There are only two spots in the IFC final, and four teams will go head-to-head for a spot in the showpiece this weekend.
Pearse Og v St Patrick’s – Sat 7 Oct – BOX-IT Athletic Grounds – 5pm
These two sides featured in the SFC championship last season. But this weekend, their eyes are firmly placed on a spot in the IFC final.
For both, the championship is their only passage back to senior football as Culloville are already promoted through the league.
Cullyhanna have been the outright favourites for the title before a ball was kicked. And they’ve demonstrated that right through the campaign.
Dominating wins over Belleek, Middletown, Tullysaran and Derrynoose have earned St Pat’s that tag.
The talent they have in their team is extraordinary, including county men Aidan Nugent, Jason Duffy and Ross McQuillan.
Pearse Casey and Mickey Murray didn’t feature the last day out and will be big misses if not available.
The Ogs have put in a tough few weeks and were once again dragged to the wire against Wolfe Tones.
A first half goal Shea Freeman gave the Ogs some breathing space, and they’ll need another big game from him.
The Duffy’s, Anto, Paul and Ruairi are vital for their chances this weekend, as is midfielder Vincy Brady.
The Ogs are big underdogs here, so they’ll have to keep the score down and hope they can do damage on the counterattack.
St Paul’s v Keady – Sun 8 Oct – BOX-IT Athletic Grounds – 3pm
Keady are perhaps the surprise package in the latter stages of the IFC but deserve their spot in the last four.
They have yet to taste defeat in the championship while they also claimed the Division 2B league title.
James O’Hara has been the main man in attack and is currently joint top scorer in the Intermediate Championship.
Tomas Galvin has been a good assistant up top, while Oran McCooey and Shea Harvey are the rocks of the defence.
St Paul’s will certainly test that Keady back line this weekend as they carry a huge attacking threat.
Andrew Murnin can be simply unmarkable when on form and whoever picks him up with need assistance.
Stopping the ball going into Murnin is the key for Keady but doing that is easier said than done as well.
The likes of Eoin McConville, Antion McParland and Eoin McConville carry big attacking threats as well.
Ronan Clarke will have a firm knowledge of what his St Paul’s side can expect, having worked with Keady last year.
Whether or not that has a big impact on the game itself remains to be seen, but it’s certainly all to play for.
