Meath live has a quick preview of the action over the coming weekend, we give a prediction in each final but lets get the supporters and fans on the stands to support the local clubs with some tight and interesting finals. It’s been a year were pride has been put back into the Meath senior team and some of the stars of the summer will be representing their respective clubs over the weekend, All to play for!
JFC; St Vincents vs Clann Na Gael Sat 2.00
Both of these were comprehensive winners of their semi finals albeit it took Vincents extra time to conquer Ballinlough, which they did with thanks to the 3-6 scored by Michael McIvor on his return from illness. The Clann’s on the other hand had their game against Slane wrapped up when they led by eight at half time. That win was aided by a marked lack of willingness by Slane to engage physically, a Vincents defence which includes Bobby Tallon and Ryan Hand will scarcely be so obliging while the Athboy side will have trouble containing an on fire McIvor.
Vincents were beaten in the decider two months ago, they won’t be this time.
Verdict; Ardcath agony for Athboy as Vincents win
IFC; Castletown v Kilbride Sat 4.00
This has the potential to be the mother of all shoot outs as both sides racked up big semi final scores. Castletown though faced tougher opposition and are clearly further down their development path than the Dublin border side, It is after all only a few years since they faced off against the Clifford inspired Fossa in an All Ireland junior semi final. The experience they have in the bank plus the scoring threat of Darragh Weldon and Kevin Ross can see them edge a much anticipated high scoring finale, although if Kilbride repeat their level of semi final performance they could push them all the way
Verdict; Castletown to shade a classic
SFC; Ratoath v Summerhill; Sun 2.00
Two sides who need no introduction either to each other or a Keegan Cup decider clash in the big one. A Ratoath success will see their double dreams remain alive as their hurlers are in the SHC final next week. They won the semi against Skryne pretty much as they pleased, a luxury that won’t be afforded to them by a Eoghan Frayne inspired Summerhill, who were well and truly road tested by Dunshaughlin in a semi that needed extra time to force a winner. The midfield duel between former county man Adam Flanagan for the ‘Hill and current county star Jack Flynn could well be decisive. If that battle ends up even then Summerhill may have more firepower distributed amongst their attack than a Daithi McGown reliant Ratoath
Verdict; Summerhill success
