A lot of meaning less games played over the weekend with the exception of Kilmessan/Killyon. Dunboyne v Na Fianna, Na Fianna were never going to beat Dunboyne and were always relegation fodder, Kiltale v BHG, with BHG safe it didn't matter what the result was but that said i expected Kiltale to have a goal surge, depsite winning by a big margin i really thought 4/5 goals would be hit. Kiltale will be very difficult to beat from here on, IMO they will be champions, Kildalkey v Rathmolyon another dead rubber, rath are very poor and this is not their first heavy defeat, Trim done something similar to them, Kildalkey have some big guns back and now face Kilmessan in qtr final, both teams will want to out do each other here, for me i think Kildalkey on a good day will win but the difference could be the free takers, Reilly very accurate whilst Kildalkey dont really have a settled free taker. Trim v Boardsmill, Boardsmill need to have a serious look at their management, enough said for anyone who follows hurling. second qtr final, Dunboyne v Longwood, Dunboyne by 10. So semi finals that i think all things been equal, Trim v Dunboyne, has the potential to be a cracker with 2 teams desperate to for jubliee honours, trim not having been there for about 10 years and Dunboyne looking to get back to a final after they failed in the 2009 event, add in the spice of the melee 2 years ago, Trim are going really well despite the defeat to Killyon in the Davis Cup final, Dunboyne also hititng big scores, IMO Trim will pip it given the return of one or 2 players. Kiltale Kildalkey, IMO Kiltale will win this however if kildalkey get into the groove early kiltale could falter, county champs to come from this game.

StickFan (Meath) - Posts: 217 - 25/08/2014 11:12:28    1641560

2 interesting Quarter Finals.

Dunboyne V Londwood: Dunboyne have the better team, although Longwood have better individuals. It will be closer than previous posts suggest. Paul Fagan back for Dunboyne is a major boost for them. Dunboyne by 3 points.

Kilmessan vs Kildalkey: 5 of the last 6 championships have come from these 2 clubs. Kilmessan seem to be coming into form at the right time. Kildalkey have played poor opposition since losing to Trim but the return of the 3 Keogh brothers is a massive boost for them. Very hard to call. I think if Clynch is fit to play, Kilmessan will win but Kildalkey could so easily win if they start well. Kilmessan by 2.

I think regardless of outcome though of the 2 quarter finals, I predict a Kiltale Trim Final. Exciting few weeks ahead.

overthehill72 (Meath) - Posts: 334 - 25/08/2014 12:06:43    1641589

Bit harsh on Longwood there Redman ... Nothing to offer Meath hurling you say ... I would wholeheartedly disagree ... I think they have been a breath of fresh air in the Meath SHC over the past couple of years. I was lucky enough to witness the most extraordinary half hour of hurling by Longwood in last years semi final against Kiltale. That, for me, was the highlight of the whole of last years Championship year and I got to see a lot of the games.

BoscoFrench (Meath) - Posts: 43 - 25/08/2014 15:00:20    1641760

Realistically though Longwood are not a nice side to watch, although they do have some fine hurlers they havent got the class to match dunboyne. Dunboyne Trim semi final seems like a cracker for me. After the melee last year which disturbed Trims good run of form and also landed them with a number of suspensions they will be eager to meet them. Dunboyne might not have the stand out hurlers that trim have but they will meet them full on, two great sides with plenty of goals in them.

tuppy23 (Meath) - Posts: 154 - 25/08/2014 17:32:56    1641901

Big weekend coming up , paddy power got jos hole kicked by donegal v dublin . Where's the smart money going on this week's jubilee contenders ?

Monkeycatcher (Meath) - Posts: 155 - 02/09/2014 19:32:30    1647143

Dunboyne v Longwood- Two contrasting styles. Dunboyne slick and pacey while Longwood tactical and defensive. Open spaces of Pairc Tailteann should suit Dunboyne. Longwood over relying on 4 players while others are not up to senior hurling. Dunboyne have more hurlers on their team if they don't mentally bottle it as they have over the yrs they should win. Dunboyne by 6pts.

Kildalkey v Kilmessan- 5 of the last 6 titles between them says it all, huge battle ahead. These two teams have produced epic games over the last 6 years. Kilmessan group stage was very poor, they only really showed their fighting spirit against Killyon last day out. Kildalkey have quietly got their business done in the stages, their best performance was against Trim even tho they lost where they produced fast, slick hurling with impressive pt scoring. I think Kildalkey will have too much pace and power for an aging but tough Kilmessan side, Keoghs, Dorans and Conneely very strong players for Kildalkey while Reilly, Kenna and Clynch will provide Kilmessans threat. Great game to look forward too. Kildalkey by 4pts.

Redman7 (Meath) - Posts: 81 - 03/09/2014 09:57:24    1647301

I fancy DUNBOYNE as a dark horse to go all the way this year. They have been moving along nicely since their opening defeat.
They weren't great against na fianna, but that could well serve as a wake up call.

If they beat longwood do they face trim or kiltale?

dubsout (Meath) - Posts: 220 - 03/09/2014 14:29:48    1647510

Dunboyne/Longwood v Trim. Kilmessan/Kildalkey v Kiltale. Semi final pairing.

Redman7 (Meath) - Posts: 81 - 03/09/2014 14:51:37    1647532

Two great contest's on Saturday massive commitment from all sides anyone surprised? For me the highlight was longwood v dunboyne epic battle

Monkeycatcher (Meath) - Posts: 155 - 07/09/2014 18:12:20    1649176

Thought dunboyne made extreme hard work of it, but not one to go against my predictions - I will keep with them to beat trim in a mini surprise

dubsout (Meath) - Posts: 220 - 08/09/2014 13:42:17    1649563

Was at the 2 games on Saturday. Trim and Kiltale wouldn't be worried about opposition from what was on show on Saturday.
Very exciting games but all 4 teams lacked quality I thought.
Kilmessan's injuries caught up with them, Kildalkey had a stronger team out and very good subs.
Dunboyne struggled against a poor longwood outfit. Hackett and Dunne seem back to their best.

Dunboyne and Kildalkey will be quite happy to go in to the semi finals as underdogs, and could cause a shock.
But I'm sticking with my prediction of a Kiltale Trim Final.

overthehill72 (Meath) - Posts: 334 - 08/09/2014 13:56:22    1649578

Agree, two exciting finishes to both games but quality was poor. Dunboyne were very lucky to win especially as Longwood led by one pt with time up before that outrageous refereeing decision penalising Mickey Burke instead of giving him a free out. Longwood hard done by. Dunboyne on that performance won't beat Trim but if they hurl to potential I'd give them a real chance. Kildalkey and Kilmessan game was so physical with a lot of off the ball stuff. Kildalkey grinded out victory in the end despite Kilmessan looking in control for 45 Minutes. Kildalkey v Kiltale will be a different type of game with more hurling, Kiltale don't want to get in a dogfight as Kildalkey are too strong but if it's an open game of hurling I think Kildalkey will still be able for Kiltale. Sticking my neck out here and predicting a Kildalkey v Dunboyne final!!!

Redman7 (Meath) - Posts: 81 - 09/09/2014 10:43:01    1649964

Yeah Kildalkey v Trim final

It is a case of who wants it the most and I think Kildalkey will succeed - they are the hungry for it very hungry - Kildalkey will physically beat Kiltale of the field. Kiltale have nice hurlers but when it comes to the physically aspect they will fall short so Kildalkey.
Trim and Dunboyne - Trim for this one youth and no fear and they are driven for the win and will succeed but if they win and meet Kildalkey it will be the same as Kiltale they will physically get beaten of the pitch - the discipline will play a part also for both matches but they should be two good games

Sportfan (Meath) - Posts: 133 - 10/09/2014 15:58:14    1650654

So its a big weekend for the Hurlers as its down to the do or die stages of the SHC.

Kildalky vs Kiltale: Tough to call this one. Kildalky with the key players back in and up to speed should have enough strength and fire power to fend off kiltale. Although I can see this being a low scoring affair.

Trim vs Dunboyne: Could be a very physical game with the recent history between these two.. will be an intriguing game as trim seem to be able to find that extra bit of talent to get them over the line but Dunboyne under John Gorry will be tactically superior in my opinion.

Going For Kildalky and Trim final with Trim to win it outright.

Irish_downunder (Meath) - Posts: 631 - 25/09/2014 15:56:46    1656955

Getting very excited for the big day on Sunday, trim dunboyne shall be an excellent clash of two great hurling sides with abit of history too. Trim for me though with class like Doyle Toher Douglas and for me the two best corner backs in the championship McGrath and O'Rourke. Then the big one, Two savage hurling teams who have lots of experience, can see Kildalkey having just too much to handle though, Duxy Paddy Connelly Gary Kelly and the Keoghs should be too hot to handle. Roll on 3.30 Sunday for a great day of hurling

tuppy23 (Meath) - Posts: 154 - 25/09/2014 20:57:03    1657070

Trim v Kiltale final should be quite a battle, Trim hoping Alan Douglas is fit because without him realistically there's very little chance of a win! Anyhow, roll on October 12th

tuppy23 (Meath) - Posts: 154 - 28/09/2014 19:32:58    1657776

Is the final definitely on the 12th??

Irish_downunder (Meath) - Posts: 631 - 28/09/2014 20:47:13    1657822

Senior and Intermediate hurling finals are the 12th October according to the fixture planner. The first round of Leinster for the 2 winners is the weekend of the 24th.

CastleBravo (Meath) - Posts: 1646 - 28/09/2014 21:13:57    1657843

As a neutral watching yesterday it would appear that kildalkey lost the game on the sideline. trying to protect a lead in hurling is next to impossible if you try to pull an extra man back into defence. Is that the end of Pat O'Halloran now as it would appear from watching that soem palyers appear to have lost faith and patient with him.

i would foresee Kiltale winning the final by 3-4 points.

Foley91 (Meath) - Posts: 418 - 29/09/2014 10:03:22    1657933

Really curious as to who people consider as favourites, Kiltale have championship final experience which is beneficial but Trim have youth and true fearlessness, can see trim edging it by the smallest of margins

tuppy23 (Meath) - Posts: 154 - 30/09/2014 18:08:39    1658701