Ballinlough have enough to see off St Vincent's

Tom Gannon

Published: Sat 27 Sep 2025, 2:30 PM

Across the top three grades of Meath football, St Vincent’s are the last of the 2024 beaten finalists still alive and in with a chance of getting revenge.

They face their toughest test yet when they meet the talented Ballinlough in Saturday's semi-final in Dunganny, 7pm.

A defeat in a final is obviously a devastating outcome for a team and it can have a huge impact either positively or negatively. The Ardcath side have not really reached the heights that they did in 2024 but they have forged a path to the semi-final and the extra game, which they didn't have last year, has probably done them no harm, it may even have been beneficial.

Adam Tuite was sensational in the quarter-final and his hat-trick of two-pointers proved to be crucial. There is a dark cloud hanging over St Vincent’s at the moment and that is the fitness of Michael McIvor. McIvor has missed the last two games through illness and if he isn't fit for the semi-final, he will be a major loss for Paul McManus’ men.

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024,Balreask Bar, Restaurant and Accommodation JFC semifinal, St Vincent’s v Clann na nGaelat AshbourneSt Vincent’s v Clann na nGaelNigel Hand (St Vincents) scores a goal against Eoin Griffin (Clann na nGael)Photo: © David Mullen 2024 www.cyberimages.net Photo by David Mullen

Ballinlough have been very impressive thus far. They excelled in the group stage and they rightfully earned their reward of an automatic semi-final spot. However, after the demolition that Clann na nGael gave Dunderry, question marks have to be raised over the strength of the group that Ballinlough did win. Still though, you can only beat what's in front of you and Ballinlough might have enough to see of St Vincent's this weekend.

Prediction - Ballinlough.