Pairings confirmed for Monaghan SFL and IFL Finals

By Maitiú Monaghan

The final pairings have been confirmed for the Monaghan Senior and Intermediate Football Leagues.

SFL

In the SFL, Scotstown will take on Latton in next weekend's final. The reigning SFC champions were comfortable 1-14 to 0-10 winners over their old rival, Castleblayney, at Páirc Mhúire yesterday evening.

The home side led by four-points at the interval, and kicked on in the second half, their goal coming mid-way through the half.

Monaghan star, Conor McCarthy, stood out for Scotstown – having played only a supporting role in last year's campaign due to injury,

Latton overcame Magheracloone away from home by 1-13 to 1-10 in last night's other SFL semi-final.

Magheracloone's goal came just three minutes into the tie, but despite a fast start, they were unable to shake off a Latton, with just one point between the sides at half-time.

In the second half, Latton took the lead for the first time with a goal 18 minutes into the half. They didn't look back

Despite a spirited Magheracloone resistance, Latton pulled away in the closing stages to book their place in the final.

The other marquee fixture in the SFL takes place tonight (Saturday) at 6pm, when Corduff plays Cremartin in the relegation final.

Read more about all the SFL action in next week's paper.

IFL

There were two thrilling contests in the IFL semi-finals last night, which ended in wins for Killanny and Aughnamullen.

Away from home in Donaghmoyne, Killanny held on through seven minutes of injury time to beat the home side by a point, 1-12 to 1-11.

Danny Leegan's goal from a penalty mid-way through the opening period was well deserved for the Geraldines, who's ferocity in defence and around the breaking ball was too much Donaghmoyne.

However, their half-time lead of 1-6 to 0-4 didn't reflect the one-sidedness of the game, and there was a sense that Donaghmoyne had not been beaten yet.

It proved to be true, with the inspired performances of Davy Garland, and substitute Declan Courtney providing the scores that brought Donaghmoyne back into the game.

Garland's goal with just three minutes to play levelled the sides, but a late point from Leegan proved all the difference, as Killanny hung on for victory.

The other semi-final was just as exciting, with extra time needed to separate Ballybay and Aughnamullen.

Predictably, Micheál Bannigan was the main man for Aughnamullen. His goal in the first half a sign of just how good he is.

Aughnamullen led for most of the game, but a late Ballybay goal gave the town team the lead with just three minutes remaining.

Inevitably, Aughnamullen forced extra-time, and kicked on in the added period to win by just a single point, 1-22 to 2-18.

The Intermediate Relegation Final is being played tonight (Saturday), with Eire Óg facing Doohamlet at 6pm in Páirc Mhúire, Scotstown.

Read more about all the IFL action in next week's paper.

JFL

The two JFL semi-finals will also be taking place this evening.

Drumhowan host Currin at McKeown Park, and Blackhill travel to St. Victor's Park to play Toome. Throw in in both games is at 7pm.