Still all to play for in Monaghan Championships

By Maitiu Monaghan

Every team in Monaghan has now played at least one game in the Club Championships over the past fortnight, but it is still too early to make any sweeping declarations across the divisions.

At Senior level, Inniskeen’s statement win away from home against Corduff, has built on their three-point win over Latton in week one.

The Grattans are top of the table, with a fantastic opportunity of reaching the knock-out stages.

They sit out this weekend, while Scotstown return. The 2025 Champions loom large over the group, with a marquee tie against Inniskeen coming down the tracks.

There are more immediate concerns however, as they have the opportunity to condemn Latton to three straight Championship defeats, and into the relegation conversation.

At the other side of the draw, Truagh have been the surprise package, and are unbeaten after two games. They have the BYE this weekend, and will be hunted down by Clontibret and Magheracloone, who themselves are building steadily through the Championship.

Castleblayney and Cremartin are currently looking the other way, the latter already destined for a relegation play-off, but there is still a lot of football to be played.

Intermediate

As always, the Intermediate Football Championship is too close to call. Clones sit top of Group 1 after a fast start, including a draw away from home against favourites Aughnamullen. However, it is likely they will surrender their post this weekend, as they have a BYE.

Donaghmoyne will fancy their chances against relegation threatened Tyholland this weekend, while the game of the weekend is a repeat of the IFL Final between Aughnamullen and the already promoted Killanny - with both sides desperately needing a win to kick-start their campaign.

In Group 2, Ballybay are comfortable at the top of the table, with impressive wins against Monaghan Harps and Emyvale in their opening rounds. They will back themselves to cement their position against bottom placed Eire Óg this weekend.

After that, it is all to play for between Emyvale, Monaghan Harps and Doohamlet. The Harps host Doohamlet on Sunday in a must win game for both sides, while Emyvale sit out.

Junior

Scotstown and Oram have set the pace early on in the Junior grade, both with two wins from two.

Oram can go one better this weekend if they beat Rockcorry. Things are slightly trickier for Scotstown, who face Aghabog - who are also unbeaten with a win and a draw.

Toome, Sean McDermott’s and Rockcorry have all struggled at the bottom of the group, with an opportunity for Toome and Sean’s to pick up much needed points when they meet this weekend.

Four teams are level on points in Group 2, although both Drumhowan and Currin have only played one game. New boys Truagh have had a mixed bag so far, while Blackhill have shown glimpses of quality across the competition.

The meeting of Currin and Drumhowan will answer a lot of questions this weekend.