Ominous signs as Summerhill eye repeat

Meath SFC: Reigning Meath champions Summerhill revived their prospects of back-to-back SFC titles following a comprehensive 2-12 to 0-9 win over Rathkenny at Walterstown yesterday.

The Hill lost their opening two matches and, with county player Conor Gillespie back from injury, they will be hoping to repeat last year’s feat when they also lost their opening two rounds but went on a championship-winning run.

Meath boss Mick O’Dowd was in attendance to check on the fitness of Gillespie and his county midfield partner Brian Meade, who lined out in attack for Rathkenny.

Gillespie was replaced in the closing stages while Meade, who recently returned following a nine-month lay-off with a cruciate injury, played the entire hour. Barry Dardis scored both goals for the champions who led 0-7 to 0-2 at the break.

Meanwhile, last year’s beaten finalists Na Fianna suffered defeat at the hands of Donaghmore/Ashbourne for whom Dublin U21 player Michael Deegan registered two points. The Ashbourne men are unbeaten in three outings and are virtually assured of a place in the knockout stages.

Colm O’Rourke’s Simonstown Gaels also continued their unbeaten run when overcoming perennial favourites and neighbours Navan O’Mahonys.

O’Mahonys were without injured inter-county duo Kevin Reilly and Stephen Bray but will fancy their chances of progressing despite this setback.

Wolfe Tones remain the only other unbeaten side in the championship after overcoming Graham Geraghty’s Duleek/Bellewstown, 0-12 to 0-11.

In the remaining SFC ties, St Peter’s Dunboyne overcame pointless Oldcastle 4-16 to 2-6, while Walterstown kept their hopes alive with a 1-9 to 0-9 win over Gaeil Colmcille.