Another week, another set of fixtures across Leitrim in every grade. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the action in the Senior, Intermediate and Junior Championships this weekend with Keeldra Gaels and St. Brigid’s starting the weekend’s action this evening in Cloone.
SENIOR:
Kiltubrid v Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins
Ballinamore are coming off the back of a defeat to Glencar/Manorhamilton, but nonetheless put in a good performance to keep the score tight against the defending champions.
Kiltubrid on the other hand pulled off somewhat of a shock against St. Josephs, a sign of their steady improvement year by year, with them finally looking like they mean business. Michelle Guckian gets a lot of the headlines, but overall they have a solid group, including Sinead and Niamh Tighe and Emma Guckian as a foil for Michelle up front.
They are a young side that has been improving all over the field, particularly at centre back with Lauren Tivnan. The return of Miranda Burke in goals will also help them solidify their defence.
They are in a strong position to challenge Ballinamore at the weekend and likely enter as favourites. This fixture also doubles as a Senior B Championship clash, so both sides will be eyeing up both titles.
Dromahair showed a drastic improvement from their first game when they almost snatched a victory against St. Francis last week. Two penalties decided this one, as Dromahair missed one whilst conceding one that Francis tucked away. This was ultimately costly as they only lost out by a point in the end.
They make the long journey to Joseph’s and it’s essentially a free hit, as the result will not factor into the Senior B Championship, so they can have a crack at this one without worrying about relegation if they lose. The hosts on the other hand, are looking to get their season up and running following a disappointing loss to Kiltubrid last week.
St. Francis v Glencar/Manorhamilton
An onslaught from a high powered Glencar-Manor attack is expected, as St. Francis struggled to cope with them in last years championship that resulted in a heavy defeat.
Despite pulling off a fantastic result last week against Dromahair, inspired by our team of the week selection Niamh McDonagh, they may struggle to live with a better side in this one. The visitors blew Dromahair away in the opening round and it’s hard to see anything else happening between these two on Sunday.
INTERMEDIATE:
Fenagh St. Caillins v Drumkeerin
The sole game at Intermediate level this weekend sees the two sides most are tipping for the relegation shakeup face off at 7pm on Sunday evening. Fenagh were given a tough welcome to Intermediate football by St. Mary’s Kiltoghert last weekend but will look to bounce back with a big game against Drumkeerin.
Drumkeerin produced a solid performance against St. Brigid’s last weekend but ultimately ended up on the losing side and will be eager to ensure their Intermediate survival with a victory in this encounter. The North Leitrim side will be favourites going into this clash but there will be a kick in the visitors before the championship is out. Don’t rule them out this weekend.
JUNIOR:
St. Brigid’s second string meanwhile were impressive throughout against Leitrim Gaels last week but just ran out of steam in the last quarter hour. They do have the capacity however to challenge and win games at this level.
Keeldra on the other hand are playing in their first game since relegation and will be hoping to repeat the success of 2019 when they went all the way at junior level. They played well last year despite the ultimately disappointing ending and will be expected to contend for the junior title, but obviously today will be the strongest indicator yet as to whether that’ll happen or not.
Brigid’s could be hamstrung if they lose players to their first team, but if they don’t they will be formidable. Louise Gallagher will bring firepower to their attack, whilst Keeldra will look to Shaylyn and Alanna Ward for inspiration.
Annaduff were beaten comfortably by Glencar-Manor’s second team last weekend and consist of a young, inexperienced side. Whilst they have talent, they are raw and are more of a side for the future.
The hosts meanwhile possess a wide range of ability and skill and were very impressive in their dismissal of Brigid’s last weekend. They could emerge as genuine contenders at this level with the likes of Catherine Farrell, Orla Smith, Rebecca Moran and Willow Donegan.
Gaels should have the firepower, but Annaduff’s Vivienne Egan could turn out to be a matchwinner. It should be tight, but the Leitrim Village side will be favoured slightly.
