McNulty’s Furniture IFC semi-final: St Dominic’s v Tulsk in Lisnamult on Saturday at 7 pm
The Roscommon IFC is always very competitive, with more than its fair share of thrills and spills. More of the same is on the cards this Saturday when Tulsk and St Dominic’s meet at Lisnamult.
St Dominic’s have already shown this year that they can get the better of Tulsk, but the big question on Saturday is whether the Knockcroghery side can do it again when the stakes are considerably higher.
When these teams met earlier in the championship, St Dominic’s won by 1-12 to 0-11. Both camps have been quick to play down the significance of that result, and with good reason: a semi-final at this stage of the competition is a very different challenge.
Having underperformed over the past couple of seasons, Tulsk look a different proposition now. Determined to make a serious push for the title, they have improved as the championship has gone on, producing their best performance so far against Creggs in the quarter-final, when they won by 12 points.
Their half-back line of Padraig Scott, Tadhg O’Rourke and Dylan Gaughan has been one of the strengths of their campaign. All three are capable of turning defence into attack quickly, and much of Tulsk’s forward momentum comes from their ability to drive out from the back.
The midfield contest could be just as significant. Evan Flynn and Ryan Larkin have impressed for Tulsk, but they will face a formidable challenge from Keith Doyle and Mike Feely. Whoever gains control around the middle could give their team the platform to dictate the game.
Tulsk also have plenty of threat in attack. Thomas O’Rourke has been outstanding, while Gavin Callaghan and Daniel Connolly have also made important contributions.
For their part, St Dominic’s come into the semi-final unbeaten, and have already demonstrated that they have the resilience required to negotiate difficult games. They were given a stern test by Fuerty in the quarter-final before eventually emerging with a two-point victory.
They also have considerable experience throughout the team, with Mark Miley in goal and Eoin McCormack, Keith Doyle, Jack Lohan, Daire Keenan and Michael Moran all enjoying strong campaigns.
This promises to be a cracking semi-final. St Dominic’s will have no fear of their opponents, but Tulsk appear to be hitting form at just the right time. The midfield battle may ultimately decide it. I expect Tulsk’s greater momentum to carry them through a tight semi-final.
Prediction: Tulsk.
McNulty’s Furniture IFC semi-final: Éire Óg v St Michael’s in Ballinameen on Sunday at 1 pm
When Éire Óg, the beaten finalists over the past two years, were defeated by Fuerty in the first round of the 2026 campaign, it was one of the shocks of this year’s championship. However, Éire Óg put that defeat behind them and have returned to form. They will start as favourites to win this semi-final on Sunday.
St Michael’s have more than held their own since coming up from the junior ranks a few years ago, and they will rate their chances this weekend.
In the quarter-final, they finally prevailed after being taken to extra-time by Kilmore, and they will be battle-hardened after that bruising encounter. St Michael’s will look to players like Fiach Mac Conmara, Ruadhan Henry, Niall Sheerin, Fiachra Henry, Jeffrey Oates, Sean Farrell and Niall Conlon to provide the required leadership on the day.
Éire Óg have not yet hit the kind of form that we associate with them in recent years, but they are improving game by game. Their midfield partnership of Jamesie Greene and Ronan Cahill is one of the strongest in the club championship, while up front, James McGreal, Brian Greene, Jason Doory, Eoghan Walsh and the prolific Conor Cox are all outstanding performers. They will be hoping that the talented Enda Crawley is fit to line out on Sunday.
St Michael’s will relish going into this semi-final as underdogs, and they will give a good account of themselves. However, Éire Óg look too strong throughout the field and particularly in attack, and they should advance to another decider with a few points to spare.
Prediction: Éire Óg.
