John O’Neill Sand and Gravel League Roundups
Division 1 League Round-Up
St Josephs remain the standout side in Division 1 after maintaining their perfect start to the campaign with an impressive away win over Newtown Blues at the weekend. Hunterstown Rovers produced a superb comeback display to defeat St Mochtas in Páirc Baile Fiach, while Ardee St Marys moved level on eight points after seeing off Naomh Máirtín on a 0-11 to 0-8 scoreline.
St Patricks also sit on eight points despite surrendering local bragging rights to Cooley Kickhams, who delivered an excellent performance to claim victory. Geraldines continued their recent resurgence with a strong win away in Clogherhead, while Dundalk Gaels and Mattock Rangers shared the spoils at The Ramparts on Thursday evening.
Attention now turns to another huge weekend of fixtures. League leaders St Josephs welcome the county champions in a massive clash at the top end of the table, while Geraldines have the chance to break into the top six when they host St Patricks. Ardee St Marys entertain Dreadnots, Dundalk Gaels face Cooley Kickhams, and Hunterstown Rovers travel to Collon for a mouthwatering local derby. Meanwhile, Newtown Blues will head to Louth Village determined to finally get points on the board.
St Josephs are League Leaders after 6 Rounds
Division 2 League Round-Up
Roche Emmets suffered their first defeat of the season as Oliver Plunketts produced arguably their best display of the campaign to claim a deserved 1-14 to 2-7 victory over the table-toppers. That result allowed Stabannon Parnells to move into first place after edging out Sean O’Mahonys in an impressive showing.
Dundalk Young Irelands recorded a comfortable win over John Mitchels, while St Brides proved too strong for O’Raghallaighs. Kilkerley Emmets continued their strong form with a three-point win over St Kevins, and Glen Emmets and St Fechins shared the spoils in the final game of the weekend.
This weekend promises another intriguing round of fixtures. Roche Emmets will aim to bounce back when neighbours Kilkerley Emmets make the short trip across. Leaders Stabannon Parnells face a difficult assignment away to St Brides, while Glen Emmets and Dundalk Young Irelands meet in Tullyallen in a clash that could have significant implications near the top of the table.
Elsewhere, O’Raghallaighs host St Kevins at the Integral GAA Grounds, Oliver Plunketts travel to St Fechins, and Sean O’Mahonys welcome bottom side John Mitchels, who are still searching for their first points of the season.
Moving into 1st place – Stabannon Parnells
Division 3 Round-Up
O’Connells and Lann Léire remain unbeaten at the summit of Division 3 following victories over Wolfe Tones and Naomh Malachi respectively. Naomh Fionnbarra climbed above Glyde Rangers after an impressive win in Tallanstown, while Cuchulainn Gaels overcame Dowdallshill and St Nicholas picked up a valuable victory against Sean McDermotts.
Na Piarsaigh/Blackrock secured a convincing win over Annaghminnon Rovers, while Clan na Gael comfortably accounted for Westerns on home soil.
Looking ahead, both unbeaten sides are at home this weekend as Lann Léire host Dowdallshill and O’Connells entertain Annaghminnon Rovers. Na Piarsaigh/Blackrock against Clan na Gael looks one of the standout fixtures, while Wolfe Tones and St Nicholas meet in an intriguing Drogheda derby.
At the lower end of the table, Sean McDermotts and Naomh Malachi will both be desperate to register their opening points of the season. Naomh Fionnbarra host Cuchulainn Gaels, while Westerns welcome Glyde Rangers as both sides attempt to bounce back from defeats last time out.
O’Connells top Division 3 on score difference
