St Peter’s and the Villagers fancied to advance

IHC SEMI-FINAL PREVIEWS

The prize might not be as lucrative as it once was for the IHC winners, but winning the Mick Leonard Cup could provide the perfect platform for clubs like Rathmolyon and St Peter's to return to former glories or for Donaghmore/Ashbourne and Kilskyre/Moylagh to establish themselves as sides on the rise.

The reality of the situation for the two vanquished semi-finalists will be that their year has ended in failure and with the hurling championships set to be restructured for 2026 three of the four semi-finals will find themselves in the third tier of Meath hurling next year.

So this year's IHC is probably more important than ever. The winners will remain on the coattails of the so-called big guns and within shooting distance, while the beaten semi-finalists and finalist will have to begin the long arduous journey back to the top table all over again.

So who is best equipped to claim the IHC and sustain their place in Senior B and possibly join the 'big boys' in Senior A in the near future?

Rathmolyon look to be best positioned to secure a place in the IHC final when they take on rising Donaghmore/Ashbourne in Trim on Saturday, 2pm.

In a sharp shooter like Joey Christie, Trevor Healy and county players like Jarlath and Simon Ennis Rathmolyon have the firepower and defensive fortitude to stave off the best most intermediate sides can throw at them.

Their 1-18 to 1-17 win over St Peter's, many people's pre-championship favourites following their relegation from senior last year, in the penultimate group match propelled Rathmolyon to front and centre of most minds. They are hitting form at the right time, which like many of the races in the hurling championships is all about timing.

Donaghmore/Ashbourne have been steadily progressing up the ladder of influence in Meath hurling. Significant impact at underage level over the last few years is paying dividends and in Michael O'Sullivan they possess one of the hottest prospects in the county.

Daniel Doherty is another key player in attack for Donaghmore/Ashbourne and those two, along with Darragh O'Sullivan, will take a lot of minding by Rathmolyon.

However, Rathmolyon's perfect record in Group A versus Donaghmore/Ashbourne 3/2 record in Group B, the two defeats coming against Kilskyre/Moylagh and Boardsmill, suggests the Village will take one step closer to the Mick Leonard Cup.

Verdict - Rathmolyon.

The second semi-final on the card at Trim on Saturday is the most intriguing of them all with a hotly fancied St Peter's taking on the form team of the championship Kilskyre/Moylagh from 4pm.

Kilskyre/Moylagh went through their group with a perfect record. The only time they were seriously tested was when Donaghmore/Ashbourne ran them to seven points, but their scoring difference of +75 from their five games is a clear indication of their capabilities.

Much of their prowess comes from the Shine twins, Daire and Tom. The two men are, if you pardon the pun, the shining lights for Kilskyre/Moylagh and along with the goal scoring exploits of Darren O'Higgins they appear formidable.

St Peter's only blip in their Group campaign came in the one-point loss to Rathmolyon and that might just have been the wake up call the Dunboyne men needed to ensure no complacency.

In Waterford import Jason Gleeson they have the leading light of this year's hurling championships. Gleeson's pace and touch stand him out as an exceptional player and he will take a lot of mind.

St Peter's are by no means a one man show. Sean Quigley continues to be of huge importance to his team with his leadership, accuracy and intelligence ensuring his side will always be in the game.

St Peter's scoring difference of +104 was boosted significantly by an opening round 57-point win over depleted Trim second string. The Dunboyne men were tested more significantly by Gaeil Colmcille and Rathmolyon before finishing the group in style against Kilmessan.

That good form continued with the 4-17 to 1-12 demolition of last year's finalists Drumree and are their performance graph steadily rises St Peter's are tipped to join Rathmolyon in the final, but it will be tight.

Verdict - St Peter’s.