Published: Thursday, 22nd July, 2010 2:11pm
Gaels will take all the beating
Could Drumlane or Kill go all the way in the IFC?
Pic by==: 97
• senior
LACKEN
An Leacain
After struggling in Declan Rowley's first season last year, Lacken will be looking for a big improvement. They benefitted from an injection of young talent from their busy underage system and recent league results have been promising. Rowley has experimented with former county forward Finbar O'Reilly at centre half-back and while they face a tricky opener against Castlerahan, it's winnable, especially if Ray Galligan can hit form at full-forward. Possible dark horses for a decent run.
Manager: Declan Rowley
Star player: Trevor Crowe
One to watch: Niall McKiernan
Last season: Group stage
Prediction: Quarter-final
CASTLERAHAN
Caisleán Reathain
On paper, Castlerahan are one of the strongest sides in the county. However, they have choked in summer in recent years, walking into an ambush against a fired-up Denn in the 2009 quarter-final. Despite the presence of the likes of Oisin O'Connell, Enda Mulvey, Cian Mackey and Ronan Flanagan, (the latter two, admittedly, having been tied up with the county for some matches) the scoring rate before last weekend's mauling of Redhills was one of the lowest of any top eight side in all three ACFL divisions. Their defence is strong and has been anchored well by Sean Brady. Will fancy their chances of coming through the group stage but will get nothing easy from Lacken, Killygarry or neighbours Crosserlough.
Manager: Paddy Sheanon
Star player: Ronan Flanagan
One to watch: Fergal Flanagan
Last season: Quarter-final
Prediction: Quarter-final
LAVEY
Leamhaí
Lavey have suffered from 'Second Season Syndrome' this year and have looked jaded in the league, which is no surprise given that they were in action right up until December 2009. Very strong down the middle but they may struggle for scores at this level. The race for second place in their group will be the tightest of all and, coming off two timely league wins, they might be peaking in time. The feeling is, however, that the step up will be too much for this season.
Manager: Mick McCormack
Star player: Joey Jordan
One to watch: Shane Tierney
Last season: Intermediate Champions
Prediction: Group stage
CAVAN GAELS
Gaeil an Chabháin
Gunning for five-in-a-row for a reason - the dogs on the street know that Cavan Gaels are the team to beat. While they have lost some talented young players to the US on J1s, the Gaels still possess a very strong squad, with vast experience and a winning mentality. Could they be vulnerable? Possibly, although there is a suspicion that they will up their game when needed, such as in the first 20 minutes of last season's final against Denn. They'll face stiffer challenges this time round but look primed to go all the way once more. The bookmakers' odds of 1-2 tell their own story. Don't be surprised to see the champions pushed harder than they have been for some years, however.
Manager: Gareth Coyle
Star player: Sean Johnston
One to watch: Sean Reilly
Last season: Champions
Prediction: Champions
BALLINAGH
Béal atha na nEach
For a variety of reasons, Ballinagh's stock has been in free-fall since 2006-2007 when their young side won the ACFL Division One title and then stormed to Ulster IFC success. They actually would have started this season back in the Intermediate ranks but for a successful plea to the board for re-instation. Minus Under 21s Niall McDermott and Paddy Carroll (who are summering in San Francisco) and with Cian McDermott, a key man back in 07, still out of the picture, they look unlikely to make a major impact on this championship. In what will be a dogfight in Group 3, they may not make it through.
Manager: Brian Comesky
Star player: Padraic O'Reilly
One to watch: David Finnegan
Last season: Relegated (granted reprieve)
Prediction: Group stage
RAMOR UNITED
Reamor Aontaithe
Another side who looked to be building well but have struggled since making the last four two years ago. Ramor have a solid core of talented young players but their league form (three wins from 13) has been dire. Lost by a point to Lavey last weekend and a repeat of that result would see them out. However, natural scoring forwards such as Paddy McNamee, Jack Brady and the enigmatic Ado Cole - a player with huge potential but a lack of consistency - are priceless. Denn showed last year that league form can be misleading and Ramor could just squeak second place behind the Gaels.
Manager: Kevin McDonnell
Star player: James McEnroe
One to watch: Ado Cole
Last season: Group stage
Prediction: Quarter-final
DENN
An Dinn
Silenced the doubters by reaching a second county final last year but it'll be very, very difficult to do it again. Short on options up front, Denn may struggle this season, despite the presence of Martin Cahill (who worryingly missed the Ramor league match through injury), the stand-out player on the club scene for two years now. Only a fool would write off a battle-hardened squad such as Denn's but they will be up against it in a horribly-tough Group 2, especially with young forward Darren Costello a doubt for the Gowna match.
Manager: Damien O'Reilly
Star player: Martin Cahill
One to watch: Dean Hyland
Last season: Runners-up
Prediction: Group stage
GOWNA
Loch Gamhna
Word is that Dermot McCabe is back and firing well for Gowna, which is an absolutely massive boost. The men from the lough shore have built a reputation on making much from small resources but they have struggled to replace some of their experienced old guard. Had they been in any other group, Gowna may have came through and gathered some momentum but logic dictates that they are unlikely to qualify ahead of either Denn, Mullahoran or the Rorys. Unlikely, but not impossible...
Manager: Ciaran Brady
Star player: Mark McKeever
One to watch: David Hyland
Last season: Group stage
Prediction: Group stage
CUCHULAINNS
Cuchullains
Cuchulainns have been leaking scores at an alarming rate in the league, conceding an average of over 0-15 per match. Their recent championship pedigree is unremarkable but they find themselves in the weakest group with only one real danger, Kingscourt. Redhills have been decimated by absentees and Blackwater Gaels are unlikely to amount to much, meaning Cuchulainns should make the second stage, despite the absence of Eugene Keating (US).
Manager: Owen Farrelly
Star player: Conor Smith
One to watch: Adrian Taite
Last season: Group stage
Prediction: Quarter-final
kingscourt
Realta Dún na Rí
Let's not get carried away. Kingscourt are live contenders for sure but have they really the firepower to go a long way? Their league performances would suggest they have. They have scored, on average, 17.1 points per game while conceding just 10.8. Yes, leagues are for playing and championships are for winning but the Stars have pedigree and football is cyclical. They're a coming side for sure and have a clean bill of health for a change, but they must translate league consistency on to the big day. Their time is near, but not yet nigh. Rumour has it they may have a welcome returnee to boost the cause as well...
Manager: Dudley Farrell
Star player: Barry Reilly
One to watch: Shane Grey
Last season: Group stage
Prediction: Semi-final
REDHILLS
Cnoc Rua
The border side looked like a team to watch when they coasted to Intermediate success in 2008 with a team packed full of teenagers. However, with Rory Dunne, Oisin Minagh, Paddy Gumley and Mark Kelly unavailable, they will be up against it this year. League results have been poor after a bright start and while they should have too much for Blackwater Gaels, it's hard to see Redhills - who provided Cavan Gaels with their sternest test last season - going far this time around. Everything depends on their clash with Cuchulainns...
Manager: Mickey Cadden
Star player: Colin Reilly
One to watch: Turloc Mooney
Last season: Quarter-finals
Prediction: Group stage
CROSSERLOUGH
Cros ar Loch
The Lough survived in senior ranks by the skin of their teeth in a replayed relegation play-off last year but, judging on results, have made little improvement. The club has been decimated by withdrawls in recent seasons and they will find it hard to grab a win in Group 1.
Manager: Martin McHugh
Star player: Jonny Crowe
One to watch: Barry McKiernan
Last season: Group stage
Prediction: Group stage
KILLYGARRY
Coill na Gearraí
Killygarry should have been in at least one county final in recent years but have fallen at the penultimate hurdle on three occasions. Under manager Damien Mone and trainer Colm Donnelly, they have worked as hard as ever this season but the feeling is that Killygarry are a few players short and nothing new has emerged. Jamie Coffey won't be featuring this year and while the likes of goalkeeperPatrick Galligan and defender Padraig Cahill have been playing well, an over-reliance on Martin Reilly in attack could be their downfall.
Manager: Damien Mone
Star player: Martin Reilly
One to watch: Daryl McKenna
Last season: Semi-finals
Prediction: Group stage
BELTURBET
Beal Tairbirt
The loss of Brendan 'Bud' Fitzpatrick to the US is a big blow for the Rorys, who have been going well in the league (eight wins from 12). The presence of Jason O'Reilly, who is playing as well as ever, is an enormous plus for Belturbet, who are the one team in the county who have a positive record against Cavan Gaels. If they can come through Group 2, they should go well.
Manager: Gary Donohoe
Star player: Jason O'Reilly
One to watch: Niall Reilly
Last season: Quarter-final
Prediction: Semi-final
MULLAHORAN
Mullach Odhrainn
Mullahoran are a powerful side this year. Dermot Sheridan and Christy Sheils form an excellent platform at midfield while the Bradys - Paul, Philip and Danny - provide the firepower up front and Killian Brady and Seanie Smith complete a strong spine. The loss of Ciaran Sheils, Eddie O'Reilly and Michael Brady could be the difference for the Dreadnoughts but at least two of those could yet return should they make it through a tough group stage. Fired up and hungrier than ever, Mullahoran will take a lot of beating.
Manager: Darren Chapman
Star player: Paul Brady
One to watch: Enda O'Reilly
Last season: Semi-final
Prediction: Finalists
• INTERMEDIATE
KILLESHANDRA
Cill na Sean Rátha
The Leaguers will be throwing it all on the line this summer, having more or less ignored the championship in favour of league promotion in 2008. Declan McKiernan's strength and Tomás O'Reilly's ball-carrying ability will be key while Daniel Luby has been playing well in a new position in the forward line.
Won't lack for commitment or physicality but, although they have been strengthened by the return of Paddy King, a lack of a foil for McKiernan up front could be their undoing in a very tough group.
Manager: Ciaran O'Reilly
Star player: Declan McKiernan
One to watch: Shane O'Reilly
Last season: Group stage
Prediction: Group stage
DRUMGOON
Droim Dhúin
Drumgoon are the envy of many clubs in this county in that they possess a strong, mobile midfield in Michael McDonald and Jim McNally.
In defence, Michael Hannon is a key performer along with Paul McEnroe while Keith Fannin is outstanding in attack and is consistently one of the highest scoring forwards in Cavan.
The players are there, then, and there is a nice blend of youngsters in the mix as well. League form is solid (fourth in ACFL Division Two) and they could be dark horses.
Manager: Tony Brady
Star player: Keith Fannin
One to watch: Conor Moynagh
Last season: Quarter-final
Prediction: Quarter-final
DRUMLANE
Droim Leathan
Surprise packages in ACFL Division Two, the Sons of O'Connell have been magnificent in the league, going unbeaten in their first 11 matches. Anchored by John O'Dowd at full-back and brother Dane around the middle, they are an improved side and seem to have sorted out their scoring problems, with Darragh Seagrave coming back into form, Daryl McConnell chipping in with scores and Barry Corrigan and Barry Cunningham reliable as ever. Will be expected to come through Group 1 with Ballymachugh, Drung and Knockbride. The big danger for the Milltown men is that they may have peaked too early in the season.
Manager: Ollie Fay
Star player: Daryl McConnell
One to watch: Gary Tubman
Last season: Quarter-final
Prediction: Finalists
BALLYMACHUGH
Baile Mhic Aodha
Word coming from Sheelin Park is that Ballymachugh's preparations haven't been the best. They sit sixth from bottom in Division Three and it would be a shock if they were to emerge from Group 1.
Manager: Stephen King
Star player: Gavin Smith
One to watch: Michael Halton
Last season: Group stage
Prediction: Group stage
KNOCKBRIDE
Cnoc Bhríde
Knockbride have plenty of experience and no shortage of firepower - they are second highest scorers in ACFL Division Two , averaging just over 13.5 points per game. Always hard to beat, they should go well should they qualify from Group 1. They beat eventual finalists Cootehill in the group last year and with John Tierney reportedly flying, they will go well.
Manager: Larry McEntee
Star player: Larry Reilly
One to watch: Niall McCabe
Last season: Quarter-final
Prediction: Semi-final
DRUNG
An Drong
The return of Barry Watters is a huge boost to Drung, who enjoyed a good run last year after coasting to the JFC title in 2008. Ciaran Galligan's athleticism at midfield will be crucial too but this may not be enough for a side languishing rock bottom of Division Two with just a single win to their name. Will find it very hard against Knockbride or Drumlane and will be relying on Ballymachugh to do them a favour.
Manager: Michael Tynan
Star player: Barry Watters
One to watch: Stephen Fay
Last season: Semi-final
Prediction: Group stage
BALLYHAISE
Béal Atha Héis
Perennial contenders who were caught 'on the hop' by an excellent Redhills side in '08 and were stunned by a youthful Lavey in last year's quarter-final. Definitely have the talent, with a solid defence built around Sean McCormack, Barry Kelly and Brendan Lyons and a good midfield pair in Ray Cullivan and Barry McCrudden. Kevin Tierney has the potential to run up huge tallies at this level and if he gets any support, this could be Ballyhaise's year.
Manager: Barry Tierney
Star player: Ray Cullivan
One to watch: Kevin Tierney
Last season: Quarter-final
Prediction: Champions
BUTLERSBRIDGE
Droichead an Bhuitléaraigh
The Bridge have struggled to adjust to life in Division Two and their league form has been patchy at best following on from an excellent campaign last year in Division Three.
Padraig McGearty, who is travelling, is a huge loss to the Bridge. Their other stalwarts such as Mark Shannon, Noel McPhilips and Michael Fitzpatrick are still good players but have plenty of miles on the clock and although there is some young talent there, notably the powerful Fergal Flanagan and brother Senin, it would be an impressive performance were they to come through a group containing Ballyhaise, Drumgoon and the Leaguers.
Manager: Phelim Plunkett
Star player: Darren Fitzpatrick
One to watch: Fergal Flanagan
Last season: Junior champions
Prediction: Group stage
BAILIEBOROUGH
Coill an Chollaigh
The Shamrocks are another side who have found the step up from the basement to Division Two a tough one. Shoewd in last year's IFC that they have plenty of young talent and no shortage of heart but the absence of the injured Alan O'Mara and David Rooney and towering midfielder Ollie Kelleher - tied up with college commitments in Scotland - has been a massive loss this year. Have only three wins in Division Two but, interestingly, only the top three have scored more than the Shamrocks and that ability to split the posts could see them make the last eight.
Manager: Andy Scannell
Star player: Declan Reilly
One to watch: Niall Kelly
Last season: Semi-final
Prediction: Quarter-final
CAVAN GAELS
Gaeil an Chabhain
It's hard to make a prediction on the Cavan Gaels second string. Having failed to get past the last four in last season's JFC, you would think that they would struggle up a grade buit closer inspection shows that they gave eventual champs Butlersbridge their closest test last year. That said, they will be missing a few young players this time around and while no Gaels team can be ruled out generally, Bailieborough and Cootehill should have too much for them.
Manager: George Crowe
Star player: Levi Murphy
One to watch: Patrick Heslin
Last season: JFC semi-final
Prediction: Group stage
DRUMALEE
Droim an Laoí
The return of Michael Brennan is a huge boost for Drumalee, as is the availability of Brendan Smith and Daragh Gaffney, who has been studying in Scotland. Defensively, they have been poor in the league but there is usually a surprise package in this grade and Drumalee, for whom the fit-again Kevin Donohoe has impressed, could be it, providing the quarter-final draw goes their way. Should top Group 4, a three-team group, and were the only team to beat Lavey last season, remember...
Manager: Mickey Lee
Star player: Michael Brennan
One to watch: Craig Sheridan
Last season: Group stage
Prediction: Semi-final
KILL
An Cill
The Rathluden men are the great survivors. They have hung on in Intermediate ranks through a few lean years since winning the JFC title over a decade ago and are now moving in the right direction, with a number of promising young players in their squad. A good league run has catapulted them to fifth in Division Two, their best performance for a number of years. They are a resilient bunch, are tough to beat and could scrape through Group 4 at the expense of Laragh United.
Manager: Thomas Duffy
Star player: Pearse McKenna
One to watch: Anthony Brady
Last season: Quarter-final
Prediction: Quarter-final
COOTEHILL
An Muinchille
All has not been that well with the Cootehill squad this season, with reports suggesting that there has some behind the scenes upheaval. If they can get it right, they are a strong outfit at this level. Having reached the final in '09, they don't lack experience and have a strong spine to the side in the likes of solid full-back Barry McGahan, Joshua Hayes, John McCutcheon, Brian Sherlock and Paul McCarney, a target man who has been playing further out the field this season. Will be fancied to come through Group 3.
Manager: John Brennan
Star player: John McCutcheon
One to watch: Dean Connolly
Last season: Finalists
Prediction: Quarter-final
KILLINKERE
Cillin Ciar
The Killinkere club suffered two tragedies in recent times and all concerned deserve great credit for keeping the show on the road.
The club have reached mid-table in the ACFL Division Two standings and could get by Bailieborough in what looks a very open Group 3.
Manager: Sean Finnegan
Star player: Martin Reilly
One to watch: Emmet Fitzsimons
Last season: Group stage
Prediction: Quarter-final
LARAGH UNITED
Leathrach Aontaithe
Laragh parted company with their manager in the early part of the season and brought in Francis Clarke (Bailieborough). Their league form has been poor (seven defeats in Division Three) but they find themselves in a soft-looking three-team group with Drumalee and Kill. Qualification is possible, but they'll need to up their game.
Manager: Francis Clarke
Star player: Colin Oates
One to watch: Liam Brady
Last season: Group stage
Prediction: Group stage
• JUNIOR
MUNTERCONNACHT
Muintir Connacht
The Meath border side had a terrific underage programme in the late 90s which produced a number of the club's star performers such as Tommy Brady, Peter Cullen and forward John McCabe, who played with Cavan in the McKenna Cup earlier this season. Stephen Sheridan, a skilful half-forward who was joint captain on the recent Under 21-winning side (amalgamated with Ramor United), is another important player on a side which is capable of beating any in the junior ranks on its day. Munterconnacht are the third-highest scoring side in the county this season but that will probably not be enough in the toughest of the junior groups.
Manager: James Cole
Star player: John McCabe
One to watch: Stephen Sheridan
Last season: Group stage
Prediction: Quarter-final
CORNAFEAN
Corr na Feinne
The Reds have done nothing of note since winning the JFC title back in 2001. They stunned Drumgoon that day but since that they haven't threatened to make another breakthrough. However, league form has been encouraging, with ten wins from 13 matches, and they have a decent blend, with the experienced Art McSeain and Eamon Reilly along with young guns such as Cormac Geoghegan (an excellent finisher) and county panellist Mark Johnston. They are in a strong group with Shannon Gaels and Swad though and will be up against it if those two are on their game.
Manager: Gerry Cadden
Star player: Mark Johnston
One to watch: Gary Sheridan
Last season: Semi-final
Prediction: Group stage
KILDALLAN
Cill Dallian
The west Cavan club are a progressive outfit who have worked hard under former Gowna ace Fergal Harten this year. They have been knocking on the door for over ten years now and have good young forwards in the form of Jason Curry and the excellent Ronan Reilly. If they can get their whole squad fit and available, they will have a good chance. Their strongest 15, which would include Aaron Duignan (returning from injury) and Colin O'Hara, who is based in Dublin, would be capable of progressing and with a new manager, they could well come through their group at least. Look out for defender Shane McPartland and forward Daragh McGovern, both teenagers who are playing very well.
Manager: Fergal Harten
Star player: Ronan Reilly
One to watch: Darragh McGovern
Last season: Quarter-final
Prediction: Semi-final
MOUNTNUGENT
Droichead Uí Dáiligh
Junior finalists in 2008, Mountnugent have no shortage of quality footballers, and not just county man David Givney. The likes of Graham Patterson, Thomas Brady, David Sheridan and Stephen Smith can hold their own with any players at this level, but the big thing for Mountnugent is to find some level of consistency. They conceded a lot of scores in the league but if they tighten up at the back, the return of Givney from injury (the 21-yearold midfielder is said to be making excellent progress) should be enough to fire them into the knock-out stages.
Manager: Johnny Guirke
Star player: David Givney
One to watch: Eoin Smith
Last season: Quarter-final
Prediction: Semi-final
MAGHERA
Machaire
Maghera have struggled in recent seasons and haven't shown anything to suggest that they have improved this year. They won an Under 14 title with a very impressive squad this year and building from the bottom up appears to be their best bet.
Manager: Brian Galvin
Star player: Tommy Tobin
One to watch: Jason Fitzsimons
Last season: Group stage
Prediction: Group stage
SHERCOCK
Searcóg
Shercock have put a lot of work into their underage structures in recent seasons and it is beginning to bear fruit. They have plenty of young talent and will be hot favourites to top Group 3 ahead of Maghera and Templeport. Given the right draw at the last eight stage, there is no reason why the O'Hagan Park crew couldn't make the semis or even the final, especially with the advantage of playing Division Two league football.
Manager: Jody Clarke
Star player: Michael Reilly
One to watch: Shane Clarke
Last season: Semi-final
Prediction: Semi-final
ARVA
Armhach
Arva started the league very well but have suffered a few defeats since. With a nice balance to their squad and a lot of support, the Longford-Leitrim border side could launch a decent championship campaign, beginning with a winnable group containign Kildallan, Mountnugent and Corlough.
Manager: Gabriel Keogan
Star player: Dermot McGlade
One to watch: Kevin Bouchier
Last season: Quarter-final
Prediction: Quarter-final
CORLOUGH
Cor Loch
Corlough are a club on the up, with fantastic new facilities and a team heading in the right direction. They have now won five successive matches in Division Three and will be expecting a decent championship run.
Manager: Ken McPartland
Star player: Brendan McGovern
One to watch: Barry Wright
Last season: Group stage
Prediction: Quarter-final
SHANNON GAELS
Gaeil an Sionnaine
One of the real success stories in club football, Shannon Gaels are producing fine footballers at all levels. They've had three county minors in the past two years, all of them impressing at that level, and look like a coming force. Having reached a couple of finals, however, they need to make the push on to the next level as soon as possible. They have conceded an average of less than 0-6 per match, which is impressive by any standards, in reaching the summit of Division Three and if they can keep that form going, they'll be hard to stop.
Manager: Eugene Walsh
Star player: Eamon Reilly
One to watch: PP O'Hara
Last season: Quarter-final
Prediction: Champions
swanlinbar
An Muileann Iarann
Swad, on paper, have one of the best panels outside of senior football, with the Cunningham brothers, Robbie Prior and Kevin Brennan superb at this level. Missing from that list is Gearoid McKiernan - the man tipped by many as a future Cavan midfielder is spending the summer in the US but demonstrated his worth by scoring 3-5 in his final league game before departing. If they are still in the race when he returns, the big 20-year-old could be the difference.
Manager: John Joe Stewart
Star player: Michael Cunningham
One to watch: Chris Curran
Last season: Finalists
Prediction: Runners-up
TEMPLEPORT
Teampall and Phoirt
Ciaran McManus, a terrific scoring forward, has been a loss for Templeport due to injury but the St Aidan's will be quietly hopeful of a good championship run. They should come through their group (they are in with Maghera and Shercock) and although league performances haven't set the world alight (four wins from 13 matches), there is a feel-good factor in the club with the opening of new facilities and underage success, and they could make the last four.
Manager: Mickey Dolan
Star player: Lasse Moregenroth
One to watch: Seamus McWeeney
Last season: Quarter-final
Prediction: Quarter-final
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