Dermot Smyth opts for Wolfe Tones and Summerhill
Former Seneschalstown and Rathkenny manager Dermot Smyth assess the chances of the four semi-finalists in this weekend's SFC Keegan Cup encounters.
Dermot is looking forward to both games and selects Wolfe Tones and Summerhill as the most likely to make it to the final.
NA FIANNA v WOLFE TONES - FRIDAY 8pm
Na Fianna have been a breath of fresh air in SFC this year. A fast, mobile unit, capable of notching big scores who seem to have hit form at the right time.
They have real quality in goalkeeper Shane Geraghty along with Jamie Queeney, Ollie Lewis, Shane Barrett and Daniel Queeney.
Performing and playing free-flowing football early in the championship is all well and good, but senior semi-finals are a different matter entirely.
The stakes are higher, the opposition better and the pressures are different. So the question facing Na Fianna is whether they can perform under a new set of conditions.
However, it’s hard not to admire the Tones. They are a very consistent team (this is their sixth semi-final in eight years) and have a ferocious work ethic, a never-say-die attitude, a couple of brilliant free-takers and plenty of quality.
It’s nearly a perfect mix for championship football.
Only bad luck in the 2009 final and the failure to perform in 2011 and 2012 means that this e group of players have only won one Keegan Cup.
There is still a sense of unfinished business about this group and that may be the difference next Friday night.
Stephen Sheppard, the McLoughlins, Cian Ward and Gerard Corrigan in the middle are all intent on getting that second Keegan Cup and have the know-how to at least make the final again.
RATHKENNY v SUMMERHILL - SUNDAY 3pm
What about Rathkenny! Des Lane has done a fantastic job with a group of players who are beginning to fulfil their potential. On Sunday they will try their hearts out and I have no doubt they will perform on the day. The 2010 semi-final will really stand to them, but Brian Meade’s absence will be too much of a burden.
For the 'Rats’ to win a lot of small things need to go their way. They need to stop goals, keep close on the scoreboard and maximise their scoring opportunities. Lady luck needs to do her bit.
It is a big ask, but they do have a chance. They have good man-markers with pace in defence, a half-back line that will win mountains of breaking ball, a consistent free-taker and both Eoin Elliot and “young” Donal Curtis are in great form up front.
Summerhill have impressed me over the last few seasons. They have handled“knock-out” football since early May.
Declan McCabe is a top manager who has a good side at his disposal. Their full-back line is very quick, the half-backs push on well and Conor Gillespie is starting to perform like a county midfielder for his club.
David Larkin and Barry Dardis are in top form and Adrian Kenny still produces day in, day out.
They will relish the chance to reverse the group stage defeat by the 'Rats’ and they have had three really competitive games - Donaghmore/Ashbourne, Dunboyne and Navan O’Mahonys.
Once that hasn’t taken an edge off them they have to be fancied to book a place in the final.
The most important thing about semi-finals is winning. I would have a soft spot for Rathkenny, but at this time of the year sentiment tends to go out the window.
Conall Collier