Strokestown are through to the semi-finals of the Hodson Bay Hotel SFC after having six points to spare against Castlerea St Kevin’s in the first of the quarter-finals played in Ballyforan on Friday night.
Heavy rain showers and strong winds made for very difficult playing conditions, but Strokestown adapted well. Two-pointers from Diarmuid McGann and Cathal Lavin, along with a well-taken goal from Mikey Kavanagh, helped ‘The Town’ into a 1-8 to 0-5 lead at half-time.
With Colm Neary and Sean McDonnell outstanding, Strokestown were able to keep Castlerea at bay for most of the second half, while a late goal from substitute Aaron McDermott proved to be of consolation value only.
Strokestown ran out 1-15 to 1-9 winners and will now face the winners of the Roscommon Gaels v St Brigid’s quarter-final.
Meanwhile, St Faithleach’s have been relegated from the Hodson Bay Hotel SFC for 2027 after losing out to Clann na nGael by 1-17 to 1-12 in the relegation play-off final at Kiltoom.
It was a thrilling contest despite the difficult conditions, with Clann leading by 1-8 to 0-5 at half-time following a goal from Ultan Harney.
St Faithleach’s came back strongly after the break, with a Ciaran Murtagh goal three minutes into the second half proving crucial to their revival.
With ten minutes remaining, the sides were level at 1-12 apiece, but Clann finished strongly, kicking the final five points of the game to secure their senior status for 2027.
In the McNulty Furniture IFC, St Croan’s defeated Padraig Pearses by 5-16 to 0-9 in the relegation play-off final.
In the only IFC quarter-final played on Friday night, St Michael’s defeated Kilmore by 2-9 to 1-10 after extra-time.
