Nationwide guide to Sunday's GAA county finals

There's a feast of GAA county final action across the nation this weekend.

Fri, 13 Oct, 2023 - 16:39

John Fogarty

Antrim SHC final: Ruairí Óg, Cushendall v Loughgiel Shamrocks, Corrigan Park 2.30pm.

A 13th final for Neil McManus and he will know better than anyone that Shamrocks have to be respected after knocking out champions Dunloy. Cushendall are heavily fancied but they will be put through the wringer before winning.

Verdict: Ruairí Óg, Cushendall.

Armagh SHC final: Keady Lámh Dhearg v Middletown, Box-It Athletic Grounds 4pm.

What a period of domination this has been for Middletown. Winners of seven of the last eight championships, Keady spoiled the party in 2018 but they won’t stop the five-in-a-row.

Verdict: Middletown.

Clare SFC final: Cratloe v St Breckan’s, Cusack Park 3pm.

A novel final if not a pairing given Cratloe have been in four of the last 10 finals, winning two of them. The Lisdoonvarna men, in their first senior decider in 27 years, won’t be dismissed too easily if they focus on the job in hand. Cratloe’s experience namely in the Collins’ brothers to shade it.

Verdict: Cratloe.

Down SFC final: Burren v Kilcoo, Páirc Esler 2.15pm (Live TG4).

It’s no surprise the TV cameras head to Newry for this one. Kilcoo are still ruling the roost but Burren were the last team to beat them in the final five years ago and only they were just two points shy of Kilcoo when they met in the 2021 final. A battle is anticipated but Kilcoo have the stomach for it.

Verdict: Kilcoo.

Kildare SHC final: Coill Dubh v Naas, Manguard Park Pitch 1 3.30pm.

Naas might have their eyes set on bigger things but they have to be careful not to look too forward ahead as they look for a fifth consecutive county crown.

Verdict: Naas.

Laois SFC final: St Joseph’s v Portlaoise, MW Hire O’Moore Park 3.30pm.

This is St Joseph’s first final in 21 years when they were dismissed by The Town and yet they are expected to give Portlaoise their full of it tomorrow afternoon. Portlaoise don’t look as solid as they were right through the 2010s and a fit Zach Tuohy would sure be helpful but they can toil towards a first SFC title in four years.

Verdict: Portlaoise.

Longford SFC final: Emmet Óg, Killoe v Clonguish, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park 4pm.

Searching for a first title since 2009, Clonguish may argue they are the hungrier but then Killoe will point out they should have been able to build on their back-to-back successes in 2019 and ’20.

Verdict: Emmet Óg, Killoe.

Meath SHC final: Kildalkey v Ratoath, Páirc Tailteann 3pm.

Ratoath dual players might be feeling the physical and mental strain of losing out to Summerhill after extra-time in last weekend’s football final. Kildalkey to stay the course.

Verdict: Kildalkey.

Offaly SHC final: Kilcormac-Killoughey v Shinrone, St Brendan’s Park, Birr 3pm.

The build-up to this game has been dominated more by the choice of venue than the contest. Eighteen years since its last final staging, Birr should add to the atmosphere. Despite being champions, Shinrone are not expected to defend their tltle. Adam Screeney will be expected to wave his wand and conjure magic but Kilcormac-Killoughey’s elder statesmen can provide the foundations for the win.

Verdict: Kilcormac-Killoughey.

Tipperary SHC final: Kiladangan v Thurles Sarsfields, FBD Semple Stadium 4pm (Live TG4).

Tipperary senior finals have provided some of the best club hurling games in recent times and this has the potential to be another humdinger. Sarsfields have looked the best team in the competition since losing to Kiladangan in their opening round game and if they show the same zeal as they have done in the last two games they will be hard beaten. Kiladangan know their final record leaves a lot to be desired and they will be ably led by Billy Seymour and Paul Flynn but it’s a different Sarsfields team they’re facing to the one they beat in late July.

Verdict: Thurles Sarsfields.

Wexford SFC final: Castletown v Shelmaliers, Chadwicks Wexford Park 3.30pm.

Two senior football crowns as well as a hurling one since 2018, there’s good reason to claim Shelmaliers are the strongest club in Wexford right now. Losing last year’s final to Castletown by four points is an itch they have to scratch. A game that should go to the wire but the Castlebridge men to taste victory.

Verdict: Shelmaliers.

Wicklow SHC final: Bray Emmets v Carnew Emmets, Echelon Park 3pm.

Leinster intermediate champions of last year, Bray will be expected to topple Carnew without too much fuss in Aughrim.

Verdict: Bray Emmets.