Willie Hegarty gives his predictions for big weekend games
Four Roads players Noel Fallon, Trevor Fallon and Darren Fallon are set to face a Tooreen team chasing their fifth Connacht intermediate title in-a-row. Pictures: Gerard O'Loughlin
On the same weekend as the clocks go back, two clubs with a huge tradition will be hoping the hands move in the opposite direction by taking a giant step forward and claiming this season’s intermediate football championship title.
By 3.30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, the reality is that only one of neighbouring clubs, Elphin or Strokestown, will be playing senior championship football in 2025.
It’s no great surprise that both clubs are in the final as only the beaten finalists of the past two years, Éire Óg, appeared capable of splitting this Golden Delicious apple.
Elphin took care of the Loughglynn-based side’s threat in the semi-final while Strokestown cut loose in the final quarter against Fuerty, leaving their opponents on the canvas. It sent a warning to Nigel Dineen’s men that the Black and Amber, when they open up, are a lethal cocktail.
It’s a final where opposites attract. Elphin are Scrooge-like in defence while Strokestown’s greatest asset is their attack.
In terms of experience, it’s advantage Strokestown as the ‘Town won a senior football final two years ago. Their players know all about big match days.
In Elphin’s locker are players who, if they hit top form, will be difficult to beat. The return of Shane Killoran is huge in my view.
This final needs no make-up to add to its appeal, so expect a frantic and ferocious battle, with Elphin to shade it.
It’s now nine years since the Roscommon club hurling champions beat their Mayo counterparts in the Connacht club championship.
It’s a statistic that Roscommon hurling clubs should be embarrassed of as Pádraig Pearses, Oran, Athleague and Four Roads have fallen through the exit door with their tails between their legs.
After achieving another Roscommon three-in-a-row, it’s time that Four Roads were competitive in Connacht. While this is a young and emerging side, they must show courage and character on Saturday if they are to stand any chance of turning the tables.
Tooreen have built a Connacht dynasty over the past decade. On Saturday, they commence their pursuit of a sensational five-in-a-row of provincial titles after winning their fourth successive Mayo crown after extra time against Ballyhaunis.
For long periods in that game, it looked like the Tooreen juggernaut was about to grind to a sudden halt. But their experience, craft, cuteness and resilience dragged them over the line.
Does this mean that Four Roads have a chance as Tooreen don’t appear to be as sharp as the past few years?
Two years ago, the Mayo men lost the All-Ireland final in Croke Park. Last December, they lost the All-Ireland semi-final. It’s fair to say that they have been operating at a different level than Four Roads have been used to.
For Four Roads to be in the hunt they must produce their last 20 minutes against St. Dominic’s into a full hour’s display to make a game of it.
In fairness, the Roscommon kingpins showed why they have that winning mentality by coming from ten points down in the county final to snatch glory at the death against St. Dominic’s.
In a nutshell, Tooreen will have to underperform and Four Roads will have to overperform if the Roscommon champions are to break their current famine in the provincial championship.
I can’t see that happening.
