St Peter's fancied to make amends

Rathmolyon lead strong chasing pack for Mick Leonard Cup

The Meath IHC is always an intriguing championship. Over the last few years, the SHC has been criticised for its lack of competitiveness, hence the shift in structure this year, but the same cannot be said for the second tier, as it always proves to be an entertaining and unpredictable competition.

However, the powers-that-be have changed the structure of the IHC with the introduction of the B grade, and so the 'second tier' championship will have a similar structure to the senior championship grades with the top team qualifying for the final and second and third contesting a semi-final.

In 2025, the pre-championship favourites were St Peter’s. Most within hurling circles of the county figured the side that had been relegated from the SHC would have enough talent within their ranks to bounce straight back up to senior.

That proved not to be the case as a strong Kilskyre/Moylagh side rose from the ashes and in the end were very worthy winners of the Mick Leonard Cup.

After their semi-final exit in 2025, St Peter’s now have a point to prove. The Dunboyne side was bolstered last year with the addition of the very talented Waterford native Jason Gleeson. Gleeson and former inter-county star Sean Quigley will both be crucial assets in their bid to return to the SHC ranks.

St Peter’s are one of two sides that stand out as big contenders in this year's IHC, the other is the team that defeated Noel McMahon’s outfit in the recent HL Div 2 final, Rathmolyon.

For a small club, the Village have produced some wonderful hurlers and the current crop is stacked with fantastic talent. Joey Christie is one of the most reliable free-takers in the county. Jarlath and Simon Ennis are now staples in the inter-county set-up, and Stephen Mulligan can be a thorn in the side of most defenders.

For the past couple of years, Rathmolyon have come very close to regaining its senior status. Last year's beaten finalists will most certainly be in the shake-up again this year. St Peter’s and Rathmolyon seem to be a little bit ahead of the pack, but they won't have it all their own way.

Clann na nGael have joined the intermediate ranks after a disastrous 2025 campaign. Two years ago, Clann na nGael were a very competitive senior outfit but last season, the side lost some crucial players including stalwart Eamon O Donnchadha and they certainly felt the effects.

Clann na nGaels' league form would not encourage their supporters, and they are more than likely going to struggle in their bid to bounce straight back up to senior.

Colm O Mealoid’s Donaghmore/Ashbourne are interesting contenders. At the moment thay are part of the chasing pack and probably a little bit behind in their development to the likes of St Peter’s and Rathmolyon.

They have a talented young squad though and in Louis McIvor, they have one of the most exciting young hurlers in the county. The Moore’s will likely be there at the business end but whether or not they have what it takes to get over the line remains to be seen.

Drumree are a team that can mix it with the best of them in the IHC. The beaten 2024 finalists are a tough outfit and on their day, Drumree have some exceptional forwards. A bit like Donaghmore/Ashbourne, Drumree are slightly behind the two favourites in terms of development and will probably eventually fall short in the race for the Mick Leonard Cup.

Gaeil Colmcille were crowned HL Div 4 champions but that is a whole two divisions below the decider that Rathmolyon and St Peter’s contested. The Kells outfit main objective for the year will be to retain their A status and avoid the drop, which may prove difficult.

The IHC always has the potential to produce a shock winner, but St Peter’s and Rathmolyon stand out as the main contenders. There is not a lot between the two sides, but St Peter’s have the talent and resources to reverse the form of the HL Div 2 decider and return to the senior ranks.