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Preview: Club Football action

Ryan McHugh continues to impress for Kilcar.

Ryan McHugh continues to impress for Kilcar.

Sunday October 15

​Ulster SFC Preliminary Round

​Kilcoo (Down) v Slaughtneil (Derry), Pairc Esler, 2.30pm

A hugely significant contest is scheduled for Newry on Sunday afternoon with holders Slaughtneil braced for a battle against Kilcoo.

Following six Down SFC titles on the spin, Kilcoo are keen to deliver in the province, especially following the 2016 final defeat to Slaughtneil.

Mickey Moran's well organised team subsequently advanced to the All Ireland on St Patrick's Day before losing to Dr Crokes. That was a severe blow, but Slaughtneil retained their Derry crown in convincing fashion.

Kilcoo's Ryan Johnston is expected to miss the game with a foot injury so they will require another solid contribution in attack from Dylan Ward, who rifled over four points against Burren.

Slaughtneil also play Ballygalget of Down in the Ulster SHC Final at the Athletic Grounds on February 22 with important matches arriving thick and fast again for the progressive Derry club.

Tyrone SFC Final

Omagh v Errigal Ciaran, Healy Park, 4pm

A keenly anticipated encounter takes place at Healy Park on Sunday.

The McMahons and Ronan O'Neill remain influential figures for Omagh, who will need to restrict the influnce of Errigal Ciaran star Peter Harte.

Donegal SFC Final

Kilcar v Naomh Conaill, MacCumhaill Park, 4pm

The McHugh and McBrearty inspired Kilcar haven't won a Donegal title since 1993.

Naomh Conaill from Glenties claimed glory in 2005, 2010, and 2015. At this stage last year Kilcar suffered a narrow defeat against Glenswilly. Valuable lessons were learned, but Naomh Conaill are a wily and experienced outfit featuring Leo McLoone and Anthony Thompson.

Monaghan SFC Final

Magheracloone v Scotstown, Clones, 3.30pm

An impressive Scotstown team, sprinkled with Monaghan stars, are looking for a fourth title in five years.

Rory Beggan, Darren Hughes, Kieran Hughes, Shane Carey, and Conor McCarthy are key performers for Scotstown.

Magheralcoone include the under-rated Gavin Doogan, who enjoyed a good campaign for Monaghan, Tommy Freeman, and Barry Kieran.

Armagh SFC Final

Armagh Harps v Maghery, Athletic Grounds, 5pm

Boosted by a win over Crossmaglen Rangers at the penultimate stage, Maghery now hope to retain the Armagh SFC.

Aidan and Stefan Forker were prominent in  Ultan Lennon impressed for Harps in their win over Ballymacnab, while Joe McElroy is another talented footballer.

Antrim SFC Final

Lamh Dhearg v St John's, Glenavy, 3.15pm

Lamh Dhearg's last county title was posted in 1992, while St John's, the most prolific winners of the competition, haven't triumphed since 1998.

In 25 years Lamh Dhearg have suffered five final defeats, and this promises to be a very interesting tussle.

Galway SFC Final

Corofin v Mountbellew-Moylough, Tuam Stadium, 4pm

No shortage of sub-plots in the west with Mountbellew-Moylough managed by Corofin native Michael Donnellan, who won an All Ireland club medal in 1998.

Kieran Fitzgerald and Joe Bergin helped Galway raise Sam Maguire 16 years and they are in opposite camps.

Mountbellew-Moylough, captained by Galway Under 21 star Michael Daly, haven't won a county since 1986. In that spell Corofin have hoisted the Frank Fox Cup on 15 occasions.

Niall McNamee is a key player for Rhode.

Niall McNamee is a key player for Rhode.

Offaly SFC Final

Clara v Rhode, O'Connor Park, 3.30pm

Rhode have secured eight Offaly titles since 2004, but they will treat the Clara challenge with the utmost respect.

The McNamees remain key performers for Rhode, but Clara finished strongly at the semi-final stage.

Former Offaly star Scott Brady netted a late goal to steer Clara back to their first final appearance in five years.

Kildare SFC Final

Celbridge v Moorefield, Newbridge, 3.30pm

Moorefield have been consistent competitors during the past two decades accumulating seven titles between 2000 and 2014.

Celbridge will be looking to Paddy Brophy for inspiration, while Adam Tyrell and Eanna O'Connor were highly impressive for Moorefield against Athy.

Laois SFC Final

Ballylinan v Portlaoise, O'Moore Park, 3.45pm

Denied a 10-in-a-row by Stradbally last year, Portlaoise return to the Laois decider.

Ballylinan, powered by Gary Walsh, make a first County Final appearance since 1987 when they lost by 3-16 to 0-5 against Portlaoise.

Louth SFC Final

Dundalk Gaels v Newtown Blues, Gaelic Grounds, 3.30pm

It has been an open and exciting Louth Championship in recent years and Sunday's showpiece should be good.

Dundalk Gaels make a welcome return to the final against one of the most feared teams in the county, Newtown Blues.

Wicklow SFC Final

Blessington v Rathnew, Aughrim, 3pm

Harry Murphy's Rathnew face a developing Blessington outfit.

Rathnew have been a real force in Wicklow claiming 14 titles in 19 years between 1996 and 2015.

Cork SFC Final

Nemo Rangers v St Finbarrs, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 4pm

Two famous Cork city clubs clash at Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Larry Kavanagh has steered Nemo back into a Cork SFC Final following an emphatic win over Duhallow.

Luke Connolly scored a hat-trick in that game, while former Kerry star Tomas O Se contributed a point for Nemo. The Barrs, with Ian Maguire and Michael Shields impressing, overcame last year's winners Carbery Rangers.

Tipperary SFC Final

Clonmel Commercials v Killenaule, Semple Stadium, 3.30pm

Charlie McKeever's Clonmel Commercials team face a tricky task against Killenaule.

John 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer, Jimmy Feehan, and Kieran Bergin have helped bring Killenaule into their first ever senior football decider.

Michael Quinlivan and Jack Kennedy are two of Commercials' inter county players, who featured against Armagh in the 2017 Championship.