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Wexford Football Final: Starlights vs Castletown Preview

Castletown will attempt to defend their title in the Wexford football Final this weekend against Starlights. The holders saw off St. Martin’s a semi-final where goals were the difference. On the other hand, Starlights needed extra-time to defeat Shelmaliers.

Starlights were slow to start in their semi-final tie. Shelmaliers took an early lead but when Liam Ryan found the net in the 27th minute, it was all square. It was close throughout. In fact, the sides were never more than three points apart. The second-half continued in this manner. At the full-time whistle, It was 0-11 to 1-8.

But, Starlights came out of the gates firing in extra-time. In the very first minute, Ricky Fox scored the side’s second goal and gave his side a commanding position. In terms of points, the two sides continued to cancel each other out. Then, in the last minute of the game Liam Ryan raised another green flag to ensure it was Starlights who went through. As a result, it was 3-12 to 0-14 after 80 minutes.

Likewise, Castletown were pushed all the way in their own semi-final. Similar to Starlights, they began slowly. After 15 minutes, they were 1-3 to 0-2 down. This is when Ben Brosnan rattled the net to get last year’s winners back on track.

Subsequently, Castletown kicked on. On 27 minutes it was Brosnan again to raise a green flag from the penalty spot. Next, Robbie Brooks scored their third goal of the half. But, St. Martin’s weren’t going away easily and a couple of scores of their own left them in touch. At half-time it was 3-5 vs 1-7.

After the restart, the sides continued to be well matched. Heading into the last ten minutes, Castletown had a comfortable six-point lead courtesy of their goals. However, this is when Paidi Kelly scored a major for St. Martin’s to make it an exciting finish. By the second minute of injury time St. Martin’s were level. But, Castletown had no interest in extra-time. Ben Brosnan stepped up in the 65th minute to send his team back to the final.

If Castletown are to retain their title, they would be the first team to do so in fourteen years. Starlights will certainly ensure that it will not be an easy task to do so. It’s been just three years since Starlights’ own title win. Yet, they will be ready to become kings of Wexford again.

WexfordGAA TV are live streaming the decider. Paddy Power have Castletown are 4/5 favourites to keep the trophy. But, Starlights are far from outsiders at 11/8. Meanwhile, a draw is 13/2.

Paths to the Final

Starlights: 2-10 vs 1-9 St.Mogue’s Fethard; 1-9 vs 1-11 St. Martin’s; 2-12 vs 1-12 St. James’ (Quarter-final); 3-12 vs 0-14 Shelmaliers (Semi-final, AET).

Castletown: 0-10 vs 0-7 Kilanerin; 1-13 vs 2-9 Shelmaliers; 2-14 vs 0-8 Sarsfields (Quarter-final); 3-10 vs 2-12 St. Martin’s (Semi-final).

Wexford Football Final: Starlights vs Castletown, Sunday 4th October, 1.30pm (Chadwicks Wexford Park). 

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https://twitter.com/OfficialWexGAA/status/1311947643464175618

Europa League: Dundalk Draw Arsenal in Group Stage

Dundalk Draw Arsenal in Group Stage

Dundalk’s prize for their outstanding achievement in reaching the group stages of the Europa League is a glamour tie against Premier League giants Arsenal.

The Lilywhites will also face Norwegian side Molde and Austrian club Rapid Vienna in Group B as they embark on their second Europa League group stage campaign in five seasons.

Filippo Giovagnoli had expressed a desire to head to London and face off against Jose Mourinho at Tottenham, but he will have to make do instead with their North London rivals, who were runners up in 2019.

Celtic, Spurs and Leicester also involved

Celtic meanwhile have been drawn in Group H alongside AC Milan who beat Shamrock Rovers in the qualifiers, Czech team Sparta Prague and Lille from France.

Spurs will play in Group J of the competition and will face Ludogorets from Bulgaria, LASK of Austria and  Belgian club Royal Antwerp, as Jose Mourinho sets out to try and win the competition for a third time after successes with Porto and Manchester United.

Brendan Rodgers will lead his Leicester City team into Group G alongside Braga, AEK Athens of Greece  and Ukranian outfit Zorya Luhansk.

The competition will begin on October 22.

 

 

 

Scarlets v Munster – Preview and Team News – Kick off Saturday 3pm

Munster kick off their new Pro14 campaign on Saturday in Wales against Scarlets just four weeks after suffering semi-final defeat to Leinster in last season’s competition. The province’s tactics in that 13-3 defeat may have been criticised by many but coach Johann Van Graan is convinced they can do a much better job in 2020-2021

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM FOR SCARLETS V MUNSTER

“We’d like to believe as a coaching group that we are a lot better equipped because of the time we’ve had together,” van Graan said yesterday.

Murray Misses Out

Conor Murray will miss out on the province’s visit to Parc y Scarlets which could give 21 year old Craig Casey the opportunity to start at scrum half for the club.

Casey is expected to be rewarded for the improvements he has made in pushing Murray for the No 9 shirt and van Graan wants to see further pressure put on his senior players.

“That’s massive for the squad, one of our big aims is to improve the squad year on year and we don’t want the starting XV to become comfortable,” van Graan said.

“Someone like Craig has really been pushing, he’s pushed Neil (Cronin) and Nick (McCarthy) along as well.

Kilcoyne Blow but Conway Returns

Dave Kilcoyne who injured his ankle in the first game back after the restart is in a similar position to international teammate Murray in that he will miss Saturday’s game, and is doubtful for the Edinburgh game as well.

Joey Carbery will definitely miss out, while full back Shane Daly is a doubt with a thigh injury and will undergo a scan for further assessment.

In good news though Andrew Conway is available for the game after completing his return to play protocols after a concussion.

The Munster side has been named for Saturday’s Guinness PRO14 opener against Scarlets in Wales (3pm — live on eir Sport, TG4 & Premier Sports).

In the back three, full-back Mike Haley and Darren Sweetnam make their first PRO14 appearances since February with Andrew Conway starting on the right wing.

Damian de Allende and Chris Farrell form the centre partnership with Craig Casey and JJ Hanrahan in the half-backs.

James Cronin, Rhys Marshall and John Ryan pack down in the front row with Jean Kleyn and Tadhg Beirne, who faces his former side for the first time, in the second row.

Captain Peter O’Mahony, Jack O’Donoghue and CJ Stander complete the starting XV.

Greencore Munster Rugby Academy out-half Ben Healy is among the replacements.

Munster: Mike Haley; Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Damian de Allende, Darren Sweetnam; JJ Hanrahan, Craig Casey; James Cronin, Rhys Marshall, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony (C), Jack O’Donoghue, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Jeremy Loughman, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Gavin Coombes, Neil Cronin, Ben Healy, Rory Scannell.

Upcoming Media Schedule

As always the weekly schedule will confirm details. Guinness PRO14 Round 2 v Edinburgh – Tuesday, October 6.

Accreditation details for the above game will be sent once confirmed.

Connacht v Glasgow Warriors – Preview and Team News – Kick off Saturday 5.15pm

Connacht v Glasgow Warriors – Preview Preview and Team News – Kick off Saturday 5.15pm – Connacht Rugby Fixtures Live on TG4

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Andy Friend has laid out his ambitious goals for Connacht as the western province kick off thier PRO14 season against Glasgow Warrirs on Saturday at the Sportsground.

The Australian entering into his third campaign in charge has told his players that he wants them to be competitive both domestically and in Europe this season, and that plan begins against the Scottish side who they have failed to beat in their last six meetings on Saturday.

“We had a good chat around that as a team yesterday, around what our goals and our aspirations are for the season. Not too dissimilar to last year, we want to make a home quarter-final. So, in order to do that, you have to win over 90% of your home games and 50% of your away games,” he said.

“You look at any team who have been in the home finals over the last four years and that’s what they have done, the players and the staff are all aware of that. It’s the opening game of the round, which is really important for a lot of reasons, but more important because it is at home. We want to get the season off to a good start and preserve our home record,” Friend added.

Team News

In team news Ultan Dillane misses out after going through HIA Protocols during the week.

Jarrad Butler captains the side from blindside, partnered in the back row by Conor Oliver at open-side and Paul Boyle at No 8.

Kieran Marmion, Jack Carty and Bundee Aki form the 9-10-12 axis.with Tom Farrell partnering Aki in midfield. John Porch continues at full-back, while Alex Wootton and Peter Sullivan are on the wings.

200 spectators will be in attendance at The Sportsground – including previous season ticket holders – in what will be the first Guinness PRO14 game at The Sportsground in over seven months.

For those missing out on a trip to the Sportsground, the game is live on Eir Sport from 5.15 on Saturday.

CONNACHT RUGBY SQUAD V GLASGOW WARRIORS
Saturday 3rd October @ The Sportsground (k/o 5.15pm)

15. John Porch
14. Peter Sullivan
13. Tom Farrell
12. Bundee Aki
11. Alex Wootton
10. Jack Carty
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Denis Buckley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Gavin Thornbury
5. Quinn Roux
6. Jarrad Butler (C)
7. Conor Oliver
8. Paul Boyle

16. Jonny Murphy
17. Jordan Duggan
18. Jack Aungier
19. Niall Murray
20. Seán Masterson
21. Caolin Blade
22. Conor Fitzgerald
23. Sammy Arnold

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Danny Wilson has named a matchday 23 containing no fewer than 17 internationals for this weekend’s clash with Connacht, the club’s opening match of the 2020/21 campaign.

Club co-captains Ryan Wilson and Fraser Brown are both selected in the starting XV, as the Warriors look to defend a strong recent record in visits to The Sportsground.

Brown is flanked in the front row by Oli Kebble and D’arcy Rae, with the former making his 50th appearance in Glasgow Warriors colours.

Scott Cummings and Rob Harley are paired together in the second-row, having impressed both in the loose and at the set-piece against Edinburgh last time out.

Matt Fagerson packs down at number eight, with the vastly experienced duo of Wilson and Chris Fusaro starting on the flanks.

Behind the scrum, Ali Price gets the nod to start in the number nine jersey, partnering Adam Hastings in the half-backs.

Stafford McDowall lines up at inside-centre alongside Nick Grigg, with both men having caught the eye in the August win at BT Murrayfield.

The back-three sees Robbie Nairn handed a first start for Glasgow Warriors since the opening match of the 2019/20 season against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, as the former Scotland U20 joins Tommy Seymour and Huw Jones in the starting lineup.

On the bench, Aki Seiuli returns to the matchday squad for the first time since February after recovering from a thumb injury to join George Turner – also in line for his 50th appearance for the club – and Enrique Pieretto as the front-row cover.

New signing Fotu Lokotui is in line to make his club debut after being named in the number 20 jersey, whilst Richie Gray completes the pack replacements.

George and Pete Horne start on the bench this weekend, as Ratu Tagive rounds out the replacements.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, Wilson said: “We have been working hard during this mini preseason and now all eye are on the new season.

“We’re looking forward to seeing Oli Kebble and George Turner both make their 50th appearance for the club and we’re excited to see Fotu Lokotui get his first appearance off the bench.

“We know the conditions we could face at The Sportsground and how Connacht like to play, and we’re ready for the challenge they present.

“We’ve worked hard over the last month, and we’re excited to get our season underway tomorrow.”

Glasgow Warriors team to play Connacht in the Guinness PRO14, Saturday 3 August, kick-off 5.15pm, live on Premier Sports 1. You can follow the action in the Live Match Centre on glasgowwarriors.org. Glasgow Warriors appearances in brackets.

1. Oli Kebble (49)
2. Fraser Brown (C) (100)
3. D’arcy Rae (71)
4. Rob Harley (232)
5. Scott Cummings (70)
6. Ryan Wilson (170)
7. Chris Fusaro (179)
8. Matt Fagerson (63)

9. Ali Price (88)
10. Adam Hastings (44)
11. Robbie Nairn (10)
12. Stafford McDowall (21)
13. Nick Grigg (71)
14. Tommy Seymour (144)
15. Huw Jones (37)

Replacements

16. George Turner (49)
17. Aki Seiuli (11)
18. Enrique Pieretto (1)
19. Richie Gray (48)
20. Fotu Lokotui (0)
21. George Horne (57)
22. Pete Horne (171)
23. Ratu Tagive (13)

Unavailable for selection: Sam Johnson, Lee Jones, Sean Kennedy, Kiran McDonald, Kyle Steyn.

Tom Gordon and Zander Fagerson are unavailable for selection for the upcoming game in order to comply with the necessary Scottish Government Covid-19 isolation protocols and to protect the medical integrity of the wider squad.

 

Champions League Group Stages Draw 2020/21

We have the full draw for the 2020/21 Champions League Soccer group stages. Fixtures start in October.

Ronaldo vs Messi

The Champions League draw for the new season took place yesterday evening and there was one fixture in particular that caught the eye. Juventus vs Barcelona. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi. The two heavyweights of the footballing world have not faced each other since Ronaldo ditched Madrid for Turin in 2018. Both teams occupy Group G along with Dynamo Kiev and Ferencváros. The latter, hailing from Hungary, have reached the Champions League group stages for the first time in 25 years.

Tough Draw for Ole’s Men

Amongst the Premier League sides, Manchester United were handed the toughest draw. They will go to battle against  2019/20 runners-up Paris Saint-Germain, as well as semi-finalists RB Leipzig.

The 2018/19 winners Liverpool will have to overcome sturdy opposition in the form of Ajax and Atalanta. Both teams thrived in the ‘underdog’ role over the last two years. Most recently, Atalanta became a neutral fan’s favourite after heroic performances against the likes of Manchester City and Valencia in last season’s competition.

Having found themselves in Pot 2 for this year’s draw, Pep Guardiola’s team will be relieved as they managed to avoid the likes of Bayern Munich, PSG and Juventus. Group C is made up of Porto, Man City, Olympiacos and Marseille. It has been almost 10 years since a Guardiola team last won the trophy.

After a poor start to the Premier League season, Chelsea will need to find some form as they matched with Europa League winners Sevilla. Krasnador and Rennes make up the remainder of the group.

Back-to-Back for Bayern?

In order to retain the title for a second year, Bayern Munich must see off the challenges of Atletico Madrid, RB Salzburg and Lokomotiv Moscow in Group A. After dominating last season’s competition, Bayern will be favourites to lift the coveted trophy once again.

Thirteen-time winners Real Madrid spearhead Group B. The Spanish giants have ties against Shakhtar Donetsk, Inter Milan and Borussia Mönchengladbach to look forward to. You can find the full draw below, with the first round of group games due to begin on October 20th.

 

Group A: Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, RB Salzburg, Lokomotiv Moscow

Group B: Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, Inter Milan, Borussia Mönchengladbach

Group C: FC Porto, Manchester City, Olympiacos, Marseille

Group D: Liverpool, Ajax, Atalanta, FC Midtjylland

Group E: Sevilla, Chelsea, Krasnodar, Rennes

Group F: Zenit, Borussia Dortmund, Lazio, Bruges

Group G: Juventus, Barcelona, Dynamo Kiev, Ferencváros

Group H: PSG, Manchester United, RB Leipzig, İstanbul Başakşehir

 

Cavan Football Final Replay: Crosserlough vs Kingscourt Preview

Crosserlough’s 48 year wait for the Oliver Plunkett Cup was extended for another week when Mark Stuart kicked the equaliser against Kingscourt with the last play of the game. It seemed set that Kingscourt Stars were about to win their first Cavan Football final since 2015 but Crosserlough were relentless in their pursuit.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVESCORE COMMENTARY from Crosserlough vs Kingscourt 

 

Crosserlough were the ones who started the stronger. They dominated the game in the opening quarter. But, three wides meant Kingscourt were always in touch. Then, Adrian Smith found the net to open a seven-point lead.

But Padraig Faulkner came up with a goal for Kingscourt in the 29th minute to keep the difference at three heading half-time.

Unfortunately, Kingscourt were again the slower to start in the second period. Defender Cian Boylon popped up with another green flag to extend the gap to six again. But, that’s when Kingscourt started to make up for lost time.

Points from Barry Reilly, Patrick Lynch, Cian Shekleton, Philip Tinnelly and Peter Corrigan reeled in the difference. Next, Kevin Curtis fisted into the net. All of a sudden, Kingscourt were two up with eight minutes remaining.

In those remaining minutes, it was point for point and the gap was still two heading into injury time. David Shalvey curled one over to make it a one-point game. Shekleton then missed a chance for Kingscourt that would have sealed the game. This allowed Crosserlough one last throw of the dice. Amazingly, they held their nerve and Mark Stuart latched onto a James Smith pass and casually kicked it over to secure a draw.

After losing the 2018 final, Crosserlough will take last weekend’s draw as a let off. They’ll be keen to make sure it won’t take last gasp heroics in the replay. After waiting since 1972 for a Championship victory, Crosserlough are due a title. Meanwhile, Kingscourt will be encouraged by their performance. If they can replicate the same determination in the replay, Kingscourt have every chance of being the kings of Cavan football again.

Paddy Power have priced Crosserlough at 5/6. On the other hand, Kingscourt are shorter than the first game at 5/4. A draw is 13/2. The replay is live on Cavstream.

Paths to the Final.

Round 1: Kingscourt 1-13 vs 0-10 Lacken.

Crosserlough 1-14 vs 0-07 Lavey.

Round 2: Killygarry 0-17 vs 2-13 Kingscourt Stars. 

Crosserlough 1-13 vs 1-10 Laragh.

Round 3: Kingscourt 3-15 vs 1-07 Laragh.

Lacken 0-14 vs 3-15 Crosserlough.

Round 4: Ramor 3-09 vs 3-11 Crosserlough.

Shercock 0-12 vs 3-12 Kingscourt.

Quarter-Finals: Kingscourt 0-22 vs 2-15 Mullahoran.

Crosserlough 2-19 vs 3-10 Gowna.

Semi-Finals: Castlerahan 0-16 vs 2-16 Crosserlough.

Cavan Gaels 0-10 vs 2-12 Cavan Gaels.

Final: Crosserlough 2-12 vs 2-12 Kingscourt.

Cavan SFC Final Replay: Crosserlough vs Kingscourt Stars (Replay), Saturday 3rd October, 5pm (Kingspan Breffni Park).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/top-5-free-takers-in-gaelic-football/

https://twitter.com/CavanCoBoardGaa/status/1311261419610845184

Donegal hurling Final: Setanta vs St. Eunan’s Preview

For the second consecutive year the Donegal Hurling Final features Setanta vs St. Eunan’s. Last time these teams met in the final it finished 3-13 to 0-13 in favour of Setanta. Likewise, in 2017 it was 1-16 to 1-08 in the same fixture. You have to go all the way back to 1972 for the last time St. Eunan’s won the Championship. After waiting 48 years, the Letterkenny based side are due a victory.

Setanta sailed back into the final with a convincing semi-final win over Burt. The final scoreline was 3-18 to 2-11 but Burt’s two majors were more of a consolation. David Flynn, Kevin Campbell, and Michael Donoghue found the net for the holders. By the third minute of the second half, it was 1-12 to 0-05 and Setanta cruised back into the final from there.

Meanwhile, St. Eunan’s earned a return to the final with an impressive display against Buncrana. Defence was key as a clean sheet meant their own two goals put them out of reach. Kevin Keeley and Conor O’Grady were the ones raised the green flags. Then, when Buncrana went down to fourteen in the remaining minutes, St. Eunan’s saw out the game with relative ease.

Since this Setanta side are no strangers to the heat of a final, experience could be key. However, the opposition have nothing to lose and can take the game to the reigning champions. Donegalgaa.ie are live streaming the final for fans who wish to tune in. If both sides can continue their Championship form this far, the showdown will be a cracker.

Donegal SHC Final: Setanta vs St. Eunan’s, Saturday 3rd October, 4pm (O’Donnell Park). 

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/top-5-hurling-goalkeepers/

https://twitter.com/officialdonegal/status/1310934139143696384

Limerick Football Final: Adare vs Ballylanders Preview

It’s a repeat of 2018 in this year’s Limerick SFC Final. Adare and Ballylanders both put in strong semi-final performances to earn their place in the showdown. In fact, both sides have already suffered defeat in the Championship this year. In the last round of the group stages, both sides lost to finish second in the group. However, it was of no consequence and they returned to form in the knockout stages.

2018 and ’17 winners Adare return to the final thanks to a six-point victory over Galbally in the semi-final. The opening score of the game was the only goal as Hughie Bourke gave Adare an early boost. They kicked on from there and it was 1-07 to just 0-01 at the interval. Back-to-back black cards meant Adare played much of the second half a man down. But, Galbally needed a goal that never came. Despite kicking five out of six scores to reel in the deficit, Adare had the strength to see the game with room to spare.

On the other hand, Ballylanders are back in the final for the first time since 2014. Their semi-final against Ballysteen was a much tighter affair. Leading just 0-05 to 0-04 at half time, a goal was going to be a massive contribution to either time. Then, twenty minutes into the second half, Danny Frewen got one for Ballylanders. They managed the game in the final few minutes and had their own six-point victory at full time.

When the sides met in the 2018 final, Adare won by 1-13 to 0-12. With that in mind, Ballylanders will be ready to avenge their defeat. Memories of their 2014 win are not that old and it could be a valuable asset when the game needs a cool head. But Adare are undoubtedly the more experienced here and will try to control the game.

Paddy Power put Adare at 1/3 favourites. In contrast, Ballylanders are 3/1 and a draw is 8/1. LimerickGAA TV are offering a live stream.

Paths to the Final

Adare: 3-14 vs 1-4 Na Piarsaigh; 0-12 vs 0-17 Fr. Casey’s; 1-13 vs 0-11 Newcastle West (Quarter-final); 1-11 vs 0-08 Galbally (Semi-final).

Ballylanders: 1-16 vs 0-09 Galtee Gaels; 0-08 vs 2-08 Oola; 1-08 vs 0-09 Monaleen (Quarter-final); 1-12 vs 0-09 Ballysteen (Semi-final).

Limerick SFC Final: Adare vs Ballylanders, Sunday 4th October, 2pm (LIT Gaelic Grounds).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/top-5-forwards-in-gaelic-football/

https://twitter.com/GAABallylanders/status/1311377939557163008

Carlow Football Quarter-Final: Palatine vs O’Hanrahan’s Preview

The postponed Carlow football quarter-final between Palatine GAA and O’Hanrahan’s will be played this Sunday (4th October) at 7pm. Due to be played alongside the other quarter-final last week, the fixture was postponed a week. In that other quarter-final, Mt. Leinster Rangers defeated Old Leighlin 1-9 to 1-5. The winner of Palatine and O’Hanrahan’s play Rathvilly in the semi-final.

Previously, Palatine have been the runners-up in this Championship in the last two years. On both of these occasions, Éire Óg beat them. This fixture could possibly return for a third consecutive year if Palatine reach the final again and Éire Óg win their semi-final against Mt. Leinster Rangers.

Palatine were the runners-up of Group 1. Meanwhile, O’Hanrahan’s were third place finishers in Group 2. As a result, Palatine will be expected to march on to the semi-final. Last time out, they won 5-9 to 0-8 against Tinryland. This result will have them full of confidence. Contrastingly, O’Hanrahan’s lost their final group game. Holders Éire Óg defeated them with eight points to spare by 1-14 to 0-9.

If O’Hanrahan’s want to reach their first final since 2005, they need to shake off this result. 2003 was the last time they actually lifted the trophy. On the other hand, Palatine were back to back winners in 2015 and ’16 so this team is no stranger to knockout championship.

Paddy Power are taking bets on the game. Palatine are short favourites at 4/11. In addition, O’Hanrahan’s are at 11/4 and a draw is at 15/2. PaircTV.com are live streaming the game.

Carlow Football Quarter-Final: Palatine vs O’Hanrahan’s, Sunday 4th October, 7pm (Netwatch Cullen Park). 

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/top-5-free-takers-in-gaelic-football/

https://twitter.com/Carlow_GAA/status/1310218122989891585

Offaly Football Championship Final: Rhode vs Tullamore Preview

If the semi-finals of the Offaly football Championship are any indication of what is to come in the final, this will be a game to remember. Both Rhode and Tullamore had to dig incredibly deep to win their respective semi-finals. The fact that the final occurs two weeks after the semis is something both sides will be grateful for.

Firstly, Rhode looked to be heading out until Ruauri McNamee kicked a 65th-minute equaliser to send the game to extra-time. Opponents Edenderry started slower but found their feet as the game went on. An upset seemed to be on the cards until McNamee’s heroics. Heading into extra-time at 0-11 each, both sides knew a goal would hugely swing the game in their favour. Then, just before half time in overtime, Niall McNamee found the net. Rhode kicked on to win 1-14 to 0-13.

Incredibly, this will be Rhode’s ninth final appearance in a row. Last year, they finished runners-up to Ferbane. But, that loss was preceded by a treble and wins in ’14 and ’12. Their experience of knockout football hugely aided them in the semi-final and could again be called upon in the showdown.

Next, Tullamore qualified for the Offaly football Championship final by means of the competition’s first penalty shootout. At the halfway point, Tullamore were a point to the good. However, holders Ferbane came out in the second half to lay down a marker. On 32 minutes, Cathal Flynn scored the game’s only goal and Ferbane were three points up. This only spurred on the underdogs. Five unanswered points left them 1-7 to 0-12 up. Joe Maher stepped up for Ferbane and scored twice in injury-time to send the second semi-final to extra-time.

The drama continued for the next twenty minutes. Aaron Leavy seemed to have won it with an amazing point for Tullamore. Still, Ferbane equalised through Cian Johnson and the game headed to penalties. That’s when Ferbane’s luck ran out though. It took ten penalties each to end it. But, in the end Tullamore made it to their first final since 2013.

Rhode carry the title of favourites into the final. Paddy Power priced them at 1/4. Whereas, Tullamore are 7/2 and a draw is 10/1. Tullamore have already proved themselves capable of causing an upset and could do so again. But Rhode know how to win finals and will be backing themselves to regain the trophy.

Paths to the Final

Rhode: 1-19 vs 1-10 Clara; 1-14 vs 0-8 Tullamore; 3-13 vs 0-10 Cappincur; 1-14 vs 0-13 Edenderry (Semi-Final AET).

Tullamore: 1-8 vs 0-12 Cappincur; 0-8 vs 1-14 Rhode; 1-17 vs 0-9 Clara; 0-17 vs 1-14 Ferbane (9-8 penalties, semi-final).

Offaly Football Championship Final: Rhode vs Tullamore, Sunday 4th October, 4pm (O’Connor Park).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/club-championships-county-by-county/

https://twitter.com/Offaly_GAA/status/1307985148244357121

https://twitter.com/Offaly_GAA/status/1307652156518957056

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