Saints have three-in-a-row in crosshairs
ST FECHIN’S will be hoping Dublin’s three-in-a-row success can rub off on them this weekend as they put the Anchor Tours Louth SHC title on the line against Naomh Moninne (Dunleer 1.30).
The first championship decider is the curtain-raiser to the Junior showdown between Glyde Rangers and Glen Emmetts, which throw in a 3.30pm.
Defending champs St Fechin’s have taken a scenic route to this year’s final after suffering an early group stage defeat to Sunday’s opponents.
But the four-team round robin offers some margin for error and wins over Knockbridge and Pearse Og saw the holders through to a semi-final showdown with the former.
There were signs that the Hoops might be peaking at the right time as they brushed the ‘Bridge aside.
They were on top from the start and took full control midway through the second-half when Vincent Hynes netted their only goal in a 1-14 to 1-12 victory, which was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.
The reigning champions face the form team on Sunday, however, with Brian Brady overseeing a renaissance at Naomh Moninne.
The Dundalk outfit won three out of three to top the round-robin section, and while Fechin’s are probably still favourites to retain their crown, the stage looks set for a cracking contest.
The football decider also promises to be tight and tense, although Glyde Rangers will be favourites to land Christy Bellew.
That may just suit Glen Emmets, however, as they were a warm order to see off St Kevin’s in last year’s decider, so underdog status may suit Kevin Barry’s charges.
But they face an undefeated Glyde team that has won 20 of their 21 outings under new boss Mark Gilsenan this term.
Meanwhile, the re-fixed Intermediate semi-finals are expected to go ahead on Friday night, possibly simultaneously at different venues.
The clashes between Naomh Fionnbarra and O’Connell’s and Mattock Rangers and Clans were pencilled in as a double-header at Haggardstown last Saturday night, but fell foul to a water-logged pitch just half an hour before the first game was due to start.
The senior semi-finals were also due to be played this weekend, but the tragic passing of Naomh Mairtin player Brendan Reilly on Saturday night is likely to alter the schedule.
The Mairtins were due to face Dundalk Gaels, but the clash is now highly unlikely to proceed as planned.
Netown Blues are due to face St Jospeh’s in the other semi-final, which may still go ahead this weekend.