Seamus Duke
Game of the Weekend
Michael Glavey’s v Western Gaels on Sunday in Ballinlough at 4 pm (Group A)
Of all the senior games this weekend, this is the only real ‘knockout’ game. Put simply, the winners will progress while the losers will enter the relegation play-off battle.
Michael Glavey’s will go into the game as favourites. They have not played as well this year as they have done over the past two seasons, but they have a lot of talented players in their ranks.
Conor Hussey, Dylan Ruane, Darragh Heneghan, Niall Heneghan, Caoilean Fitzmaurice, Rob Heneghan, Daniel Hagney and Cathal Heneghan are all experienced and talented club players and Glavey’s will be hoping they can find their best form on Sunday.
Western Gaels would dearly love a win here to avoid another relegation battle. They are relying on most of the tried and trusted from the past decade and a half, with Seanie McDermott, Finbar Cregg and Cathal Cregg still flying the flag proudly for their club.
The Gaels will surely put up a major battle, but looking at both sides, it would be a big surprise if Glavey’s don’t pick up a first win of the campaign.
Prediction: Michael Glavey’s
Group A
Strokestown v St Brigid’s on Sunday in Strokestown at 4 pm
A very interesting meeting of the current Connacht senior and intermediate club football champions, and a chance for both sides to assess how they are fixed going into the play-offs.
Brigid’s have been doing enough to keep their unbeaten run going, while Strokestown have been impressive in both their games so far. This will be a step up for them though. Brigid’s should have more than enough to prevail here.
Prediction: St Brigid’s
Group B
Roscommon Gaels v Boyle on Friday in Lisnamult at 8 pm
A very interesting clash that will decide who finishes second and third in the group. The Gaels will be cock-a-hoop after their fantastic win against Clann na nGael in round two and will be hoping to continue that second-half form here.
Boyle were poor against Pearses and will want to return to the form that saw them win the league final and beat Clann na nGael in recent weeks. Enda Smith may well return to the Boyle side, which would be a big boost to them. A hard game to predict. Maybe at home the Gaels might just have the edge.
Prediction: Roscommon Gaels
Clann na nGael v Pádraig Pearses
Unfortunately, this is a ‘dead rubber’, with Clann already heading for the relegation play-offs. Pearses, who finished top of the group table, have been excellent so far and should continue their winning run.
Prediction: Pádraig Pearses
Group C
Oran v Castlerea on Saturday in Castlerea at 6 pm
Oran are unbeaten and they have a chance to finish on top of the group table here. They were outstanding against Elphin but struggled at times against St Faithleach’s.
Castlerea have a couple of outstanding young players like Dara and John Curran and, of course, their talisman Adam McDermott has also been playing well. This could be a very competitive match, but Oran should have enough to win their third game on the trot.
Prediction: Oran
Elphin v St Faithleach’s on Saturday in Elphin at 6 pm
When these two teams met in the O’Gara Cup final, Elphin won very easily. However, the tables have turned since the championship started. The Murtaghs are back with Faithleach’s, while Elphin have been short a number of players. Elphin will fight ferociously because they know a defeat plunges them into the relegation picture. However, Faithleach’s look the better bet.
Prediction: St Faithleach’s
McNulty Furniture IFC
Group A
St Dominic’s have been playing well with two wins, and they will meet St Barry’s in Strokestown on Friday night at 8 pm. Barry’s need a win but they are unlikely to get it here, as Dominic’s look too strong.
Tulsk got their act together in round two and they will expect another win when they face St Brigid’s second team in Ballyforan on Friday night at 8 pm. Liam McNeill’s team should have a bit to spare in this one.
Group B
Creggs have been doing well and will be hot favourites to defeat Pádraig Pearses’ second string at Creggs on Saturday at 5 pm. Home advantage should see them through.
St Michael’s and Shannon Gaels looks the game of the weekend in the IFC. It’s in Cootehall on Saturday at 5 pm. Local pride is at stake here and Michael’s get a hesitant vote to secure the bragging rights.
Group C
The clash of Éire Óg and Kilmore on Sunday in Castlerea at 2 pm is a very interesting one. Kilmore upset Fuerty in the last round, while Éire Óg looked back to their best against St Croan’s. Éire Óg should win this by five or six points.
St Croan’s meet inconsistent Fuerty at Enfield at 2 pm on Sunday and this could be a very competitive affair. Fuerty get a hesitant nod, but don’t be surprised if Croan’s win on their home patch.
