Hard to look past the big three for JFC
The Intermediate Championship is always a punters minefield and 2017 is no different, with up to eight teams capable of lifting the Seamus Flood Cup.
Even last year’s runners up Mattock Rangers can take nothing for granted, despite drawing new boys St Kevin’s and Oliver Plunketts in Group A.
With a young talented attack St Kevin’s be could dark horses to snatch a quarter-final spot and Plunketts will be no pushover either under former Louth defender John Neary.
St Bride’s and Clan Na Gael will meet for the second year running, but with Na Piarsaigh taking Mattock’s place, it isn’t quite the group of death it was last year.
It’s a big challenge for the Rock Raod men to split two of the favourites for Seamus Flood glory.
The derby clash between Naomh Fionnbarra and O’Connell’s should get pulses racing out on the coast and Dundalk Young Irelands will feel they can also have a big say in what is a competitive looking Group C.
O’Connell’s made the drop from senior last year and will be keen to make a swift return, but the Barrs and Irelands will also feel they are capable of embarking on a lenghty summer journey.
St Fechin’s and St Mochta’s clash again in Group D and the presence of Hunterstown Rovers maks it athis year’s ‘group of death. All three would fancy their chances of going all the way this summer.
They’re certainly not the only ones.
That trio, along with Mattock, Bride’s, Clans, the Finbarrs, and maybe even O’Connells could have a say in where Seamus Flood ends up this summer.
Bride’s league form possibly makes them favourites, but winning championships is not something that comes easy out in Knockbridge, with their last title coming in 1967. That’s a heavy burden heading into such a competitive grade.
Clans don’t have go back as far for their last title, but recent near misses will mean similar psychological barriers for Mark McCann and his backroom team to overcome.
There’s no doubting the Castletown outfit have the talent to return to the senior ranks, and the same can be said for St Fechin’s, who also have a few demons to exorcise this summer.
Hunterstown, St Mochta’s and Naomh Fionnbarra are probably a bit behind those big-hitters, but if the winner emerged from that trio it wouldn’t be a major shock.
But Mattock Rangers must still be smarting from last year’s defeat to the Joes and they can set the record straight this time around.