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Preview: AIB All Ireland SFC QF - Fulham Irish v Corofin

Corofin have won two AIB Connacht Club Championships in a row.

Corofin have won two AIB Connacht Club Championships in a row.

Sunday December 10

AIB All Ireland Club SFC Quarter-Final

Fulham Irish (London) v Corofin (Galway), McGovern Park, Ruislip, 1pm

Corofin eventually prevailed following a chaotic and character filled Connacht Championship.

Extra-time was required before Corofin beat St Brigid's and Castlebar Mitchels in a couple of Tuam Stadium epics.

While Corofin were surviving them scrapes Greg McCartan was keeping Fulham Irish focused for this December date. McCartan, the delightful former Down star, has forged a good connection with Fulham Irish since arriving in London in March 2016.

Guiding the emerging club to the top of the London is a significant achievement considering Tir Chonaill Gaels and St Kiernan's ability in recent years.

Always difficult to source matches at this time of the year in England, McCartan has arranged some challenges with London, while Fulham Irish also went on a trip to play Sigerson Cup holders St Mary's, Belfast.

Inevitably Corofin will be worried about Owen Mulligan, who landed the winning score in the London decider. Corofin know that class is permanent and they will be aware of the threat of Barna native Peadar Friel too. Liam Staunton and Daniel Eastwood notched important scores in the win over TCG for McCartan's team.

Injuries ensured Corofin had to go deep into their panel when overcoming Mitchels in the western showpiece.

Manager Kevin O'Brien deserves immense credit for keeping Corofin on the summit in Galway and Connacht.

Conor Cunningham, Liam Silke, Ronan Steede, Michael Farragher, Micheal Lundy, Jason Leonard, and Ian Burke are now firmly established leaders for Corofin.

Kieran Fitzgerald, Ciaran McGrath, and Gary Sice remain experienced and valuable contributors. Such grit and guile will need to be exhibited in Ruislip because McCartan has Fulham Irish primed for a battle.