Wolfe Tones tipped for retribution

What a difference a year makes. This time last year, Dunshaughlin looked unstoppable, writes Tom Gannon.

The side then managed by Richie Kealy, were after winning their three games in a very competitive group that contained the previous years champions, Summerhill, an exciting emerging Donaghmore/Ashbourne team, and a Ballinabrackey side who have this year proven that they are not to be overlooked.

Many predicted, correctly, that Dunshaughlin were about to win their first Meath SFC title in 22 years. Meanwhile, the team that they ended up beating in the final, their quarter-final opposition this year, Wolfe Tones, were struggling.

They scraped a win in the first round against Gaeil Colmcille before they put in a very poor performance against St Peter’s. They did improve in their final round but they were playing Curraha who are now trying to stave off relegation in the IFC.

Wolfe Tones’ struggles in the group stage in 2024 may not have been as worrying or as widely spoke about as Dunshaughlin’s mediocre SFC campaign to date, but it does appear that roles have been reversed among the two sides who contested last year’s showdown.

Wolfe Tones are not up to their old tricks again of staying under the radar until the final stages of the championship. This year, they mean business.

As a team, they are the most complete package in Meath right now. Defensively excellent and there is a not a club in the county that has benefited more from the new rules. That byproduct this year for freedom of expression on the pitch suits the Tones forwards down to the ground. Paddy Martin’s side are motoring well and they're going to be incredibly tough to stop.

Dunshaughlin look weary and vulnerable. It’s not completely unfair to say that they are very lucky to be still in with a chance of defending their title.

Their defence in particular, is going through a real transitional period and only two of the back six from last year’s final started against Trim in their last group game.

Down the other end, the backbone of Robbie Brennan’s Meath attack are not having the same influence for their club as they did in 2024.

The old adage of “once you win one, you can win three or four” is the biggest misconception in GAA. It is incredibly tough to a win a county championship but to do the two in a row is a hell of a lot tougher.

Dunshaughlin are still in this championship but Micheal D Higgins is still in the Aras. The end is near and it’s looking like it’s going to be last year's defeated finalists who are going to end Dunshaughlin’s reign as champions.

Prediction - Wolfe Tones.