Ballinabrackey’s Seamus Curry will be hoping to maintain is side’s winning ways when they face St Michael’s in the IFC semi-final on Sunday.

Ballinabrackey should have the edge

IFC PREVIEW

Jimmy Geoghegan

Published: Fri 18 Sep 2020, 11:45 AM

St Michael's are another one of these teams who, at certain times in recent years, have looked like they might push on and win the Mattie McDonnell Cup. At other times they have faltered badly and watched as their chances of success crashed and burned in the wake of a string of disappointing results.

This year they have put in a sustained run so far, winning all their group games. Some were dug out the hard way such as the one-point (1-15 to 2-11) victory over St Patrick's.

Some were won in a canter like the 4-13 to 1-9 victory against Moylagh. In other outings they took the scenic route to success. In their last group outing against Walterstown, for example, St Michael's had to draw on all their qualities to win and they did (2-12 to 0-15) overcoming a stern examination of their abilities and convictions.

Now an ever sterner examination awaits in the shape of Ballinabrackey who also look like a team who are building up a head of steam. St Michael's will look to players such as Shane O'Donnell and Oran Meehan to convert chances created and Ballinabrackey will be working on ways to stop them. In their three group games St Michael's scored 7-40 and conceded 3-35 - and impressive tally indeed.

However Ballinabrackey can also point to some impressive statistics themselves. They were somewhat annoyed to miss chances and draw with Duleek/Bellewstown in their opening game but big wins over Syddan and Oldcastle followed. They were also very impressive in the way they dealt with Clann na nGael's challenge last Sunday. They looked fit and motivated. They are physically strong and have in players like Nicky Judge and Damien Carroll potential match-winners.

As long as they don't feel any ill effects from last Sunday's game they should be ready for St Michael's - and secure the win they seek. Verdict - Ballinabrackey.

THE STORY SO FAR

GROUP B

First round - St Michael's 1-15, St Patrick's 2-11; second round - St Michael's 4-14, Moylagh 1-9; third round - St Michael's 2-12, Walterstown 0-15.

GROUP D

First round - Ballinabrackey 2-9, Duleek/Bellewstown 1-12; second round - Ballinabrackey 3-16, Syddan 0-4; third round - Ballinabrackey 3-20, Oldcastle 0-4.

Quarter-Final - Ballinabrackey 1-14, Clann na nGael 0-9.