Champions set for first round clash

For the second year in succession the defending Keegan Cup champions will take on the promoted IFC winners in the group stages of the SFC after Summerhill were first drawn out of the cup at Dunganny on Monday evening to face Kilbride in round one.

Summerhill scrapped through the group stages of last year's championship before turning on the style to claim the Keegan Cup in fine fashion, while Kilbride emerged victorious from one of the best IFC finals in decades to see off Castletown and secure their place back in senior football for the first time since the 1970s.

Rathkenny and a fancied St Peter's make up Group A, while last year's beaten finalists Ratoath will open their bid to regain the Keegan Cup with a tough test against neighbours Skryne. Trim and Na Fianna will also contest Group B and between the four teams they lost just four games in last year's championship with Trim, Ratoath and Skryne all going through their group campaigns unbeaten, while Na Fianna lost just one game in the group stages, but didn't make the knockout stages.

Surprise quarter-finalists in 2025 Ballinabrackey will fancy their chances of making it to the knockout stages again from Group C where Wolfe Tones will be hot favourites to advance.

Seneschalstown and St Colmcille's will battle it out in a group that sees that pair and Ballinabrackey drawn together for the second year in succession.

2024 champions Dunshaughlin will aim to make amends for last year's disappointment, but they are in a tough group with Donaghmore/Ashbourne, Simonstown and Gaeil Colmcille.

IFC

Group D is very much designated the 'Group of Death' tag with last year's beaten finalists Castletown pitted against Oldcastle, Duleek-Bellewstown and Ballivor, all of whom would be considered as being in the top five contenders for the Mattie McDonnell Cup.

Navan O'Mahonys, who lost the 2024 final but survived a relegation play-off last year, will take on St Patrick's in the opening round and both will be fancied to advance from their group.

Meath Hill will begin life back in the intermediatre ranks following their relegation from senior with a massive opening round game against championship favourites Moynalvey. JFC winners Clann na nGael will take on Drumbaragh in their return to the second tier.

JFC

Following their second successive relegation which will see them operate in the JFC Curraha will face their neighbours, partnered club at underage level and last year's beaten finalists St Vincent's in what is certainly the tie of the opening round of the championship.

St Mary's first taste of JFC action since being crowned Junior B winners will see them take on Ballinlough.

JUNIOR B FC

In the Junior B FC there are two very distinct groups with Group B looking the more difficult as Kilmainhamwood, relegated Kilmainham and last year's beaten finalists Moynalty aim for two places in the knockout stages. Group A looks straightforward with Cortown and Boardsmill fancied to emerge.

HURLING

The hurling championships draws were straightforward with the recent restructures predetermining that each grade will have just one division.

Jubilee Cup holders Ratoath will open the defence of their title in the Senior A HC with a game against Kilmessan, while beaten finalists Kiltale will take on Kildalkey and Trim will challenge outsiders Na Fianna.

FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

SFC

Group A

Summerhill v Kilbride

Rathkenny v St Peter's

Group B

Ratoath v Skryne

Na Fianna v Trim

Group C

Seneschalstown v St Colmcille's

Wolfe Tones v Ballinabrackey

Group D

Donaghmore/Ashbourne v Gaeil Colmcille

Simonstown v Dunshaughlin

IFC

Group A

Longwood v Bective

St Patricks v Navan O’Mahonys

Group B

St Michael's v Walterstown

Drumbaragh v Clann na nGael

Group C

Blackhall Gaels v Dunsany

Meath Hill v Moynalvey

Group D

Oldcastle v Castletown

Duleek-Bellewstown v Ballivor

JFC

Group A

Dunderry v St Ultan's

Slane v Syddan

Group B

St Brigid's v Carnaross

St Vincent's v Curraha

Group C

Ballinlough v St Mary's

Nobber v Moylagh

JUNIOR B FC

Group A

Cortown v Eastern Gaels

Clonard v Boardsmill

Group B

Kilmainhamwood v Drumconrath

Kilmainham v Moynalty

HURLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

SHC A

Ratoath v Kilmessan

Kiltale v Kildalkey

Trim v Na Fianna

SHC B

Blackhall Gael v Dunderry

Kilskyre/Moylagh v Killyon

Navan O’Mahonys v Longwood

IHC A

St Peter's v Drumree

Donaghmore/Ashbourne v Clann na nGael

Rathmolyon v Gaeil Colmcille

IHC B

Kildalkey v Kilmessan

Trim v Kiltale

Wolfe Tones v Boardsmill