New structure to bring renewed excitement

All change but same outcome expected as Ratoath tipped to retain Jubilee Cup

Seldom has the build up to the start of the SHC in Meath carried with it so much expectation than this year.

The reason for the new sense of optimism, and indeed palpable anticipation among the hurling fraternity, is the nature of the championship format.

In recent years the SHC has been blighted and undermined by the fact that the group stages contained teams that could be described as the ‘superpowers’ of the game in the Royal County who were mixed in with less capable sides in a competition that contained 12 teams divided into two groups. The inevitable result of such an approach were seriously one-sided massacres that did little or nothing to help the cause of those involved.

The thinking behind the utilisation of such a format was that by meeting with the strong sides the weaker teams would get better, over time. Such a philosophy proved misguided.

Now, at last, the new format, which has been used so successfully in counties such as Westmeath, will be unfolded in Meath with the golden circle of the top six teams - Ratoath, Kiltale, Trim, Kildalkey, Kilmessan and Na Fianna - all taking part in the SHC A competition for the biggest prize in Meath hurling – the Jubilee Cup.

The six teams will play eachother in what should be highly competitive games. The top team goes straight into the SHC final while the second and third placed sides take on each other in a semi-final.

The bottom two teams will be paired to decide who will be relegated to the Senior B HC next year, unless that is, one team loses all of their games. If that happens they go down directly without getting a chance to save themselves in a play-off – a very good idea.

The introduction of the new format has received widespread support with Kiltale manager John Donoghue expressing the view of many in his attitude to the changes.

“I was a big advocate and supporter of the new format,” he said. “You could selfishly look at it and say you had a great chance of making the knock-out stages but I don’t think it was for the benefit of Meath hurling. I don’t think there are 12 teams competing on an even playing field in terms of strength and I think that extra competitiveness brought about by the fact that there is no comfort in losing a game and still progressing will only help the championship. I think it’s going to be cut-throat and that’s the way the championship should be," said Donoghue.While the format is new the age-old question remains. Who is going to win the title? Ratoath are gunning for a three-in-row and there’s no reason, that’s obvious at this stage, why they can’t chalk up such a notable achievement.

They have featured at the business end of the championship for the past four years, losing at the semi-final stage in 2022 and 2023. They learned from those setbacks and pushed on to win the title in 2024 and ’25. Andrew Dermody’s side were somewhat fortunate to avoid defeat to Kiltale in last year’s county final that went to a replay. A Podge O'Hanrahan last-gasp point earned them a draw the first day but they were by some way the better team the second time around.

O'Hanrahan has had his issues with injuries in recent years but he remains a highly influential figure. Darragh Kelly, Domhnall Rogers, Cian Rogers, Colm O’Riordan as well as Daithi, Jack and Ben McGowan are others who form the basis of what is still a very formidable team. The only caveat is that the club’s football ambitions might distract them, although that seemingly hasn’t proved to be a major issue in recent seasons.

Kiltale will surely be highly motivated to make up for last year’s bitter disappointment. They indicated in the recent defeat of Kildalkey in the HL Div 1 final that they are primed for the ‘real’ business of the championship. They won that final without the services of a number of players who might be normally considered regulars such as Mark O’Sullivan, Hugh O’Sullivan and Philip Garvey. When they have everyone back Kiltale will be quite a force.

Kildalkey welcomed back Brin Kelly and Martin Healy after lengthy spells out injured for that Div 1 showdown. Manager Mike Cole will need everyone available to him in order for his team to make an impact in this year’s campaign.

Declan Murray’s Trim side, who were defeated in last year’s semi-final by Ratoath, have had a mixed league campaign, finishing fourth in Div 1 but they have the kind of talented personnal such as James Murray (who will miss round one due to suspension), Mikey Cole, Joey Cole, Kyle Ennis, Mark Molloy and James Toher that ensures they will be in the mix again.

Kilmessan also reached last year’s semi-finals and with a group of developing young players they will be disappointed not to do the same again – at least. Na Fianna too are in with the county’s elite but they have to be considered rank outsiders for the title. They may instead be looking to consolidate their status in the top competition as their main target. Everything to play for in what is a new era for Meath hurling.

Different teams will have different ambitions but one thing is certain. This will be a championship like no other.