Saints can go marching on

IFC QUARTER-FINAL PREVIEW

Seneschalstown is the location for St Patrick's and Castletown to meet in this quarter-final encounter on Sunday and it should prove to be an intriguing contest - and the Stamullen side look like they have what it takes to book a place in the last four.

What is that assertion based on? Well, there is the not inconsiderable fact that last year St Patrick's lost out at this stage of the championship to Duleek-Bellewstown on penalties. A painful way to go out for sure so they will be eager to finally erase all that from the memory bank. Such factors can be significant in motivating any team, in any sporting sphere.

There is also the very significant fact that St Pat's finished their group games at the top of Group D this year with victories over Bective (2-9 to 2-7), Meath Hill (1-11 to 1-8) and Dunderry (2-12 to 2-4).

They are a team who have proved to be extremely capable in turning defence into attack and taking the scores that come their way. It has helped them maintain their winning steak. A note of caution for them is the fact they have leaked five goals, an indication perhaps that they do leave a little space for opponents to exploit - but can Castletown take advantage?

St Patrick's have done a lot of work in recent years on developing young players and now they are starting to reap some dividends. Jamie Murphy, a fine goalscorer, David McQuillan, goalkeeper Oisin Black are just some of talented young players who have emerged to nail down places.

Castletown came into this championship after a memorable 12 months when they got to the All-Ireland Club JFC semi-final which they lost to David Clifford's Fossa.

In this year's IFC they have lost to Duleek/Bellewstown (1-8 to 1-16), no shame there. They did manage to salvage their summer with victories over St Michael's (1-13 to 0-10) and Blackhall Gaels (1-16 to 3-7). Those triumphs have proved to be enough to secure second spot in Group B.

Castletown, with players such as Kevin Ross, Darren Finney, Rian McConnell and Killian Price on their games, are a formidable force. They will present a huge challenge for St Patrick's but the Stamullen side may have just too much firepower on this occasion.

A few years ago the teams faced each other in an IFC relegation final and the Saints won out. They can do so again. Verdict - St Patrick's.