It’s a massive weekend in the Leitrim Championship calendar, with two Senior semi-finals as well as the relegation final take place. Here’s everything you need to know heading into it.
SEMI-FINALS
Fenagh St. Cailins v St. Mary’s Kiltoghert
The first of the semi-finals gets underway at 3PM on Saturday in Avantcard Pairc Seán Mac Diarmada and it brings together Fenagh and St. Mary’s.
Fenagh have been impressive throughout the championship so far and probably come into this one as favourites to make their first senior final since 2003. On top of that, they’ve only been in four finals since 1952 and haven’t won the championship since 1932, so history beckons for them.
They’ll be reliant on their midfield and attacking unit, Donal Wrynn and Jack Gilheany who have been very impressive. They’ve dominated midfield battles so far and have created space for the likes of Riordan O’Rourke, Ryan O’Rourke, Fergal McLoughlin and Oisin McLoughlin to pick up points.
Carrick on the other hand have been reliant on Paul Keaney in midfield, by far and away the bread winner on this team. He has been the only Mary’s player to earn double digit scoring in points in any of the five matches in the championship this season.
The fact they lack forwards with point scoring prowess as opposed to Fenagh could be costly, so they’ll look to their defence for a big performance. The midfield battle between Wrynn and Gilheaney against Keaney and James McGrail could very well decide this one.
The second semi-final takes place at 5PM Saturday, the second of a double header in Avantcard Pairc Seán Mac Diarmada.
This is a repeat of last years semi-final, in which Mohill came out on top. Leitrim Gaels were huge underdogs and were in the tie until the death, but the eventual runners up pulled out ahead in the last few minutes to make the final with six points to spare.
This year isn’t too different, as Mohill come in as favourites. Keith Beirne has been in fine scoring form and neutrals very much expect Mohill, not just to make the final, but emerge with the Fenagh Cup at the end of this year’s campaign.
Leitrim Gaels haven’t stuck to the script so far, but that may not count for much. Mohill have quality from 1-15 and beyond, whilst Leitrim Gaels lack real quality options on the bench.
What Leitrim Gaels have going for them is the fact they ran this one close a year ago and now with a year’s experience added on, will perhaps fancy doing it again. The form of the two sides through the championship also suggests Leitrim Gaels are in a better position than twelve months ago, but that won’t matter much in a head to head on the day.
For Mohill, besides Beirne being unplayable, Jordan Reynolds has also been excellent in attack. In midfield, Keith Keegan and Jonathan Reynolds will have to deal with the powerhouse that is Colm Moreton. Moreton must stay disciplined of Gaels are to cause an upset.
Another key player for Leitrim Gaels this season is county goalkeeper Brendan Flynn with three clean sheets so far in the championship. Flynn will be tasked with keeping the Mohill attack from finding the net behind his Leitrim teammates David Bruen and Donal Casey. A monumental task awaits, but if they’re up to it, the upset could be on.
RELEGATION FINAL
St. Patrick’s Dromahair v Melvin Gaels
Two northern rivals face off in Drumshanbo at 1PM Sunday, with their senior status on the line.
Dromahair have failed to register a single victory in this years senior championship, despite impressive patches in some of their outings. Melvin Gaels have lost some key players in recent seasons and have a very young transitional squad, which is a massive reason why they’re in this predicament.
Gaels’ only victory this year has been over Sunday’s opponents, which they won by two points. Given the stakes here however, all bets are off.
This could come down to a shootout between Martin Feeney of Dromahair and Caolan Clancy of Melvin Gaels. Injuries have kept Cillian McGloin out of a few Gaels matches this season, but if he’s available, he could be the difference.
As the retaining of senior status is on the line, expect both sides to give it all on Sunday.
As ever, live audio and text commentary for each of the above matches can be found on finalwhistle.ie through their respective links above.
