In American sport, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is responsible for the administration of sport in the Third Level colleges. It’s big business too. An ‘ordinary’ NCAA basketball match could attract twice the attendance of a similar ‘regulation’ game in the Allianz National League.

After the elongated regular season is completed, those who qualify proceed to the NCAA Tournament and March Madness – which, as the name suggests, constitutes an absolute avalanche of games throughout the third month – until the contenders are whittled down to the Final Four (semi finals) and the Championship Game.

Dunganny is eons away from the likes of Duke University but tonight sees the final four of the Meath Regional Football Championship is down for decision at the Trim Road venue. In one semi final, Richie Barry Cup holders Boyne Valley take on the Davy Nelson-managed Loughcrew while the other penultimate hurdle encounter pits surprise packets Moyfenragh against a Bru Na Boinne outfit under the guidance of newly appointed St Colmcille’s manager Niall Ronan.

Prior to tonight’s encounter, Tom Hanley’s Moyfenragh – comprised of players from Boardsmill, Ballivor, Clan Na nGaeil and Longwood – are the only unbeaten team left in the Brady’s Skoda-sponsored Championships which are rapidly becoming a vital weapon in the battle to keep the winter as short as possible.