Ratoath aiming to issue major statement of intent

The attention turns back to hurling this weekend and the small ball fanatics have plenty of action to look forward to with three SHC fixtures on Saturday before a triple header on Sunday at Pairc Tailteann. Undoubtedly, the game of the weekend will be contested between the 2023 SHC finalists, Kildalkey and Ratoath, writes Tom Gannon.

Champions Ratoath have been unstoppable so far and have shown very few, if any, signs of weakness in their quest to defend their SHC title. A comfortable opening round victory over Kiltale was followed by demolition jobs on Blackhall Gaels and Longwood.

Ratoath’s attacking options are scary. Padraig O’Hanrahan is back to his very best and he was exceptional against Longwood. At times, the opposition are powerless to stop the powerful and talented Daithi McGowan and Cian Rogers is one of the most dangerous hurlers in the county at the moment.

Kildalkey will, without a doubt, be Ratoath’s toughest test to date. Nick Fitzgerald’s side have been motoring along nicely.

In their opening round game, Kildalkey were without the services of some influential players, but that didn't stop them from earning a comfortable victory over Longwood.

They shifted gears in round two and completely annihilated Clann na nGael. A poor first-half showing against Blackhall Gaels was forgotten 30 minutes later when they eventually cruised to victory.

This will be a crunch clash for both sides as it will likely determine who will finish top and earn that coveted automatic semi-final spot.

It will be a close, tight encounter, and will probably be the game of the championship so far, but on what we have seen to date, Ratoath look to be that bit more solid.

The opening game at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday sees Trim take on Killyon.

In what is the perceived weaker group, 2024 finalists Trim have been quietly and steadily going about their business in an efficient manner. A nervy opener against Dunderry was forgotten about in round two when All-Ireland winner Paul Kelly’s side made light work of a Na Fianna side who have since emerged as one of ‘the best of the rest’.

Navan O’Mahonys gave the Reds a scare in round three when they got back to within two points with six minutes remaining but Trim revved back up the engine and won pulling away in the end.

Killyon’s loss to Na Fianna in round three would suggest that they won't cause too much hassle for Trim.

Kilmessan will hope they can bounce back from their shock defeat to Dunderry when they take on Na Fianna, who will be full of confidence after their comfortable victory over Killyon.

Pearse Treacy’s would not have fancied themselves to get a result out of this fixture at the start of the championship but recent developments may have changed that line of thinking.

In terms of confidence, another loss would be disastrous for Kilmessan so that might be motivation enough to see them over the line against the Enfield side.

On Saturday, Kiltale will be looking to keep their momentum moving forward when they take on Michael Verney’s Blackhall Gaels.

Kiltale were not at their best when they suffered an opening-round defeat to Ratoath but since then they have improved in leaps and bounds.

Kiltale have one way of playing but its very effective. Get the ball into the dangerous full-forward line of Jack Regan, Ross Ryan and Peter Durnin and let those three wizards work their magic.

The Gaels will probably be looking beyond this weekend, and will be targeting their final two group games so expect a comfortable victory for John Donoghue’s side.

Kilmessan's conquerors Dunderry will be full of confidence when they face the winless Navan O’Mahonys.

Dunderry showed what they're capable of in Pairc Tailteann two weeks ago when they defeated Kilmessan and you would expect them to be able to brush aside the Brews Hill side.

The bottom two sides in Group A, Longwood and Clann na nGael will also go to battle. The 2024 Senior ‘B’ champions Longwood look a million miles off where they were this time last year and Gary Cole’s army might just have what it takes to clinch an important victory.

Two of the standout sides in the IHC, St Peter’s and Rathmolyon, will do battle in Batterstown on Sunday morning.

The Village have been motoring well this year but St Peter’s look a class above the rest at the moment and you would fancy them to get the better of the men in green and white.

In a rematch of last year's quarter-final, Colm O Mealoid’s Donaghmore/Ashbourne are expected to get the better of Boardsmill again.

Trim have been on the receiving end of some heavy defeats this year, Gaeil Colmcille should have too much in hand for them. Kilskyre Moylagh will likely maintain their unbeaten record when they face a Drumree side who are off the back of a loss to Donaghmore/Ashbourne.

Kildalkey and Wolfe Tones can both earn their first points of the campaign when they meet fellow strugglers St Patrick’s and Kilmessan.