SUNDAY
Armagh SFC final
Crossmaglen Rangers v Pearse Óg,
Morgan Athletic Grounds, 3.45pm
The reigning All-Ireland club champions square off here against the only side that has interrupted their remarkable run of dominance in Armagh.
In 2009 Pearse Óg knocked out Crossmaglen Rangers and went on to claim the senior football crown in the Orchard County. That concluded Crossmaglen’s run of 13 consecutive titles but since that defeat they have bounced back to win the last two county, provincial and national senior club football championships.
Crossmaglen Rangers boast obvious strength and experience in their ranks with Jamie Clarke, Aaron Kernan and captain David McKenna helping to backbone their challenge.
Pearse Óg have been dealt a significant blow with star forward Ronan Clarke having suffered another injury setback and will be aiming to avoid a fifth final defeat to Crossmaglen in the last 14 years. They have played impressively to reach this stage though with Anto Duffy and Andy Mallon in their ranks.
Verdict: Crossmaglen Rangers
Carlow SFC final
Palatine v Éire Óg, Dr Cullen Park, 3.45pm
This game serves as a repeat of the 2007 and 2008 showdowns which Éire Óg triumphed in on both occasions.
Éire Óg will seek to build on their comprehensive semi-final success over O’Hanrahan’s last weekend when Derek Hayden, Sean Gannon and Murtough Ware all impressed. Palatine, searching for their first senior crown since 2006, will hope David Reid and Brian Kelly can fire them to a triumph.
Verdict: Éire Óg
Galway SFC final
Salthill-Knocknacarra v Tuam Stars, Pearse Stadium, 4pm
There is plenty novelty to this showpiece in Galway. Only three times in the past 22 years have either Corofin or Killererin not featured in the senior football decider out west and indeed that duo have carved up the last six titles between them.
Salthill-Knocknacarra last featured in the final in 2005 when they got the better of Carna-Cashel. They warmed up for this triumph with a 3-10 to 0-10 semi-final victory over Killererin. Sean Armstrong and Seamie Crowe demonstrated their attacking talents in that game while Finian Hanley is the anchor of their defence.
Tuam Stars are the kingpins in Galway with 25 titles to their name but have endured a drought since their last success in 1994. Conor Doherty and Gary O’Donnell are the key names in their setup. They were defeated by Corofin in last year’s decider but exacted revenge in their recent semi-final tie with a 2-6 to 0-9 success.
Verdict: Tuam Stars
Longford SFC final
Longford Slashers v Emmet Óg Killoe, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 3.30pm
Longford Slashers are chasing their third successive title here. They boast a strong side with Barry Gilleran, Dermot Brady, Niall Mulligan and Colin Smith.
Opponents Killoe are back in their first final since 1995, the last time they claimed silverware, with their team backboned by the club’s county U21 winning team from last season. They have a pair of outstanding talents in All-star nominee Michael Quinn and ace Longford marksman Seanie McCormack.
Verdict: Emmet Óg Killoe
Rhode’s Niall McNamee. Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Offaly SFC final
Rhode v Clara, O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 3.30pm
This pair have dominated Offaly football in carving up seven of the last nine titles between them.
They have met frequently in deciders as well with Rhode winning the 2006 and 2010 finals while Clara were triumphant in the 2003 and 2009 deciders. Rhode will look to Alan and Niall McNamee to star while Clara’s key figures are Thomas Deehan, Scott Brady and John O’Hara.
Verdict: Rhode
Monaghan SFC final
Clontibret v Ballybay, Clones, 4pm
Having won five of the last ten titles – four of them in the last six years – Clontibret certainly have plenty experience entering this clash. They needed their stars performers when getting the better of Castleblayney by 1-11 to 0-12 in their semi-final as Conor McManus shot 0-8 and Vinny Corey fired home the only goal of the game.
Dessie and JP Mone are also present to anchor the Clontibret defensive challenge. They will need to be vigilant against a Ballybay attack who smashed five goals past reigning champions Latton in their semi-final.
It’s a huge occasion for Ballybay as they last contested the Monaghan decider in 1987. Paul Finlay is their star turn with Christopher McGuinness and Hugh Malone also important figures.
Verdict: Clontibret
Roscommon SFC final
St Brigid’s v Padraig Pearses, Kiltoom, 4pm
St Brigid’s are seeking their third successive county senior football crown and it would represent their sixth in eight years. After winning the last two Connacht titles, they have a strong outfit with Peter Domincan, Senan Kilbride and Karl Mannion all on board.
In contrast Padraig Pearses have never won this title but lost the 2005 final and the 2008 final, after a replay. Niall Daly, Niall Carty and Aaron Feehily are their key figures.
Verdict: St Brigid’s
