Experience the key to success for Summerhill

This local derby in Pairc Tailteann on Saturday, throw-in at 5pm, between Trim and Summerhill is the toughest of the quarter-finals to call, writes Tom Gannon.

The pair have only met once since Trim’s return to the SFC in 2022. They met at this very stage in 2023 and that day, Eoghan Frayne kicked 1-6 as Summerhill comfortably dispatched their neighbours on their way to winning their eighth SFC championship.

Times have changed drastically since then though. Summerhill have not reached the same heights that they did in their Keegan Cup winning campaign and Trim are on the rise although the call of dual players is heavy.

Drawn along side the champions Dunshaughlin, not many would have predicted Trim to top Group C at the start of the year, and while Dunshaughlin’s poor showing was a factor, Trim have been impressive and have gone about their business very well.

Not unlike Skryne, Trim’s biggest asset is their middle third. Ciaran Caulfield, James Toher and Tadhg Carty have had a massive influence on the ‘Reds’ so far and they are key to Trim's fantastic ability to transition from defence to attack.

Trim have one key man in their forwards who has been in unbelievable form so far in the SFC. Aaron Lynch has racked up an incredible tally 0-27 so far in the championship.

Summerhill have been very hit and miss for the guts of 18 months now. They just can’t seem to find that form which saw them clinch a first SFC title in 10 years in 2023.

A good performance against Skryne would have inspired confidence but they didn’t produce that and just like the current champions, they came very close to being knocked out of the championship.

A late clearance off the line from Gaeil Colmcille’s Rian Early saved Summerhill’s blushes and ended the journey for St Peter’s.

That being said, they were impressive in round two in their victory over Ger Robinson’s side and a repeat of that performance is needed if their going to get the better of this talented Trim team.

It’s going to be very close but Summerhill’s superior experience in games of this magnitude may prove to be crucial and they might just edge this one.

Prediction - Summerhill.