Senior Hurling Championship Previews

August 09, 2013

Boardsmill and Kilmessan have big games ahead of them this Sunday.
The Meath senior hurling championship is moving along nicely. With two rounds to play the groups are beginning to take shape. Round four takes place over the weekend with some very interesting fixtures.

Killyon v Longwood in Kildalkey on Saturday.
Last years finalists Killyon have struggled. No points from three outings including a heavy defeat to Kiltale in the last round has ended their interest. On the other hand Longwood are moving along with conviction. Inspired by dual star Mickey Burke, county man Damien Healy and the ever reliable Rory Maguire and Aaron Ennis 'The Wood' have gather four points from 3 outings. These sides met in last years semi final and extra time was needed to give Killyon victory.
Virdict: This time round there should be no denying Longwood.

Dunboyne v Rathmolyon in Longwood on Sunday
St Peters have four points from two outings but are waiting on the outcome of the abandoned match with Trim. John Gorry's men have been flying high of late and are a real contender for outright honours. With the league title under their belts and players of the calibre of Neil Hackett, the Watters, Sean Moran and Paul Fagan in their ranks they are a force to reckon with. Last years Intermediate winners Rathmolyon are struggling to come to terms with the top flight. The Village will look to the Coles, Jack Fagan, John Farrell and Tom Henderson for inspiration.
Virdict: St Peters to have too much firepower

O'Mahony's v Trim in Athboy on Sunday
Should be one of the games of the round. Navan top Group A with maximum points fro three outings. Trim, like Dunboyne await the outcome of that abandoned match are second. Trim have defeated Drumree and Rathmolyon and in James Toher, David Foley, Ryan Andrews, Ciaran Joyce along with the return of Joey Toole, John Andrews has put together a very formidable outfit. Navan will rely on the scoring exploits of Paddy Skehan, full back Richie Hogan and Mikie Kelly at midfield.
Verdict: Trim by a slim margin.

Na Fianna v Drumree in Trim on Sunday
Injury and emigration have really affected Drumree this year. David Troy's charges have shipped some heavy defeats and have a score difference of -39 and no points. Na Fianna gained their first victory by beating Rathmolyon in round three. The difference between the two teams should be the scoring form of Na Fianna's Barry Slevin
Verdict: Na Fianna to win and give Drumree serious relegation problems

Boardsmill v Kildalkey in Trim on Sunday
Its a game that the champions from 2009, 2010 and 2011 can't afford to lose. Pat O'Halloran's charges have two points from the three games while Boardsmill have just the one. Last time out Kilmessan accounted for the Kildalkey men. Boardsmill drew with high flyers Kilmessan and will take heart from this result. The formers champions miss the influence of Noel Kirby and Paddy Conneely. Boardsmill under Vinny Guy will look to good performances from county minor Charlie and Jim Bird, Jimmy Pratt and David Farrell
Verdict: Kildalkey but only just. Don't rule out a draw.

Kilmessan v Kiltale in Ratoath on Sunday.
Without a doubt the game of the round. Last years champions are unbeaten to date and handed out a lesson to Killyon in the last round. The loss through emigration of Mark O'Sullivan Anthony Forde and Willie Mahady has not weaken Martin Ennis' side one bit. Cillian O'Sullivan's return will be a big boost and with seasoned campaigners like the Donoghues, Philly Larkin and Peter Durnin along with the youth of James Kelly and Jack Regan the champions remain the team to beat. Kilmessan have been in really good form to date. A Davis Cup title has already been achieved. Team captain Mark Brennan, Peter Farrell, Eoin Marsh and Darren Reilly have been in sparking form. Last time out they defeated Kildalkey and sprung Anton O'Neill, Ger O'Neill, Stephen Clynch and Nicky Horan from the bench. Some depth of talent here.
Verdict: Kiltale but both should cross paths again later in the year.

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