Kennedy's IFC Semi-Finals - Preview

Back 18/10/2019 @ 08:13 | mainnews | Kennedy's IFC Semi-Finals - Preview


Bunninadden v Easkey

A pairing that never looked likely are one hour away from this years final. Have Bunninadden done the hard work for all the other remaining teams? The Cafferkey brothers have the guile along with physical presence to trouble any defence with Kerins using his experience to marshall the forward line. Probably the best keeper in the division is James McDonagh but he will expect to be busy. Murray has been flying the last few games and with Clavin and Frain providing the ball for the forwards as they showed against Curry they can shoot the lights out when it all clicks. 
Easkey will have to get over the loss of last Sundays final where they were expected to win. On that occasion they appeared flat and it is possible the longer than normal season which saw them at peak last January and February may be telling. Rory McHugh has from centre back the main catalyst for attacks and counter attacks but his brother Joe has been the main score getter from play especially when needed. Niall Kilcullen was in great form against Enniscrone on a night where his brother Andrew was well marked by Josh Ellis. The lads who were not involved last Sunday should be well refreshed and would be expected to do the extra work, the likes of Sloyan, Lindsay and Duffy. This goes without saying about the veterans McGuire and Mullen who always put in a full shift. Easkey normally play their best football against the teams from the west but will go with them despite the momentum that Bunninadden have built over the last three games. 

Easkey

Geevagh v St.Farnans
Both teams would have expected a lot tougher game in their respective quarter finals against Castleconnor and Johns. That may mean that some weaknesses that exist may not be known or exposed yet. Donal Conlon was in flying form in the last game and his goal the last day was all about direct football with a great catch, turn and sublime finish to add to it. In the important early exchanges Daithí O'Reilly was everywhere but went out of the game for a long part after, however Jodie O'Reilly had one of his best games for a while and was seen all over the park. With Cawley and Henry supplemented by Hughes around the middle Geevagh will always win a large percentage of the kickouts and this area they should have an edge over McGee and Connolly. 
The tussle between Finnian Cawley and Pat Hughes should be great to watch. Cawley has had an excellent campaign to date but he has not met a challenge like this in the championship. The O'Connor brothers means that Farnans always have the option of a quick ball in to the inside line however they have favoured a more methodical approach. Mattie Lang will not be found wanting when there is dirty ball to be won. The Wall brothers fresh from winning the hurling title this week move back into defence and Arthur has been scoring freely from defence. They are teak tough and if Lang and Wall collide on Sunday it will be good. 
The rate of scoring by the Farnans team has been high throughout the championship against all opposition. Both teams can call on excellent freetakers. Will the exertions of losing and winning the hurling final have a part to play in this game? Would not be surprised at a draw here but will go with Farnans 

Farnans