Time to make a statement in opening round of Leitrim Club Championship

CONNACHT GOLD SFC

Aughawillan v Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins: On paper this looks like a one-sided encounter with last year’s finalists taking on an Aughawillan team many are predicting for a relegation battle but in the League meeting between them, there was only a goal in it and Tom Prior won’t be available for O’Heslins. This might be closer than people expect but Ballinamore should take the victory.

Allen Gaels v Fenagh St Caillins: This could be a thriller - Allen Gaels are one of the strongest Intermediate champions to come up in some time and they twice pushed Fenagh to four points in the League. But if Fenagh can hit form early on under Mickey Graham, they have the scoring power to take the verdict.

Glencar Manorhamilton v Leitrim Gaels: Last year, Glencar Manorhamilton surprised a few teams and they have the addition of a lot of talented young players coming into their team. That will make them tougher but you’ve got to think that the all-round power, strength and experience of the champions should carry the day.

Mohill v St Mary’s Kiltoghert: Probably the hardest game to call this weekend with both teams more than capable of taking victory. St Mary’s are still without a number of key players but they have a puncher’s chance in this one. Mohill are building nicely and at home, I think they get the verdict, but only just, in this one.

​SMITH MONUMENTALS IFC

Bornacoola v Aughavas: An interesting clash between an Aughavas side who were the only team to beat Leitrim Gaels in the League but that was their only win as they were relegated while Bornacoola put in a big display in the Division 3 Final. That gap in standards should be enough to carry Aughavas to victory.

Drumkeerin v Carrigallen: Drumkeerin were comfortably mid-table in Division 2 and home advantage is another big boon to the north Leitrim men. Carrigallen just missed out on the Division 3 Final - there could be a shock in this one, Drumkeerin are slight favourites but hard to call this one.

FRESH TODAY JUNIOR A FC

Kiltubrid v Mohill: Kiltubrid are heading for Division 1 next year and they look like a team building nice momentum. They should be too strong for Mohill’s second string.

Aughnasheelin v Eslin: Eslin haven’t won a match all year and come up against an Aughnasheelin team flying high after Division 3 success. An injury to Fintan Fitzpatrick isn’t great but Aughnasheelin should take the verdict.

Glenfarne Kiltyclogher v Ballinaglera: A derby of sorts in this one but Ballinaglera would appear to have too much strength for Glenfarne Kiltyclogher.

Drumreilly v Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins: A tricky one for Drumreilly up against their neighbours who have traditionally been very strong in this grade. But you’ve got to think that last year’s Junior finalists should come through a searching test.

LGFA LEAGUE FINALS

Division 1 Final: Glencar Manorhamilton v St Mary’s Kiltoghert: Glencar Manor will start as hot, hot favourites but they only had two points to spare over St Mary’s in the League, albeit back in April. Carrick’s stock is rising but you’d expect Manor to find a way to win.

Division 2 Final: Drumkeerin v Keeldra Gaels: Keeldra Gaels won an extraordinarily high scoring game in the group stages but Drumkeerin finished top of the table so a tough one to call here but Drumkeerin, facing into the Senior Championship, should have too much of an edge for Keeldra.

Division 3 Final: St Brigid’s v Annaduff: Annaduff hammered St Brigid’s by 16 points in the first game of the League back in April but Brigid’s will be a different proposition in this one. Annaduff will be competing in the Intermediate grade and Brigid’s in the Junior so hard to call, a tentative vote for Annaduff.

Division 4 Final: Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins v St Joseph’s: A battle of two second string teams, both have good strength in depth but St Josephs, who won the League meeting convincingly, would appear to have the edge.