Dunderry can shade Walterstown in Corn na Boinne decider
The race for the IFC title will continue this weekend while the final of the Corn na Boinne Cup will feature Walterstown in Dunderry.
CORN NA BOINNE FINAL
WALTERSTOWN v DUNDERRY
Both clubs could do with a pck-me-up after lacklusture championship campaigns.
Dunderry have displayed marginally better form this summer and should win this showdown with a few points to spare. Verdict - Dunderry.
IFC QUARTER-FINALS
BALLINLOUGH v NOBBER
Nobber just about did enough to secure a 0-10 to 0-9 victory over Ballinabrackey in the preliminary quarter-final at the weekend and now they have to take another step up in standards when they face Ballinlough on Sunday. Ballinlough have shipped only one defeat in the championship so far, against Trim in their last group game and by that stage they had qualified anyway. Nobber have players like Karl Cassidy and Dale Larkin who can inflict damage on unwary opponents however Ballinlough have their own big players such as Michael Geraghty, Thomas McCullen and Mark McCullen and former county star Peadar Byrne. Ballinlough should have enough to win. Verdict - Ballinlough.
CURRAHA v DONAGHMORE / ASHBOURNE
One of the big success stories of Meath football in recent years has been Curraha and the fact that they are still in the hunt for the IFC indicates they are continuing to progress. Another sign is the way they topped their group. Donaghmore/Ashbourne made it to this stage undefeated with an unusual record of two wins, three draws. They don’t concede scores easily but with players like Conor Moriarty and Andrew Battersby around there is always a good chance Curraha can sneak a goal or two in this clash at Ratoath on Saturday, 5pm. Verdict - Curraha.
OLDCASTLE v TRIM
Trim had to do the business in their last group game against Ballinlough and they duly won (1-11 to 0-10). Their ‘reward’ turned out to be a meeting with Oldcastle who have yet to taste defeat. Oldcastle have talented forwards in Paddy Gilsenan, CJ Healy and Jason Scully and a strong overall work ethic that should see them through here. Trim did well to qualify when the pressure was on, but they rely a great deal on James Toher and Alan Douglas for scores. If their influence is diminished they could be in trouble. This game is fixed for Ballinlough on Sunday 6.30, which means a lengthy trip for Trim. Verdict - Oldcastle.
KILMAINHAM v ST MICHAEL’S
Both teams finished in second place in their respective groups and that’s one of the reasons why this has all the signs of a close encounter which is sure to attract a big crowd to Moynalty on Saturday, 5pm. Kilmainham showed real composure and self-belief in defeating Bective 2-8 to 0-10 last time out with Colm McGivern and Freddie Newman finding the net but they face a real test in this game. St Michael’s were just edged out of top spot in their group by Ballinlough and are a hardened, seasoned bunch when it comes to winning games at this level. They should have enough to see off the challenge of Kilmainhan and book a place in the last four. Verdict - St Michael’s.
IFC RELEGATION
PLAY-OFF
BALLIVOR v LONGWOOD
Little has gone right for Ballivor this year and now they are on the cusp of falling through the trapdoor. They have good players such as Adam Gannon and Killian Canavan but they look a vulnerable team in defensive terms. Longwood were hit with two late goals against Drumbaragh and now find themselves in this precarious position.
However, with performers such as Damien Healy and Mickey Burke driving them on they should have enough to win this clash at Boardsmill on Saturday, 5pm. Verdict - Longwood.