After some thrilling encounters in Round 1 of the Minor Hurling Championship two weeks ago, we have some more intriguing encounters to look forward to this week in Round 2 with some fancied teams already looking nervously over their shoulder after not managing to pick up the win on the opening evening. 

All games throw in at 19:00 on Wednesday unless stated. 

Division 1

Tuesday August 20th - Kildalkey v Clann na nGael (Venue – Kildalkey):  Having picked up what could turn out to be a valuable draw on the opening night when their ability to score goals at vital times proved crucial, Kildalkey will be fancying their chances of defeating Clann na nGael on this evening. On the other hand, Clann na nGael are smarting after a heavy loss to Killyon/Longwood and are definitely a far better side than that scoreline suggests. 

Lee Coldrick is likely to occupy the centre back berth this evening for Kildalkey and if he can lock down the middle then the Kildalkey defence will be hard breached while up front Evan Geoghegan will take plenty of watching as the lively corner forward is a constant threat. 

For Clann na nGael the twin threats of Conor McGovern and Martin Keogh will look to keep the scoreboard ticking over and if they can hit top form then the Athboy/Rath Chairn outfit are more than capable of storming fortress Kildalkey. 

Verdict:  Kildalkey

Killyon/Longwood v Ratoath (Venue – Killyon):  Two sides who enjoyed contrasting fortunes in Round 1 as Killyon/Longwood laid down a marker with a comprehensive victory over newly promoted Clann na nGael while Ratoath fell to a narrow defeat at home against Trim. These results put some pressure on Ratoath heading into Round 2 as a defeat here would leave them fighting an uphill battle if they’re to finish in qualifying spots for the final. 

The Lanigan brothers, Will and Jack will be key players for Ratoath with Will likely to pick up Stefan Holzner in the Killyon/Longwood attack and Jack looking to lead the Ratoath forwards and convert a high percentage of his frees. Tom Roddy in the goals will be looking to use his pinpoint accuracy from puckouts to locate his half forwards and be the launchpad for attacks. 

For Killyon/Longwood, Justin Coyne is likely to be out around the middle of the park and his ability to strike long range points is something which is likely to be noted by Ratoath and how they plan to shut down the threat will be intriguing. Cathal McKeown up front is a livewire with a proper goal threat as he showed for the county Minor side this year and it would be a surprise if he doesn’t cause a few nightmares for the Ratoath defence. 

Verdict:  Draw

Trim v Kilmessan (Venue – Trim):  If their forwards can maintain the impressive scoring form which they showed in their Round 1 draw away to Kildalkey then Kilmessan will be in with a brilliant opportunity of causing something resembling a shock against Trim on Wednesday evening. But will they be able to create as many opportunities against Trim as they did the last day?

Trim’s selection the last day was along familiar lines but the posting of Joey Cole and Ciaran Caulfield to midfield which saw James Murray on the forty was something of a surprise. Murray ended up with nine points, five of which came from frees but outside of him, the team struggled for scores with no other marksman setting the game alight. 

Cathal Smith is likely to be detailed to pick up Murray and Smith can limit his influence then Kilmessan will be in with a live shout. Luke Horan has the ability to cause Trim plenty of problems of their own and if these two can perform to the heights they are capable of then Kilmessan can leave Trim with the points. It’s difficult to look past Trim though. 

Verdict:  Trim  

Division 2

Kiltale v Rathmolyon (Venue – Kiltale):  After being expected in many quarters to take care of the Dunderry challenge the last day but only coming away with a draw, can Kiltale bounce back to winning ways against the youngsters from The Village?

They possess all the ability to do so but Rathmolyon, while the lost out to St. Peter’s Dunboyne by three points, will enter this game with confidence while Robert Ennis is likely to be back available. Home advantage may prove crucial though and Kiltale may edge a tight affair. 

Verdict:  Kiltale

O’Mahonys/Wolfe Tones v Dunderry (Venue - Paddy O’Brien Park):  O’Mahonys/Wolfe Tones, after their opening game was postponed, open their Championship campaign against Dunderry in Paddy O’Brien Park in what is a most intriguing encounter. 

Having a game under their belt might prove crucial for Dunderry and they can take home the two points from the Brews Hill venue. 

Verdict:  Dunderry

St. Peter’s Dunboyne v Na Fianna (Venue – Dunboyne):  After defeating Rathmolyon to win the Summer League decider, St. Peter’s Dunboyne backed it up when beating them once more in Round 1 of the Championship which looks like outstanding form.

Under the tutelage of Sean Callanan, the home side will enter this game as favourites and it’s hard to look past them for the victory. 

Verdict:  St. Peter’s Dunboyne

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