Intriguing ties ahead as Keegan Cup race reaches moving week

Quarter-final places up for grans in round two

Round two of the SFC promises to throw up as many if not more, intriguing contests than the opening set of fixtures two weeks ago.

The four perceived big dogs in Summerhill, Ratoath, Wolfe Tones and Dunshaughlin are all likely be tested more this round than they were in their openers.

There are also plenty of opportunities for teams to pick up a valuable victory. This weekend should solidify a very clear picture of what’s to come in the knock-out stages.

GROUP A

Kilbride v Rathkenny: Kilbride will be somewhat satisfied with their showing in the opening round against the county champions Summerhill on their return to senior and this weekend a more achievable objective awaits them in the form of a clash with Rathkenny in Duleek on Thursday at 7.30pm. Rathkenny will be acutely aware of the danger of taking a promoted side for granted after they were stunned by Meath Hill 12 months ago. If Kilbride can play the fluent, nice brand of football that they did in the first-half against Summerhill and sustain it, they have a chance, but if it turns into a dogfight, there is only going to be one winner. Prediction: Rathkenny.

St Peter’s v Summerhill: Summerhill will be all the better for the way they were made to battle by Kilbride. When they did start to move through the gears in the second-half, they looked impressive and a fit Conor Frayne is a big boost to them ahead of their contest with St Peter’s on Sunday in Devenish Park, 2pm. St Peter’s know they will have to improve if they are going to get the better of the county champions. In last year's SFC group stage clash, Summerhill had a bit to spare over St Peter’s and you would expect a similar outcome this time around as well. Prediction: Summerhill.

GROUP B

Trim v Ratoath: While Trim did somewhat put away Na Fianna with ease last time out, they face a much bigger challenge on Friday evening against Ratoath in Devenish Park at 7.15pm. Aaron Lynch is the obvious dangerman for Trim and the Reds will need him and fellow county star Ciaran Caulfield to be at their very best. Ratoath were able to afford to ease up somewhat in the final quarter of their massive win over Skryne last time out and in truth, it will take a huge performance from Trim to get the better of Kevin Daly’s talented outfit. Prediction: Ratoath.

Skryne v Na Fianna: Saturday’s game in Batterstown at 7.30pm is a crucial game for both Na Fianna and Skryne if either of them has ambitions of qualifying for the knock-out stages. At the moment, Skryne don’t really resemble the side that reached the semi-finals of the last two SFC’s but they still have some talented players within their ranks. Na Fianna do have firepower up front that have the potential to cause issues for Aidan Tuite’s side. Tough one to call but Na Fianna just about get the nod. Prediction: Na Fianna.

GROUP C

St Colmcille’s v Wolfe Tones: Shane McCoy’s Wolfe Tones certainly impressed in round one and they will be looking for more of the same on Friday evening when they take on St Colmcille’s in Seneschalstown at 7.30pm. At their best, the Tones are a tough team to get the better of and they are well in their right to have high ambitions. St Colmcille’s are a rejuvenated side this year and in James Conlon they have one of the most talented forwards in the country at their disposal. However, Tones should have enough in reserve to make it two wins. Prediction: Wolfe Tones.

Ballinabrackey v Seneschalstown: Meath GAA was dealt a big blow when the news was released that Sean Coffey had injured his ACL but it’s an even bigger blow for Ballinabrackey who have lost their talented county star ahead of their clash with Seneschalstown on Sunday in Trim at 4pm. Seneschalstown appear to have made good strides this year and they have what it takes to make amends for the heavy loss they suffered this time last year at the hands of the Brack’s. Prediction: Seneschalstown.

GROUP D

Dunshaughlin v Donaghmore/Ashbourne: In 2024 when Dunshaughlin lifted the Keegan Cup, their journey started with a narrow win over Donaghmore/Ashbourne and the pair will renew rivalries again this Thursday at 7.15pm in Ratoath. Unfortunately, for the Dunshaughlin faithful, having already lost Ruairi Kinsella earlier in the year to the dreaded ACL, it was confirmed this week that Conor Gray also fell victim to the same cruel injury. Dunshaughlin showed in round one that they are still one of the top dogs but they won’t have it all their own way against a talented young hungry Donaghmore/Ashbourne side. This one could go down to the wire. Prediction - Dunshaughlin.

Gaeil Colmcille v Simonstown: Conn Cleary is getting a tune out of Gaeil Colmcille and in round one they backed up their league form with a narrow win over Donaghmore/Ashbourne. This Saturday the Kells outfit will look to continue that momentum into their clash with Simonstown in Martry at 6pm. Early indicators suggest that Simonstown are struggling a bit this year and they will need to improve if they are going to come away with a result this weekend. Prediction: Gaeil Colmcille.