Weekend Football previews: Maigh Cuilinn will fight to honour Paul Clancy

Then on Sunday Dr Crokes take on Kenmare Shamrocks in the Kerry SFC 

Paul Clancy, in action for Galway. Pic: Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE

SATURDAY 

Leitrim SFC final replay: Ballinamore Seán O’Heslin’s v Fenagh St Caillins, Heartland Credit Union Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 3.30pm.

Ballinamore were staring down the barrel of a third straight final defeat but for Tom Prior’s late intervention. They need to dig deeper to avoid another loss. 

Verdict: Ballinamore Seán Ó Heslin’s.

Louth SFC final replay: Newtown Blues v St Mochta’s, Integral GAA Grounds, Drogheda, 3.30pm.

Newtown Blues were reeled in having gone five points up in the replay. It will be a lot for St Mochta’s to repeat that defeat-defying feat a second time around. 

Verdict: Newtown Blues.

Galway SFC final: Salthill-Knocknacarra v Maigh Cuilinn, Pearse Stadium, 7pm.

There’s no question Salthill have the attack to pull off what would be something of a surprise here but it’s defence where they must be on point to tie down Maigh Cuilinn.

The champions won’t have learned a whole lot from their comprehensive semi-final win over Annaghdown but they look fuelled by the determination to honour the late Paul Clancy. 

Verdict: Maigh Cuilinn.

SUNDAY

Fermanagh SFC final: Erne Gaels v Derrygonnelly Harps, Brewster Park, 3.30pm.

It took a replay to separate these sides in last year’s decider but the Belleek men look an even stronger outfit this time around as they aim for a third consecutive title. 

Verdict: Erne Gaels.

Kerry SFC final: Dr Crokes v Kenmare Shamrocks, Austin Stack Park, 2pm.

This has been a belter of a championship and while the odds might say otherwise it wouldn’t be a surprise if the final is in keeping with it. Kenmare are probably underestimated because there is a feeling the two teams they have beaten, Rathmore and North Kerry, were running out of steam. Crokes have been stretched themselves, particularly in that classic against Austin Stacks, but their well is deep and ultimately that may be the margin. 

Verdict: Dr Crokes.

Mayo SFC final: Castlebar Mitchels v Garrymore, Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, 3.30pm.

In this year of all years, Garrymore, and Mitchels for that matter, have to believe anything can happen. Their run to their first final in 44 years has been memorable and they have pushed aside two of the pretenders to the throne in the knock-out stages. All the same, Castlebar have that look about them. Paddy Durcan, Donnacha McHugh and Bob Tuohy were probably believing this year couldn’t get any better. It should. Verdict: Castlebar Mitchels.

Waterford SFC final: The Nire v Rathgormack, Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field, 2.30pm.

Rathgormack’s hold of the Conway Cup looks pretty tight as they seek the four-in-a-row. The Nire were only two points shy of them last year having lost by six in the final two years earlier. These occasions are notorious as low-scoring affairs. The Nire have a chance but form suggests there will be no change at the top. 

Verdict: Rathgormack.