There are loads of teams competing in the Intermediate Championship that are eyeing up a perfect end to their season.
As the last few years have demonstrated, anyone can win the championship and you can’t write any team off.
But there are favourites, contenders and outsides and we’ve put each team into one of those categories.
Favourites
Culloville made the decider last season having been relegated to Division 2B. They were one of the highlights of the 2021 championship campaign and have pushed on again year.
In getting to the final, Kieran Hatzer’s men saw off three favourites in Shane O’Neill’s, St Paul’s and Sarsfields. They’ve since earned promotion back to 2A.
Shane O’Neill’s earned promotion to the senior ranks, being crowned Division 2A champions. They have been knocking on the championship door for a few years.
St Paul’s likewise are one of the favourites to capture championship glory. Their forward division could carry them through to the latter stages of the campaign.
Tullysaran have been dealt a few huge blows, losing players like Brian Kelly and Turlough Lardner but are still one of the big hitters.
Relegated from Senior football last year, St Peter’s will be one of the teams to beat in the championship.
Contenders
Belleek have been one of the stories of 2022 and have produced some quality performances following their Junior Champions success last year.
Their tie with Forkhill in the opening round could be huge as both teams know each other well. Both will believe that they can get over the line and make the quarter final.
Likewise, Tir na nOg and Wolfe Tones will have been happy with the draw as both will see it as a realistic chance to reach the last eight.
Keady didn’t have the best league campaign but can raise their game for the championship. Cross IIs will be delighted with their season so far and could cause an upset.
Outsiders
Ballyhegan will be playing Junior football next season unless they can turn their fortunes around and win the championship.
Annaghmore were relegated to Division 2B for next season but have built up so much experience over the last number of years.
With the MacIomhair brothers Oisin and Ciaran still performing well, they have a good chance of producing the goods.
Whitecross face the almost impossible task of taking on Shane O’Neill’s in the first round and they will really be up against it.
Collegeland and Clonmore are down to Junior level for next year while Whitecross will fill one of their Division 2B spots in 2023.
