The knockout stages of the Leitrim IFC commences this week, with Annaduff and Allen Gaels set to enjoy their weekend off as they wait to see who they will face in the semi-finals.
Aughnasheelin come into this one reeling off last weeks upset, which saw them lose their place at the top of the table and drop out of the semi final places. They’ll have to recover from that disappointment quickly to make sure they’re not caught out by Bornacoola.
Bornacoola also found themselves on the losing side last week against Aughavas, so it’ll be interesting to see how they respond as well. Aughnasheelin have been the form side, but as we’ve seen it’s very hard to call any game at this level this season.
The point scoring of Fintan Fitzpatrick along with Aaron Hoare and the Cullen brothers as well as the experience of Wayne Gilgunn at full-back will make Aughnasheelin favourites. Bornacoola have been known to cause a few upsets however, having started the campaign with a win over Kiltubrid.
The battle between Cian Mallon and Hoare in midfield as well as the matchup between Damian Moran and Gilgunn will be key. Aughnasheelin goalkeeper Kevin McWeeney has been known for making some big saves, so that’s another factor that could decide this one.
Ultimately, if their players perform as well as they have done all season it will be difficult for Bornacoola to stop Aughnasheelin’s progression to the final four.
These sides have been inseparable this season, facing off against each other twice in the last two months in both the league and group stages of the Intermediate championship. Both of those matches ended level, but the score will be settled one way or another this Saturday.
Earlier this month, a late, contentious free kick allowed Kiltubrid to rescue a point against Drumkeeran. In terms of the group stage, Kiltubrid sealed a league final appearance in Division 3 with their last round draw with Drumkeeran.
Drumkeeran have looked to the frees of Francis Davitt, although scores from a range of sources around the field have been a trait of theirs this season. There’s also a chance they’ll be missing players through injury and/or suspension after a late dismissal last week.
Kiltubrid on the other and have been more reliant on one or two of their forwards to contribute most of the scoring. Barry McWeeney from frees has been impressive whilst Fionn O’Brien and Keelan McKeown have stood out too.
They’ll still look to their experience, with Emmett Mahon and Michael Earley often making great cameos from the bench. At the back, Noel Gill and Shane Foley have been two of their more consistent performers.
Kiltubrid will go into this game as slight favourites but it could go either way. It’s likely to simply depend on who wants it more on the day.
