IFC: Seven teams still in contention

The weekend off gave Maitiú Monaghan the opportunity to take of what he'd seen in the IFC so far, and what we can expect in the coming weeks.

Stand out young players to impress?

Harry Hamill has impressed in his break-out season for Emyvale. Starting at wing-forward he is operating as a playmaker in an Emyvale side that is still missing key players but will welcome key figures back for the knock-out stages.

A key player for Monaghan's minors last year, Hamill has taken to adult football like a duck to water, playing with the familiar direct attacking style as his brother, Michael. The two Hamills are yet to play together for Emyvale, but it is a frightening prospect that the two may combine in the knock-out stages.

Tightest defence in the grade?

The average total scores conceded across the IFC after three rounds is 43.2. However, only three teams are below that average: Emyvale (43), Aughnamullen (28), and Clones (38)- who have each played just two games.

The other low scoring team is Donaghmoyne who have been rock solid at the back, conceding just 20 points from their opening two games- and no goals. The Fontenoy's are incredibly hard to break down; they scramble really well and are remarkably organised in their defensive structure.

They will have their work cut out for them against Aughmaulmullen's stacked forward-line this weekend. Should they win that one, we can safely say they have the best defence in the IFC.

Who is proving a threat from two-point range?

Although Monaghan Harps play an all-singing all-dancing brand of attacking football, the biggest attacking threat is without a doubt Ballybay. The 2022 SFC winners have kicked eight two-pointers so far and are also the highest scorers in the IFC on 72 points (5-57), scoring 19 points in each of their opening three games.

Christopher McGuinness is having his best campaign in years for the Pearse Brothers, while his brother Shane, Dessie Ward, and Thomas Kerr are all contributing.

Which team has kick-outs down to a fine art?

Killanny have their kick-outs down to a tee- literally. Kian Duffy is deputising for Monaghan panellist Jack Kiernan, who may have some bother getting the starting jersey back. Duffy is equally adept at going short or long and has plenty of options out the middle of the field- particularly in Dean Connolly and John Gartland, who are always available, and devastating if they receive clean ball.

Goalkeeper of note?

Former Ireland international, Jonathan Douglas may have captained Leeds from the middle of the field, but in another life, he could have been a world-class goalkeeper. Douglas is a cool character between the sticks for Clones, drilling short and medium range kick-outs with laser accuracy in all directions. He's not only there for the kickouts, Douglas has made some crucial acrobatic saves for the Town side.

Stand out match?

The last five minutes of Clones' draw with Aughnamullen was Championship football at its finest. Twice the home side came from behind after Clones bagged a goal in injury-time, and a two-pointer in the dying seconds. The kudos has to go to Tiernan Duffy, who held his nerve to kick a two-point free to level the match with the last kick of the game.

Aughnamullen seem to have a flare for the dramatic, coming from behind to beat Killanny by a single point away from home just a week later. Either result could have gone the other way, yet somehow the Sarsfields are unbeaten after two games and in a great position.

Any players who deserve a second look for the county team?

Any number of players could make an extended Monaghan panel with very few complaints. Emyvale have a few young players who will feature heavily for the 20s, and possibly the Seniors- including Matthew Finn, and Andrew Stuart.

Killanny's Dean Connolly has been on the fringes of the panel in recent years and is showing fine form in dictating the play for the Geraldines.

Liam McDonald is back from injury for Donaghmoyne, and is playing some fantastic football. He saw some action for Monaghan last season and could be in line to make a more meaningful contribution next season.

What's the atmosphere been like?

Mixed. Games being shown on Clubber has undoubtedly raised the profile of the Championships. However, some clubs have turned down the chance to show games, due to concerns it could affect gate receipts.

As a result, the public seems well clued in to exactly what is going on in games- which isn't necessarily replicated in the stands.

The passion is still there though. The sidelines are loud and some of the smaller venues feel like pressure cookers in tight games.

It will only get better in the knock-out stages.

A player you'd pay to see in this grade?

There are two; Micheál Bannigan and Dessie Ward.

Bannigan's contribution is slightly more unknown than Ward's. A hamstring injury forced him off against Clones in Aughnamullen's opener, and he missed their impressive win over Killanny. Bannigan is such an important player for Aughnamullen, I'd be shocked if he wasn't back on the pitch sooner rather than later.

Dessie Ward can make inter-county football look easy, so imagine what he can do in intermediate club football. For Ballybay, Ward is a threat from two-point range, as a goalscorer, and as a playmaker. He is the full package and definitely worth the admission fee.

Which team has the most room to improve?

Emyvale. On paper, the north Monaghan club have a wealth of talent in every position, and yet they sit third in Group 2 after two games. They're still missing Monaghan midfielder Karl Gallagher but have just welcomed back Mike Hamill after a long-term lay-off. They're also playing a number of young players who, with more experience, will improve as time goes on.

Random talking point?

The restructuring of the Championships has given teams a 'free hit' of sorts this season. A third team will go up alongside the League (Killanny) and Championship winners. On any given day, eight of the 10 teams in the competition could beat one another, and good teams will miss out, not just on promotion, but a place in the knock-out stages.

Your prediction for the knockout stages?

I'll start with Group 2 which is easy to call; Ballybay, Harps, and Emyvale will go through – Harps v Emyvale will be a brilliant game this weekend and will determine who comes second. Unfortunately, Doohamlet and Eire Óg are not at the level of the IFC heavyweights.

Group 1 is much harder. Tyholland are out of contention with three losses, and Killanny must win at away to Clones to keep their hopes alive.

The battle between Clones and the three south Monaghan teams will go right down to the wire, truly- anything could happen.

Reluctantly I’ll go with: Ballybay, Emyvale, Harps, Aughnamullen, Clones, Donaghmoyne.

Prediction for champions?

I predicted Aughnamullen to win the title before the competition started, and then Micheál Bannigan got injured. They could still win the Championship- but without Bobby McCaul and Bannigan it is a tall order.

Ballybay are the safe bet. They've won a SFC as recently as 2022, have already beaten Monaghan Harps and Emyvale- putting them safely through to the knock-outs while everyone else battles it out, and will probably top their group and go straight through to a semi-final. Would it be surprising to see them get caught in a semi-final or final?

Honestly, yes.