On Saturday, the replay of the Westmeath Senior Football Championship (SFC) final will take place at TEG Cusack Park. The game, kicking off at 3.0, features St Loman’s against The Downs. The first match ended in a draw after fiercely contested exchanges. However, it appears St Loman’s might hold a slight edge for improvements. The expectation is that St Loman’s will be victorious.
The Leitrim Senior Hurling Championship (SHC) final will also take place on Saturday, with a game between Carrick Hurling Club and Cluainín Iomáint in Drumshambo starting at 2.0.
The following day, Sunday, sees the Armagh SFC final taking place at Athletic Grounds at 4.15. The match comes down to a face-off between Clann Éireann and Clan na Gael. This matchup is particularly interesting because of Clann Éireann’s victorious run in the semi-final against champions Crossmaglen, replicating their success against the same team in the 2021 final. Given their strong showing and notable Armagh All-Ireland winners, including Barry McCambridge and Conor Turbitt, they are tipped as favourites. However, Clan na Gael’s strong team, featuring Shane McPartlan and Stefan Campbell, may prove challenging. Despite this, an upset appears unlikely with Clann Éireann anticipated to be the eventual winners.
In the Cavan SFC final, Crosserlough will go toe-to-toe with Ramor United at Kingspan Breffini, starting at 4.0. Crosserlough has demonstrated excellent play leading up to the final, even without their star forward, Paddy Lynch, due to injury. Yet, Ramor United, armed with experience, are tough competitors and could pull off a win with a little surprise. The prediction leans towards Ramor United for the win.
Lastly, the Fermanagh SFC final will witness Enniskillen Gaels battling it out against Erne Gaels at Brewster Park, with a 2.0 start. Guided by ex-Donegal manager Declan Bonner, Erne Gaels seek to bag their first title after a drought of 43 years. They’ve made it past the semi-final by defeating champions Derrygonnelly, who have been persistently tough competitors. Resisting their bid is Enniskillen, the champions from just two years ago. The prediction points towards Enniskillen Gaels seizing the day.
In the upcoming Dublin Senior Football Championship final, Kilmacud Crokes are the favourites and aim for their fourth consecutive title. They will effectively contest against Cuala, a team that has only reached the finals once in 1988. Notwithstanding Kilmacud’s evident fatigue, they’ve historically regained their energy when necessary. Cuala’s centrefield duo, Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne and Cillian Dunne, the sibling of county women’s standout Jennifer, exhibit excellent form and may give their team a slight upper hand. The Dalkey-based team boasts a perfect championship performance so far, with Con O’Callaghan consistently performing admirably. The final outcome may be determined by Kilmacud’s solid defence which could curtail Cuala’s high-scoring offence. The final verdict favours Kilmacud Crokes.
In the London Senior Football Championship final, St Kiernan’s will face North London Shamrocks in Ruislip. Meanwhile, the Louth Senior Football Championship final will witness a rematch between last year’s finalists, Naomh Mairtín, and the three-time champions St Mary’s. Despite showing inconsistent form, St Mary’s is anticipated to defend their title in Ardee.
Following a previous stalemate, Abbeylara will face off against the veteran championship-winning team, Colmcille, during the Longford Senior Football Championship final replay at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.
Finally, the Mayo Senior Football Championship final between Ballina Stephenites and Knockmore at MacHale Park has been deferred due to a Status Orange wind warning issued by Met Éireann for Mayo. The rescheduled showdown is set for the following Saturday, October 26th.
In the Meath SFC final at Páirc Tailteann, the established Wolfe Tones face off against Dunshaughlin, a newcomer emerging after a few intermediate seasons. Under the direction of Richie Kealy and guidance from ex-Dublin All-Ireland champion Paul Curran, who has refound his Dunshaughlin origins, the club which his father Noel represented during the Meath All-Ireland success in 1967. Outcome: Victory for Dunshaughlin.
The Roscommon SFC final at Dr Hyde Park finds Pádraig Pearses facing Roscommon Gaels. Pearses surprised everyone by eliminating current Connacht champions, St Brigid’s, who were unluckily defeated in the previous All-Ireland season. As former provincial champions themselves, they are unlikely to give up against Gaels, a developing yet inexperienced team. Outcome: Triumph for Pádraig Pearses.
The Tipperary SFC final at Semple Stadium sees Clonmel Commercials versus Loughmore-Castleiney. Loughmore, also successful in hurling, maintains momentum with their sound defeat of Moyle Rovers, giving them a good chance against the formidable Commercials who are on a winning streak. Outcome: Win for Loughmore-Castleiney.
In the Tyrone SFC final at Healy Park, Errigal Ciarán meets Trillick, who were the victors in this exact match-up last year. With both teams exhibiting robust performance, but fuelled by their defeat last year, Errigal Ciarán are ready to take this year’s crown from the champions. Outcome: Glory for Errigal Ciarán.
The Waterford SFC final sees Ballinacourty play against Rathgormack at Fraher Field Dungarvan. Coming from a strong semi-final win over The Nire, Rathgormack appear set to continue their impressive form against Ballinacourty, who achieved a narrow victory over Gaultier. Outcome: Success for Rathgormack.
In the Wicklow Senior Football Championship final where Baltinglass is pitted against Tinahely in Aughrim at 2pm, history doesn’t look favourable for Tinahely. The team has suffered defeat in a recent final four years ago against Baltinglass. In addition, this season’s previous face-off between the teams did not result in their favour. Baltinglass stands as the verdict.
Meanwhile in Antrim Senior Hurling Championship, Dunloy is set to confront Ruairi Óg Cushendall at Ballycastle at 2pm. Dunloy’s ambition to reconquer the Antrim title took a significant hit due to Conal Cunning’s injury, even after demonstrating an outstanding performance against Loughgiel in the semi-finals. The situation is rather intricate now and Cushendall has been announced as the verdict.
The Clare Senior Hurling Championship positions Sixmilebridge against Feakle at 3pm in Cusack Park. Although the favourites Clonlara and Éire Óg were eliminated in the quarter-finals, Sixmilebridge has risen steadily to play against Feakle, who are celebrating their inaugural final in 36 years. Sixmilebridge’s strong physicality is marked by Shane McGrath’s outstanding performance. The prospects of sparring with Seadna Morey, a renowned man marker in Clare hurling, could become an obstacle for the outsiders. The predictable winners are Sixmilebridge.
The Cork Senior Hurling Championship puts Imokilly against Sarsfields in Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 4.15pm, airing on TG4. Sarsfields eked out a slim victory during extra-time in the previous year’s semi-final. This could serve as a motivational factor for Imokilly to face the champions, who yet again, had a challenging semi-final encounter against Midleton. On the other hand, Imokilly triumphed comfortably against Blackrock. The prognostic favourite is Imokilly, supported by consistent performances from Séamus Harnedy and Ciarán Joyce.
Finally, the Derry Senior Hurling Championship final slots Slaughtneil against Banagher in Owenbeg at 4pm, with Slaughtneil aiming for their 12th successive championship win. Despite Banagher’s high hopes, the projection favours Slaughtneil.
In the upcoming Down SHC final, Ballygalget will face off against St Patrick’s at Páirc Esler, kick-off at 4pm. Meanwhile, the Offaly SHC final will see Ballinamere take on Kilcormac-Killoughey at Glenisk O’Connor Park, set to start at 3.45pm. This match carries a distinct dynamic, with Ballinamere making it to the final after over a century, squaring up against a team that has claimed five victories in merely the last dozen years. Despite Ballinamere’s evident rise, they may still have to bide their time for a win, given that Kilcormac’s defence of their title has been extraordinary this season. Therefore, expectations tilt towards Kilcormac-Killoughey for the victory. The Sligo SHC final will see Easkey pitted against Naomh Eoin at Markievicz Park, with the match getting underway at 2pm.