Trim and Ratoath set for shootout

The final round in the group stage of the various hurling championships has the potential to be very exciting indeed. In the SHC most of the attention will be on Trim v Ratoath in what is effectively a shoot-out for a spot in the semi-final. Killyon and Dunderry is an intriguing clash in the SHC B while Rathmolyon and St Peter’s are set to do battle in the IHC.

SHC

Kilmessan v Kildalkey: This year Kilmessan have taken the SHC by storm. They will be hoping they can maintain their unbeaten run and book their spot in the decider on Sunday against Kildalkey in Boardsmill at 4pm. Kilmessan could lose this clash and still top the group but a draw would definitely ensure their safe passage to the SHC final and no one in Meath hurling circles could argue that they don’t deserve it after their impressive performances so far. Kildalkey have struggled this year and their hopes of making the knockout stages are dead and buried but they still have an incentive to play for on Sunday. If Kildalkey win or draw and Na Fianna lose to Kiltale, Mickey Cole’s men will secure their SHC status without any need for a relegation play-off. Prediction: Kilmessan.

Kiltale v Na Fianna: Credit to Na Fianna for their efforts this year but ultimately and as expected they find themselves in a precarious position ahead of their final group game with Kiltale in Longwood on Sunday at 4pm. A draw would ensure they get a chance at a relegation play-off but they probably still will anyway. John Donoghue’s Kiltale have been flying slightly under the radar but they have put themselves in a fairly good position and last year’s beaten finalists on form should comfortably ensure a place in the knock-out stages with a positive result against the Enfield men. Prediction: Kiltale.

Ratoath v Trim: It is hard to believe that one of the two teams that have set the bar in the SHC over the last half-decade will more than likely be knocked out this weekend. Over the last six years Ratoath and Trim have contested the SHC final on three occasions, and between them they have won four of the last six Jubilee Cups. The competitive nature of the new structure has brought about jeopardy to the group stage and it will be all on the line when the two meet in Devenish Park at 4pm on Sunday. Unless other results tear the script up completely, the winners will advance to the semi-final and the curtains will be pulled closed on the losers’ SHC campaign for 2026. This will go right down to the wire but in recent years Ratoath have tended to find just enough to sink the Reds. Prediction: Ratoath.

SHC B

Kilskyre/Moylagh v Longwood: With a 100% record Kilskyre/Moylagh have cruised their way to the SHC B decider and this Sunday in Athboy at 1pm they are fancied to continue that momentum and get the better of Longwood in the final round of the group stage. No matter what happens in this contest, Kilskyre/Moylagh will contest the SHC B final and Longwood are still in the hunt for a spot in the semi-final. On their day, Longwood can cause issues for Kilskyre/Moylagh but Tom Gilsenan’s side are expected to come out on top. Prediction: Kilskyre/Moylagh.

Blackhall Gaels v Navan O’Mahonys: The bottom two in the SHC B face off in what is a very important contest in the relegation battle. A win for Navan O’Mahony’s in Kiltale on Sunday at 1pm would mean that Blackhall Gaels will be relegated to the IHC. The side based in Batterstown are yet to pick up any points but given what's on the line, the Brews Hill side won’t have it all their own way. Michael Verney will surely get a tune out of his side this weekend and they could potentially stun Navan O’Mahonys. Prediction: Blackhall Gaels.

Killyon v Dunderry: Last year's SHC B champions Killyon may have started the campaign slowly but in the last couple of rounds they have found some form and they won’t want to relinquish the cup named after a legendary clubman Kit Mitchell, too easily, especially given that this year promotion is on the line. This weekend they face a solid Dunderry side and it will be a good test but on recent form Killyon are fancied to get the victory in Kildalkey on Sunday at 1pm.Prediction: Killyon.

IHC

Drumree v Clann na nGael: This is an intriguing encounter in the last round of the IHC set for Trim on Saturday at 5pm. Clann na nGael have found some form and boosted by the return of Eamon O Donnchadha they managed to get an important slender win over St Peter’s last time out. Drumree have been solid throughout and although they won’t have it all their own, they should be able to finish out the group stage with a victory and march on to the semi-final. Prediction: Drumree.

St Peter's v Rathmolyon: With their 100% record Rathmolyon head into this clash with St Peter’s in Devenish Park on Saturday at 5pm safe with the knowledge that their spot in the IHC final has already been secured. Should St Peter’s lose here the Dunboyne side will certainly rue letting a three-point lead with six minutes left slip against Clann na nGael last time out. Prediction: Rathmolyon.

Don/Ash v Gaeil Colmcille: Such is the competitive nature of the IHC that Donaghmore/Ashbourne are not far off any side in this division but yet their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages are now slim to none. They still will want to make sure of the win over Gaeil Colmcille on Saturday in Kiltale at 5pm to ensure that there is no possibility of a relegation play-off. Prediction: Don/Ash.

IHC B

Kildalkey v Wolfe Tones: Wolfe Tones will be able to seal their spot in the IHC B semi-final with a win over Kildalkey on Friday at 8pm. Prediction: Wolfe Tones.

Kilmessan v Kiltale: Kiltale can still sneak a place in the semi-final with a win over Kilmessan on Friday at 8pm. That result would relegate Kilmessan. Prediction: Kiltale.

Trim v Boardsmill: Victory over Trim can seal Boardsmill top spot in the group on Friday at 8pm. Despite their current position in the table there is a strong possibility that Trim may miss out on a spot in the semi-final. Prediction: Boardsmill.