No picnic for Trim as last four reward up for grabs

The final round of the SHC group stage is nigh, and while most of the outcomes are quite predictable, the results of various games will still prove to be consequential, writes Tom Gannon.

In Group A, the pick of the games will be between Kildalkey and Kiltale and this will likely decide who will finish in the slightly more favourable second place spot.

While in Group B, the top two in the group, Trim and Kilmessan, go to battle. Last year Kilmessan stunned eventual finalists Trim at this stage, but can they pull that shock off again in 2025, or will Trim continue on their good run of form and seal the direct passage to the semi-finals.

GROUP A

Kiltale v Kildalkey: Right now, Kildalkey will be hurting. They were expected to go close against Ratoath in round four and it transpired to be a bit of a hammering. They need to pick themselves up because they won’t want to enter a quarter-final game off the back of two losses. Kiltale have made great strides over the last few games and that 10-point defeat to Ratoath in round one doesn't look as bad anymore. The key battle will be between the Kiltale full forward line and the Kildalkey full back line. If Brendan McKeon, Brin Kelly and David Conneely can get the better of Jack Regan, Ross Ryan and Peter Durnin, Kildalkey have a good chance but that’s a lot easier said then done. Prediction - Kiltale.

Ratoath v Clann na nGael: Ratoath have looked incredible. After winning their first title for 61 years, a change of manager, a mediocre league campaign, it was easy to predict that were not going to be the same force they were in 2024, but the opposite is the case. They are a much more all round solid side with very few kinks in the armour. They haven’t conceded a goal yet and they've played two of the other top four teams in the county. Clann na nGael got off the mark last week and will take some confidence from that performance against Longwood, but Ratoath will want to keep the momentum going heading into the knockout stages. Prediction - Ratoath.

Blackhall Gaels v Longwood: Huge credit has to go to Michael Verney and the progress that Blackhall Gaels have made. Last year his side were on the cusp of relegation but they came out of the blocks flying this year with a fantastic opening round win over Clann na nGael. They have had three very tough fixtures since, but they had some bright patches including an impressive first-half performance against Kildalkey. Longwood, on the other hand, have gone in the opposite direction and their championship has just not gone to plan. Blackhall Gaels are serious contenders for Longwoods’ current title, the SHC B, and they should have enough to see off the men in white and black who will be without the suspended Damien and Athnony Healy. Prediction - Blackhall Gaels.

GROUP B

Trim v Kilmessan: In this fixture 12 months ago, a weakened Trim side handed Kilmessan the perfect opportunity to stun the then champions. However, this time around Trim appear to be returning to full strength with injuries clearing up so the Reds will be hoping to continue their upward curve and put in an improved performance. The 2023 champions have parted ways with manager Paul Kelly, and are now guided by Declan Murray. Kilmessan hit a serious speed bump against Dunderry in round three but they got back to winning ways last time out against a smart Na Fianna side. Nicky Horan’s side have enough in hand on points difference anyway to at least secure second place but it’s hard to see them beating a Trim side who have their tails up at the moment. Prediction - Trim.

Na Fianna v Dunderry: These are two improved sides and this battle carries a lot of weight as it will earn one of these teams the final spot in the SHC for 2026. Dunderry are a very capable side and they took advantage of a Kilmessan team who were obviously going through a bit of a rough patch. That game was their only real highlight as their other positive result was a share of the spoils with a winless Navan O’Mahonys. Na Fianna have been a lot more consistent. They have had two good victories and arguably their loss against Kilmessan last week is probably better form than Dunderry's victory over the same opposition. Prediction - Na Fianna.

Killyon v Navan O’Mahonys: Even though these sides are two teams that are destined for the senior B, neither will want to lose this game because the pay off in terms of a more favourable draw for the second-tier competition next year is good motivation. Killyon have rested on their laurels a bit and have not performed up to expectation. The Brews Hill side on the other hand have shown some bright patches, and they gave group toppers Trim a bit of a scare in round three. The objective this year was always going to be maintain senior status and a win in the final round of the group stage would be good step in that direction. If Killyon can put a performance together though they're going to be hard to beat. Prediction - Killyon.