opening batch of games in the SFC is that Wolfe Tones will once more be a major force in this year's campaign.
Beaten semi-finalists last year the Tones showed they mean business when they trounced Gaeil Colmcille 2-15 to 0-7 at Pairc Tailteann on Friday evening.
Last night Summerhill, Dunshaughlin and Simonstown Gaels also got their campaigns underway with victories. Summerhill, especially, really look like a side who mean business.
Right from the start the Tones, managed this year by Ken Boyd, took a grip on proceedings in their match against lacklusture Gaeil Colmcille side.
The Tones led 0-9 to 0-3 at the interval and early in the second-half they really took a grip on proceedings when they found the net with Dan O''Neill latching onto a visionary Cian Ward pass to fire home.
Ward scored his team's second goal from the penalty spot on 44 minutes after Adam O'Neill was hauled down. They could have bagged another goal or two.
Late points from play from Brain Hanlon and Seamus Mattimoe helped to put a better appearance on the final scoreline as far as Gaeil Colmcille who looked a demoralised bunch well before the end, although they have lost a lot of players this year.
They could really struggle this year unless they greatly improve. That was another obvious lesson from last night.
St Peter's, Dunboyne also chalked up the same score as the Tones when they defeated Seneschalstown 2-14 to 0-12. St Peter's didn't have a great 2022 but this win suggests they could be a force this time around.
Donal Lenihan was in outstanding form for St Peter'something that also is a bad omen for opposition defences who have to try and contain him this year. He ended up with 1-10, four frees, one penalty and a '45.'
With Cathal Hickey prominent in midfield Seneschalstown (who had Graham Geraghty in their management team) led early on but Lenihan and St Peter's took control.
St Colmcille's also did well to chalk up a 0-12 to 0-9 win over Skryne who are still rebuilding. The Saints are on their way too.
On Thursday evening, of course, Ratoath reminded everyone of their immense attacking threat and rich resources when they defeated Moynalvey 1-14 to 0-8 in the opening round of the SFC at Skryne.
If that wasn't a statement of intent we don't know what is. They looked, by all accounts, hungry and focused and they will surely sharpen up further as the campaign continues. They are with good reason the favourties to win the Keegan Cup - but how will that fit with them? How will they react to being considered the hot favourites? How will they handle the pressure?
Daithi McGowans and Bryan McMahon fired over 10 points between them in that game but Ratoath have a wealth of riches to call on.
Last night (Saturday) Dunshaughlin showed tremendous resilience to bounce back and defeat Donaghmore/Ashbourne with goalkeeper Adam McDermott stepping up to pop over a '45' in injury time. It was a score that proved so crucial as Dunshaughlin won by a point, 0-14 to 1-10.
Dylan Brady scored a goal for Donaghmore/Ashbourne in the opening half but Dunshaughlin went ahead 0-9 to 1-5 at the break. The game was close throughout the second-half with McDermott's cooly pointed '45.'
In other games played last night Simonstown Gaels defeated Trim 1-7 to 1-5 while many people's favourites Summerhill comfortably accounted for Ballinabrackey 2-12 to 0-7.
Early days yet but Ratoath and Summerhill look a step above the rest.
MATCH REPORTS FORM THE SFC GAMES IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE MEATH CHRONICLE