The destination of the Delany Cup for the LMFM sponsored Minor Football Division 1 Championship should be known around 1-30pm on Sunday when the final whistle is sounded in this years final between Na Fianna and St Colmcilles at Pairc Tailteann. That is unless these teams repeat  the feat of their hurling counterparts from last week who fought out a thrilling draw.

Based on the same format as the Christy Ring Cup where clubs have a second bite of the cherry,  Na Fianna took the direct route to the final with wins over Wolfe Tones and Donaghmore/Ashbourne before accounting for Ratoath in the semi final. St Colmcilles on the other hand lost their first round match against Ratoath before overcoming a fancied Skryne side in round 2 by the minimum of margins. They then defeated Donaghmore/Ashbourne before success over St Peters Dunboyne in their semi final earned them a place in the final for the second time in three years. 

In that final in 2014 the Seasiders lost out to St Peters Dunboyne and one has to go back to 1983 for their last success in the competition when they overcame St Cuthberts to claim the silverware for the second year running. That St Colmcilles team, that was combined with Duleek,  was backboned by future Meath stars Robbie O'Malley and Bernard Flynn. For Na Fianna, Sunday will be only their second appearance in the final and they will hope the result is different as they lost the 2004 decider by 2 points to neighbours Summerhill. 

Na Fianna have already tasted success at minor this year when they had a most impressive win over Donaghmore/Ashbourne in the league final. They also won the u-17 league earlier this year so will be riding high on confidence. St Colmcilles have been going about their business in a quiet manner and have steadily improved as the season progressed. They had  success at u-16 in the division 2 final in May. However football in the east Meath club at the moment must be at an all time high after the Intermediate replay success last weekend and the minor players from that panel will be eager to make it a double celebration.

What odds on this match ending in a draw like last weeks hurling decider ??. It is too close to call and if these teams can play to their full potential, patrons are advised to come early to Pairc Tailteann on Sunday for the 12-15pm throw in and expect another thriller at minor grade . Padraig Coyle from Seneschalstown will be the "man in the middle",with Donal Forde (Slane) and Martin Griffin (Simonstown Gaels) the linesmen for the final

 

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