Preview: Weekend's County Football Final action
Niall McNamee continues to impress for Rhode.
**By Cian O'Connell **
**Saturday October 15
Limerick SFC Final**
Dromcollogher-Broadford v Monaleen, Gaelic Grounds, 7.30pm
Since 2007 Dromcollogher-Broadfard have contested seven County Finals, winning four, drawing one, and losing two. Monaleen, though, are also a capable outfit registering four titles in the last 14 years.
Former Limerick captain Muiris Gavin is Monaleen's manager, and it should be a good game against a seasoned Dromcollogher-Broadford side.
Sunday October 16
Ulster SFC First Round
Scotstown (Monaghan) v Kilcoo (Down), Clones, 3.30pm
Scotstown completed a two in a row in Monaghan with a fine win over Clontibret in the local decider.
Highly rated manager Mattie McGleenan will be hoping to guide Scotstown, who are loaded with good inter county talent, on an adventure in the provincial Championship. Rory Beggan, Kieran Hughes, Darren Hughes, and Sean Carey are influential players for Scotstown.
Kilcoo have been the dominant team in Down for much of the past decade stitching five County victories on the spin together.
Captain Conor Laverty remains a capable performer for Kilcoo, who want to make an impact in Ulster, but they have only reached one decider during this burst - losing in 2012 against Crossmaglen Rangers.
Antrim SFC Final
Cargin v St Gall's, Corrigan Park, 3pm
This promises to be an interesting encounter between two clubs who have won the last 17 Antrim titles between them.
In that spell St Gall's have been victorious 13 times, Cargin prevailing on the other four occasions. Last year Cargin produced a fine display to comprehensively defeat Lamh Dearg, but Gall's are motoring well again with CJ McGourty making a welcome return from injury.
Armagh SFC Final
Cullyhanna v Maghery, Athletic Grounds, 4pm
For two decades Crossmaglen Rangers have dominated the landscape in Armagh claiming a remarkable haul of 19 titles in 20 years.
That stunning run started in 1996 with only Pearse Og's 2009 triumph offering a brief interruption. A late Cullyhana goal at the Semi-Final stage knocked out Crossmaglen, the standard bearers for so long.
Cullyhana, prompted by Ciaran McKeever, and Maghery have been showing signs of promise in recent campaigns - one of them will be rewarded with a County Championship.
Ballincollig and Carberry Rangers contested the 2014 Cork SFC Final.
Cork SFC Final
Ballincollig v Carberry Rangers, Pairc Ui Rinn, 3.45pm
A large crowd is expected at Pairc Ui Rinn for a repeat of the 2014 decider.
That encounter was won by Ballincollig, who overcame Carberry Rangers on a 1-13 to 1-10 scoreline. It was an historic day for Ballincollig, who gleefully celebrated their first senior success.
Ballincollig's Cian Dorgan and veteran John Miskella have been in efficient form. John Hayes registered 1-8 in Carberry Rangers' Semi-Final victory over Avondhu.
Derry SFC Final
Loup v Slaughtneil, Celtic Park, 3.45pm
Slaughtneil have returned to prominence recently claiming the last two Derry Championships. Mickey Moran is a shrewd sideline operator for Slaughtneil, who include Chrissy and Karl McKaigue.
Loup goalkeeper Thomas Mallon is a key figure for Johnny McBride's team, who are encouraged by a fine Semi-Final win against Ballinascreen.
Donegal SFC Final
Glenswilly v Kilcar, MacCumhaill Park, 4pm
Another hotly anticipated match in Donegal with Martin McHugh's involvement adding another sub-plot. Kilcar dethroned Naomh Conaill by scoring five goals in a dramatic Semi-Final.
Now a tussle with a Michael Murphy inspired Glenswilly as Kilcar search for a first Donegal crown since 1993. Glenswilly triumphed in 2011 and 2013, but they were beaten by St Eunan's in 2014.
Paddy McBrearty, Ryan McHugh, Eoin McHugh, and Mark McHugh are all influential figures for an improving Kilcar team.
Colm Cooper remains an influential figure for Dr Crokes.
Kerry SFC Final
Dr Crokes v Kenmare District, Fitzgerald Stadium, 3.30pm
Dr Crokes have made steady progress throughout the year as the Killarney outfit seeks an 11th County Championship.
Kenmare District, powered by several Spillanes from Templenoe, haven't contested a Final since 1989.
The clubs involved in the Kenmare District have progressed well with underage development so a lively hour awaits. Paul O'Connor landed seven points for Kenmare District in last weekend's triumph over Rathmore.
Kildare SFC Final
Moorefield v Sarsfields, Newbridge, 3.30pm
A fourth Kildare SFC Final meeting between the two clubs in four years. In the previous three fixtures Moorefield have won twice, while drawing in 2014.
Sarsfields responded impressively last year to return to the summit. Can they retain their title or will Moorefield, who have beaten them in finals in 2002, 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2014, prevail?
Moorefield held on against a spirited Celbridge at the Semi-Final stage, while Ray Cahill contributed 0-7 in Sarsfields' clash with Confey, and Alan Smith also grabbed a crucial goal.
Laois SFC Final
Portlaoise v Stradbally, O'Moore Park, 3.30pm
Portlaoise, who top the roll of honour, are looking for a 10th Laois County Championship in a row. Stradbally, though, lie in second place, but they have only won three since 1941.
Throughout the last decade Portlaoise have always done enough to earn glory, but Stradbally are quietly confident.
AFL star Zach Tuohy is expected to feature for Portlaoise, who outwitted Arles-Killeen at the Semi-Final stage with Paul Cahillane and Brian McCormack prominent.
Stradbally were far too strong for Crettyard Gaels with Colm Begley, Greg Ramsbottom, Jody Dillon, and Colm Kelly spearheading their challenge.
Longford SFC Final
Abbeylara v Mullinalaghta, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 4pm
Two emerging teams collide with Mullinalagtha's last triumph at this level back in 1950. Mullinalagtha bagged late goals courtesy of Donal McElligott and Rian Brady to defeat Killoe Emmet Og in a lively Semi-Final.
Offaly SFC Final
Ferbane v Rhode, O'Connor Park, 3pm
A huge improvement at Post Primary and underage level ensures Ferbane are optimistic again, but Rhode are a serious outfit.
The Niall McNamee inspired side have won seven Offaly Championships since 2004. Ferbane haven't been top dogs in Offaly for 22 years, but they are improving rapidly.
Cathaoir Quinn of Coalisland Fianna celebrates after scoring a goal in the drawn Tyrone SFC Final.
Tyrone SFC Final replay
Coalisland v Killyclogher, Healy Park, 3.30pm
Teenager Nathan Donnelly's late fisted point ensures a replay is necessary and another exciting match looms. The teams were level 11 times last Sunday so they are certainly evenly matched.
Dom Corrigan has constructed a decent Killyclogher side and was buoyed up by the character his players demonstrated late on.
Coalisland duo Padraig Hampsey and Plunkett Kane scored four points between them in the drawn fixture so Killyclogher will need to restrict them this weekend.
Cavan SFC Final replay
Castlerahan v Ramor United, Kingspan Breffni Park, 4pm
A thrilling first match was packed with entertainment as Castlerahan's Brian Coleman struck a late equaliser. Five goals were scored during a lively game that was delicately poised throughout.
Once more Castlerahan will be looking to Paul Brady and Cian Mackey for inspiration, while Ramor United will be striving to ensure Jack Brady, James Brady, and Adrian Cole are provided with quality possession up front.
