This fact proves that the SFC is the most open in 40 years
Paul Fitzpatrick
Lavey and Gowna weren't expected, by the bookies at least, to make the final four of this year's Senior Football Championship.
But could they go all the way?
They will feel they have an excellent chance and why not. Then again, Castlerahan and Ramor will have something to say about that.
We're all agreed that this is the most open SFC in many years but here's an interesting stat: with Castlerahan, Gowna, Ramor and Lavey through to the semi-finals, we are guaranteed a different winner form last year and also - get this - a fifth winner in as many years.
That's right - we hadn't thought of that either. Mullahoran won the championship in 2012, Ballinagh won their first in 2013, Cavan Gaels took the honours in 2014 and Kingscourt were champions last year.
That officially makes the current era the most open for 40 years. That's how long it's been since there were five different senior champions in as many years, with Crosserlough, Annagh, Ramor, Cavan Gaels and St Mary's winning from 1972-76.
Adding weight to this is the fact that the last three finals have been decided by a single point and the one before that was a draw.
From 1992-95, there were four winners (Ramor, Kingscourt, Gowna and Bailieborough).
The SFC semi-finals take place on Saturday evening in Kingspan Breffni Park and are sure to draw a large crowd.
The bookmakers make Castlerahan hot favourites to advance (2/7) against Gowna (10/3). In the other tie, Ramor are quoted at 8/13 with Lavey installed at 7/4.
Ramor and Castlerahan are listed as joint favourites to win the championship at 6/4 each, with Lavey at 7/2 and Gowna at 7/1.
Meanwhile, the Junior Championship final throws in on Sunday afternoon.
FIXTURES
Sunday, 25th September 2016 @ 1.30pm
Farnham Arms Hotel Minor C Football Championship Final
Kingscourt Stars v Templeport
Referee:Jim Giblin
Sunday, 25th September 2016 @ 3.30pm
Cullys Craft Bakery Junior Football Championship Final
Ballymachugh v Cornafean
Referee:Margaret Farrelly