JFC Preview: Curraha to set the tone in opening clash with neighbours St Vincent's

The race for the Peter McDermott Cup commences this weekend with stories and narratives every which way you look.

When the draws took place back in January, the pairing that drew the biggest reaction from the packed room across all grades was Curraha and St Vincent’s.

It was closely followed by neighbours Dunderry and St Ultan’s who were drawn in the same group for the second-year running.

Rocked by back-to-back relegations, Curraha will no doubt get a friendly welcome from St Vincent’s when the sides meet in what should be a packed Ashbourne on Sunday.

Spearheaded by county stars Jack O’Connor, James McEntee and Diarmuid Moriarty plus the possible return of former County man David Toner, Gavin Coyle’s team are justified favourites ahead of a ball being kicked.

St Vincent’s on the other hand, beaten at the final stage for the fifth time in eight years last year, will see this first round dual as the perfect opportunity to start their latest assault on the Junior Championship.

Managed by Louth duo Dessie Lennon and Marc Clifford, the Ardcath side enter under the guise of perhaps not being as formidable as they once were but with players of the calibre of Michael McIvor, Conor O’Brien and Adam Tuite at their disposal, they could yet have a major say.

St Brigid’s and Carnaross renew acquaintances in the other opening round tie in Group B having played in the final game of the group last year, a game the Ballinacree side won to condemn their opponents to the relegation play-offs.

The winner of this round one encounter will give themselves a live chance of progression with the loser destined for a basement battle.

Whilst Darren Fay managing St Ultan’s against his adopted club and his son Rian will once again draw the attention in Group A, while another one of the frontrunners for championship honours, Slane will be desperately trying to avoid a banana skin on opening weekend against Syddan.

The Boynesiders agonisingly fell short of a fourth successive league promotion last month and despite the loss of Matt Kealy overseas, Martin Barrett’s troops will be confident of being the final one standing when all is said and done.

A youthful, inexperienced Dunderry outfit were no match for eventual winners Clann na nGael in last year’s quarter-final, but the return of Marc Kane, Paddy Kennelly, Luke Martyn and Conor Dempsey will be a major lift and add considerable experience to Leo Turley’s hand.

The Laois man, who guided Blackhall Gaels to Senior success in 2003 and achieved Junior A glory with Kilbride in 2023, would love to add Dunderry in 2026 to an already impressive CV.

Another team that has been constantly knocking on the door of the Junior in recent year’s is Ballinlough.

Now under the stewardship of Andy McGovern, the north Meath side have been eliminated at the semi-final stage in three of the last four renewals.

Backboned by quality in the form of the Shine twins Daire and Tom, Darren O’Higgins, Oisin McDermott and Eoin Briody – they should navigate a group that contains Nobber, St Mary’s and a Moylagh side who are managed by one of Ballinlough’s finest in Peadar Byrne.

Fresh from capturing the FL Div 5 title, Byrne’s Moylagh may just be the team best placed to join their neighbours in the knockout stages.

Joe Melia, Tommy O’Reilly and Packie Kevin bring over a century of experience to the table, but it is the sheer talent of Sean Reilly, Feargal Flynn, Darragh Tuite, Shane and Darren Gibney that will be central to their chances.

Nobber along with last year's Junior B winners St Mary’s will be focused on survival first and foremost but again cannot be ruled out of gatecrashing the knockout stages. Senior as recently as 2020, the Deesiders suffered a spate of retirements, injuries and unfortunate transfers which resulted in their sharp descent down the grades but have since stabilised and will be looking to push on again.

Dale Larkin along with Sean Meade, now fully reintegrated following his return from travelling at the back end of last year, will carry a significant scoring threat for the north Meath side.

Nicky Gogan’s St Mary’s perhaps showed signs of the proverbial hangover following their exploits in 2025 during the springtime.

Their league results and performances were patchy at best but the prospect of pitting their wits against some seasoned Junior A teams is likely to bring out the best in the Donore/Rossnaree club.

That and a fully fit squad including Andy Brien, Caimin Hughes and the Victory brothers – Sam, Cormac and Daire who have all featured sporadically up to this point - will be key.

As always, there is no shortage of contenders, dark horses and intriguing storylines heading into the opening weekend.

By Sunday evening, the first pieces of the puzzle will be in place as the race for the Peter McDermott Cup gets under way and expect Curraha to be leading the field from pillar to post.