Lough have the key to bracks
Ballinlough will be bidding to claim the IFC title for the first time since 1991 when they tackle Ballinabrackey in the eagerly-awaited decider at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday, 4pm, but it won't be easy against a Ballinabrackey side that lost the 2012 semi-final to Trim (0-9 to 0-11).
Ballinabrackey have players of the calibre of Trevor Bannon, Danny Quinn, Kevin Darby and Derek Flynn in their line up while in Damien Carroll and Chris O’Connor they possess arguably the most talented midfield combination in the intermediate grade.
Aidan Coffey replaced Brendan Darby as manager last June and the team has continued to play good football.
Ballinlough lost their opening two matches, St Colmcille's and Drumbaragh, before they negotiated Nobber and in their last group game managed a nine-point victory over Syddan to scrape into the knock-out phase.
Ballinlough have a strong midfield pairing in Derek Muldoon and Peadar Byrne while Mark McCullen, Sean Geraghty and Cian Mallen make up a very effective half-forward line. ​
PATHS
FIRST ROUND
Ballinlough 0-9, St Colmcille’s 2-8;
Ballinabrackey 2-9, Kilmainham 0-10.
SECOND ROUND
Ballinlough 2-7, Drumbaragh 2-15;
Ballinabrackey 0-8, Castletown 2-12.
THIRD ROUND
Ballinlough 2-15, Nobber 0-12;
Ballinabrackey 0-8, Dunderry 0-10.
FOURTH ROUND
Ballinlough 0-10, Trim 0-10;
Ballinabrackey 0-10, St Michael’s 0-7.
FIFTH ROUND
Ballinlough 1-18, Syddan 2-6;
Ballinabrackey 0-11, Longwood 1-7.
PRELIMINARY QUARTER-FINAL
Ballinlough 1-12, Clann na nGael 0-6.
QUARTER-FINALS
Ballinlough 1-12, Dunderry 0-11;
Ballinabrackey 2-13, Ballivor 0-8.
SEMI-FINALS
Ballinlough 2-14, Castletown 2-12;
Ballinabrackey 1-11, Ratoath 1-10.