Dublin SFC Final – Kilmacud Crokes v St. Sylvester’s
📅 Friday 3rd October, 19:30 | 📍 Parnell Park
It’s a repeat of last year’s Dublin LGFA Final as the champions Kilmacud face St. Sylvester’s again. The 2024 edition was a gripping encounter with Crokes edging it by a point. Now the sides are set to meet again with the ultimate prize on the line.
Kilmacud are chasing an incredible four-in-a-row. Their semi-final win over Thomas Davis showcasing just how dominant they can be. Amy Conroy, Michelle Davoren, Niamh Cotter and captain Éabha Rutledge for 2-13 of their 2-18 total as the champions ran riot.
However, the absence of a fully fit Lauren Magee may level the contest. St. Sylvester’s will sense their chance. They defended brilliantly against Clontarf in the semi-final and have Kate Sullivan and Sinéad Aherne leading their line up front.
Sylvester’s are seeking their first ever county title. Kilmacud want to make it four-in-a-row and earn another crack at finally capturing the elusive All-Ireland from Kilkerrin-Clonberne’s grip. Either way, history will be made at Parnell Park.
Clare SHC Final – Clooney-Quin v Éire Óg Ennis
📅 Sunday 5th October, 15:30 | 📍 Cusack Park
This is a final stacked with history. Clooney-Quin have not lifted the Canon Hamilton Cup since 1942. Éire Óg’s last title was back in 1990. Both clubs see this as a golden chance.
Clooney-Quin have already beaten champions Feakle in the quarter-finals. They then overcame Ballyea, led by Tony Kelly, in the semi-final. Peter Duggan, Ryan Taylor, and Jack O’Neill have been outstanding.
Éire Óg are led by Shane O’Donnell and David Reidy. Under the management of former Clare boss Gerry O’Connor, they have beaten Inagh-Kilnamona and Corofin. Their mix of class and experience makes them formidable.
Cork SHC Semi Final – Sarsfields v St. Finbarr’s
📅 Sunday 5th October, 15:45 | 📍 Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Sarsfields, last year’s Munster champions, are back in the hunt. With Jack O’Connor in attack, they have the firepower to reach another county final and push on for more. Their run to last year’s All-Ireland final proved their quality, even if Na Fianna eventually stopped them.
Nobody will forget that blitz against Ballygunner where super-sub Shane O’Regan struck the net twice to eliminate one of the hottest favourites for the All-Ireland that year and announce themselves to the country, and if they get through this test, they’ll be back on track to more silverware.
St. Finbarr’s are no strangers to success. County champions in 2022, they still boast leaders like Brian Hayes and Damien Cahalane. They know how to win big games and will test the reigning Munster champions to the limit.
With Blackrock and Midleton clashing on the other side of the draw, not only do we have two superb semi finals, but we are shaping up to have a brilliant final too. Regardless of what victors we have this weekend.
Roscommon SFC Semi Final – St. Faithleachs v Pádraig Pearses
📅 Saturday 4th October, 17:00 | 📍 Kiltoom
Reigning Roscommon Champions Pádraig Pearses are back in the semi finals after proving their metal by beating Boyle after extra time in the Quarter Finals.
Backboned by the Daly brothers and Paul Carey up front, Pearses want more than county glory. They want to reclaim the Connacht crown and push for an All-Ireland too.
St. Faithleachs are ready to upset the odds. The Murtagh brothers lead their attack and they beat Michael Glavey’s to reach this stage. Their mix of grit and sharp forward play means Pearses cannot afford any lapses.
If they can pull off the seemingly unthinkable and eliminate the Champions, it will send shockwaves across the Roscommon championship.
Dublin SFC Semi Final – Cuala v Ballyboden St. Enda’s
📅 Sunday 5th October, 16:15 | 📍 Parnell Park
No need to sell this one. Reigning All-Ireland Champions Cuala, against another superpower in Ballyboden St. Enda’s, seeking their first Dublin crown since 2019.
Both sides are unbeaten and have looked imperious. So something has to give here.
Ballyboden swept past Na Fianna, Ballinteer St. John’s, and St. Vincent’s in the group stages. They then produced a defensive masterclass against Castleknock in the quarters, holding them to just 1-5. Colm Basquel, Daire Sweeney, Ryan O’Dwyer, and midfield duo Cian Darcy and Alex Gavin are all in superb form.
Cuala have looked equally ruthless. They topped their group after beating Raheny, Thomas Davis, and Lucan Sarsfields. Their demolition of Clontarf in the quarter-finals was a warning to everyone else. With Michael Fitzsimons, Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne, and Con and Niall O’Callaghan, they have star power in every line.
It is the unstoppable force against the immovable object. Only one can reach the final. Whoever comes out of this game has to be taken serious as a contender for all the competitions this year.
