King & Moffatt JFC ‘A’ semi-finals
King & Moffatt JFC ‘A’ semi-final: Ballinameen v Kilglass Gaels in Croghan on Saturday at 3 pm
Ballinameen will go into Saturday’s King & Moffatt JFC ‘A’ semi-final against Kilglass Gaels in Croghan with confidence high after an emphatic quarter-final victory over Kilbride.
Defeated by St Croan’s in the 2025 final, Ballinameen produced one of the most eye-catching performances of the championship when scoring 5-17 against Kilbride, and they will be hoping that display is an indication that they are hitting top form at just the right time in this campaign.
There was plenty to admire about Ballinameen’s attacking performance, with Dean Casey, Dessie Carlos and Ronan Garvin particularly prominent. They possess a forward line capable of causing problems for any defence. Further back, David Wynne, Gordon Casey, Eoghan Keaveney and Dara Callaghen have also been in good form.
However, Ballinameen know there can be no room for complacency. Their earlier defeat to St Aidan’s demonstrated that they are not invincible, and Kilglass will be hoping to exploit any weaknesses that emerge.
Kilglass have endured an inconsistent campaign, but are still standing. They showed considerable resilience in their quarter-final against Boyle, holding on to secure a one-point victory despite a late rally from their opponents. That result should give them plenty of belief heading into Saturday’s semi-final.
Declan Durkin, Leo Cox, Daniel Cox, Diarmuid Connellan, Ciaran McHugh and Pierce Bolger are among the players who will be expected to make an impact for Kilglass. They will need their experienced players to perform if they are to contain Ballinameen’s attacking threat.
For Ballinameen, the incentive is clear. Having come up short against St Croan’s in last year’s final, they will be determined to earn another opportunity to challenge for the title.
Kilglass, though, have already demonstrated that they can withstand pressure, and they will relish the opportunity to upset the form book.
It should make for an intriguing semi-final, but Ballinameen’s recent attacking form gives them the edge. They have the firepower to advance to another county final.
Prediction: Ballinameen.
St Aidan’s have the quality to advance
King & Moffatt JFC ‘A’ semi-final: St Aidan’s v Clann na nGael in Knockcroghery on Sunday at 1.30 pm
St Aidan’s are the team to beat in this year’s junior championship. However, having received a walkover from St Brigid’s in the quarter-final, the Ballyforan men have been out of action for some time and will need to guard against a lack of match practice.
Clann, who’ve been impressive throughout the championship, have a number of highly experienced players in their squad. Several, like Ronan O’Reilly, Shane Pettit, Dylan Sumner, Oisín Lennon and Cathal Shine, have played at senior level, and they will not be fazed by the challenge ahead.
St Aidan’s, meanwhile, have a good blend of youth and experience and will be determined to land the title this year. Gary Kelly, Tommy Morris, Cathal Meares, Rory Coyle and Eoin Kelly have all been prominent this season, with experienced defender Keith Waldron providing leadership at the back.
This promises to be a closely contested semi-final. Clann will relish the challenge and are likely to be highly competitive, but St Aidan’s have produced some excellent performances this season, including an impressive victory over Ballinameen. They should have enough to secure their place in the final.
Prediction: St Aidan’s.
