There are just two competitions in the county yet to be finished. One of those will conclude this Sunday with the SFL Final, while the IFL finalists will also be decided (barring draws).
Drumlin Group of Credit Unions Senior Football League Final
Scotstown v Magheracloone, Sunday, 2.00, Scotstown
Scotstown have the chance to bounce back from last Sunday’s Ulster Club defeat against Ballinderry when they host Magheracloone in the SFL Final this Sunday.
Scotstown already have their first SFC title in 20 years in the bag and they now have the opportunity to emulate the 1993 double success. The Blues lost just once in the league, where they ended up five points clear at the top, having led the way from early on. Magheracloone were also consistent throughout, although their semi-final qualification went down to the final minutes of the last game, as they held on for a draw against Latton to finish third. The Mitchells, who had been knocked out of the SFC by Monaghan Harps, then beat the same team in the SFL semi-final last Sunday and they will be hoping to emulate what they did last year, when they overturned county champions Ballybay in the league decider.
Scotstown have three Ulster All-Stars in Rory Beggan and Darren and Kieran Hughes, but they have plenty of others with ability in the likes of Shane Carey, Conor McCarthy, James Turley, Dónal Morgan and Francis Caulfield. Magheracloone could again be without Tommy Freeman, but his brother Damien has returned to top form in recent weeks and Paudie Finnegan, Gavin Doogan and James Ward also have plenty to offer. Scotstown have already beaten Magheracloone three times this year; twice in the league and once in the championship. Another victory should be within their reach.
Monaghan Electrical Intermediate Football League Semi-Finals
Currin v Inniskeen, Sunday, 2.00, Scotshouse
Truagh v Donaghmoyne, Sunday, 2.00, Truagh
The IFL semi-finals are also down for decision on Sunday.
Currin, who are seeking to emulate Truagh in making a quick return to senior football, finished second in the league, one place and three points ahead of Inniskeen. Currin took the direct route to the IFC semi-finals, but they were shorn of a couple of key players for that game, where they still managed to push eventual winners Truagh all the way. Inniskeen never recovered from a surprise defeat against Clones in the opening round, as a win over struggling Aughnamullen was followed by a collapse against Tyholland, when the Grattans let a six-point lead slip.
Both teams can call on a high number of experienced players. Currin will be looking to Dick Clerkin, Jack McCarron, Stephen Smyth, Philip O’Callaghan and Ciarán and Conor McCaffrey to lead the way, while Paul, Ronan and Dónal Meegan, Matthew McKenna and Gerard McArdle are among the main men for Inniskeen.
It’s honours-even between the teams in their meetings so far, with both producing narrow wins for the hosts. Home advantage could help tip the balance in favour of Currin.
The other semi-final sees Truagh divert their attention away from their Ulster Club IFC bid back to their opportunity to clinch a Monaghan intermediate double.
The IFC winners recovered from their opening-round loss to Donaghmoyne to win five consecutive games and lift the title, securing a swift return to senior in the process, and they maintained their winning run against Drumgath of Down in last Sunday’s provincial quarter-final. Donaghmoyne won three games on their way to the championship semi-finals, but they then collapsed against Tyholland after going nine points clear early in the second half. The sides have met three times this year. Donaghmoyne’s championship victory came just weeks after they were hammered by Truagh at Sunday’s venue, while the other encounter resulted in a draw.
Truagh may have an eye on their provincial campaign, but they will still be keen to have a go at a Monaghan double, with Paudie, Daniel and Christopher McKenna, Niall Coyle, Niall Feely and Adam Treanor among those who should have key roles to play. Pádraig Donaghy, Colm Connolly, Darren McElroy, Christopher Deery, Ciarán Daly and Mickey Murnaghan are big players for Donaghmoyne, who could call on Rory Woods at some stage.
By cshalvey Sat 9th Nov
