Silverware and Senior on the line in IFL decider

By Maitiú Monaghan

Those who keep more than a watchful eye on Monaghan club football know that the Intermediate grade is by far and away the most interesting level in the county.

It is a fact rather than a cliché to say that anyone can beat anyone in the division.

This weekend, the stakes are raised because of what's on the line – promotion to senior.

By qualifying for the League final, Aughnamullen and Killanny have already given themselves a fantastic opportunity to get promoted, because three teams will go up this year.

Pending various intricate and somewhat tedious permutations, a play-off to determine who the third promoted team is, may well feature the beaten league finalists.

However, come hell or high water, the League champion will be promoted.

In the Blue Corner

Aughnamullen are the favourites to make a swift and efficient return to the top-table this weekend.

Relegated from Senior last season, Aughnamullen haven't had it all their own way this year. They finished in fifth, with losses to Clones, Monaghan Harps, Donaghmoyne, and their opponents this weekend, Killanny.

However, their early season form must be taken with a pinch of salt. Everyone and their granny knew that once Micheál Bannigan returned from his duties leading the county team, they would be a much more dangerous side.

This was proven against Ballybay in last weekend's semi-final, when the talismanic forward completely outplayed Ryan Wylie to lead his club into the decider.

Elsewhere, losing Bobby McCaul to injury for the second season running is a massive blow.

McCaul suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) playing for the Monaghan u20s in April 2025 and didn't feature as Aughnamullen were relegated last year.

This year, he suffered the same injury while playing for the Monaghan Senior's against Mayo in June- and will be out for the rest of the year.

It's been a huge blow for Aughnamullen, but there is a nervousness in rival clubs about how good the Sarsfields will be when both Bannigan and McCaul take to the field together.

In the Red Corner

Killanny are the under-dogs this weekend, although that will not bother them in the slightest.

The recent history of the club is that of unlikely promotions and relegation, usually followed by another promotion and / or relegation.

One of the most striking things about this Killanny side, is their ability to sniff a chance – and take it.

They finished sixth in the league, level in points with both Clones in seventh, and Doohamlet in eighth. Under-dogs away from home in the quarter-final against Emyvale, they came away with a 13-point win.

Similarly last weekend, they beat rivals Donaghmoyne in their own back yard, with an outstanding defensive display that eliminated most of the home side's attacking threats.

Already this season, Killanny's reserves have won the RFC Crawley Cup, and they are in the RFL 2A Final against Clones, at home having topped the group, tonight (Wednesday).

It's not bad for a side whose marquee forward, Eddie Walsh, is clearly carrying an injury. Walsh made a cameo appearance against Donaghmoyne last weekend and played incredibly well.

Although he is clearly carrying a knock, Killanny would be foolish not to risk him from the start in this weekend's decider.

If not, they have a lot of talent elsewhere; Dean Connolly is a colossus in midfield, and in Danny Leegan and John Gartlan they have forwards capable of causing Aughnamullen problems.

Aughnamullen are the slight favourites in this one, but like all games in the Intermediate grade – it is simply too close to call.