Six Leitrim clubs battle for four spots in Smith Monumentals IFC knockout stages

Six Leitrim clubs will battle it out for the four remaining places in the knockout stages of the Smith Monumentals Intermediate Championship after the draw for the final round of group games was made on Sunday evening.

Both Drumkeerin and Carrigallen are guaranteed their place in the knockout stages after their wins over Kiltubrid and Aughnasheelin respectively this weekend but both will be pushing for a victory that would guarantee them an automatic semi-final spot.

Carrigallen take on neighbours Drumreilly in a local derby, Drumreilly's 2-11 to 0-5 loss last weekend ensuring they would be contesting the relegation series while Drumkeerin will face an Aughavas team who are battling to avoid being dragged into the relegation battle after their loss to Carrigallen.

The big game is the meeting of Melvin Gaels and Kiltubrid - both teams are on four points and a loss could see the loser leapfrogged in the table with Aughnasheelin facing Allen Gaels and St Mary's hosting Ballinaglera in the final round. Both St Mary's second string side and Aughnasheelin are on three points and a win would almost certainly guarantee a place in the quarter-finals.

The table is extremely tight with just three points separating leaders Drumkeerin and Carrigallen from Aughavas in eighth place. An Aughavas win and a loss for St Mary's or Aughnasheelin could see them jump into the playoffs.

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With three teams set to be relegated this year and next, the battle to stay in the Intermediate grade is a fascinating one. The full draw for the final round of games is as follows:

1. Carrigallen v Drumreilly
2. Melvin Gaels v Kiltubrid
3. Drumkeerin v Aughavas
4. St Mary's v Ballinaglera
5. Allen Gaels v Aughnasheelin