Eight still standing in race for Mattie McDonnell Cup
It has been quite the journey so far, but all the big hitters in the IFC are still in place and it would be a brave to lay confident claim as to who might win the Mattie McDonnell Cup this year.
Eight of the 20 contenders are still in the hunt and off the back of reaching the last two finals Trim remain as favourites, but they face a stiff test against neighbours Dunderry, while at the other end of the draw one big gun will have to leave the stage as Duleek/Bellewstown and Rathkenny will clash.
QUARTER-FINALS
Duleek/Bellewstown v Rathkenny: Slane on Sunday at 1pm is the place to be for could be the tie of the round. Both these side have genuine aspirations of overall glory and a win here will put one of them in a great place. Duleek/Bellewstown marched though their group winning their three games by an average of 13 points. Rathkenny were equally impressive, winning their three group stage games by an average of seven. A tough one to call, but Duleek/Bellewstown appear to have the greater firepower. Verdict - Duleek/Bellewstown.
Trim v Dunderry: Trim marched through their group comfortably, but were given a stark wake up call in the Corn na Boinne final when they were push all the way by relegation threatened St Patrick's. Dunderry will take great heart from that performance and also from their victory over Ballivor in terrible conditions. Will be tight in Navan on Sunday (1.45pm), it almost always in between these two. Verdict - Trim.
Nobber v Oldcastle: There is plenty of history between these two and never any shortage of drama when they meet. Expect more of the usual in Ballinlough from 5pm on Saturday, but Oldcastle look to have the great options. Verdict - Oldcastle.
Blackhall Gaels v Walterstown: Walterstown have had the benefit of a tough preliminary quarter-final under their belt when they saw off a dangerous Clann na nGael side, who had pushed Trim closest in the group stages. That game might suit them, especially considering Blackhall were disappointing in their loss to Bective in their final group game, even though there was nothing riding on it. Will be a tight one in Ratoath on Saturday, 4.30pm. Verdict - Walterstown.
RELEGATION PLAY-OFFS
Ballinlough v St Patrick's: Ballinlough are one of those teams on the rise and given time they could be a force again. However, they are unfortunate to be drawn against a St Patrick's side that showed enough against Trim in the Corn na Boinne final that they have enough to survive this relegation final in Seneschalstown on Sunday at 1pm. Verdict - St Patrick's.
Syddan v Kilmainham: Despite reaching the semi-finals last year Kilmainham find themselves 60 minutes away from dropping into junior football. Their draw with Drumbaragh will give Kilmainham belief, while Syddan's dire form saw them lose all three group games - they look set to be relegated in Moynalty on Friday night. Verdict - Kilmainham.