Pulsating semi-final on the cards between last two champions
The last two winners of the SFC last met in the 2024 group stage and will clash again in Sunday's SFC semi-final at Pairc Tailteann, writes Tom Gannon.
Summerhill were champions when the sides last meet a year ago, but Dunshaughlin were hotly tipped to take the crown. That day, Dunshaughlin only registered three scores in the second-half but crucially, two of them were goals in what proved to be an important victory on their way to Keegan Cup glory.
Even though the two haven’t crossed paths in the championship yet this year, the road they have travelled to get to the semi-final have been quite similar. They both managed to scrape through the group stages with only one win to their name before they produced impressive performances in the quarter-finals to silence the doubters.
Take nothing away from Dunshaughlin, they certainly showed big improvement in their quarter-final win over Wolfe Tones and all their big players produced what we know their capable of for the first time in this year's championship. Conor Gray was sensational and was the driving force behind their victory. Ruairi Kinsella and Conor Duke were tough to handle while Mathew Costello, as usual, went about his business well and contributed a few massive scores.
However, it has to be recognised that Wolfe Tones did not reach the performance levels that they set as a benchmark in the group stage. Going forward, they looked void of ideas, void of creativity and if it wasn’t for the exploits of Saran O Fionnagain, the margin of victory would have been a lot more.
Funnily enough, that is a slight concern for Kevin Kealy’s men. Their defence was not tested a lot in that quarter-final but O Fionnagain was able to cut them open far too easily. Dunshaughlin’s defensive issues, as of yet, have not quite been dealt with.
Summerhill will be looking to exploit those defensive weaknesses and who better to take advantage than the Frayne brothers.
Summerhill have not reached the same peak that they did in their 2023 championship winning season but through it all, Eoghan and Conor Frayne have been very consistent.
The brothers are a corner back’s worst nightmare. Summerhill also have plenty of attacking options from deep. Adam McDonnell and Jack Bannon are really enjoying their football at the moment. Dave Clare's side may not have been a model of consistency this year but they are getting better with every outing.
Another concern for Dunshaughlin is their kickouts. In the first-half against Wolfe Tones, the champions only won 28% of their own kickouts and they cannot afford to do that against Summerhill. From the get-go, they will need to find their own men from the restarts, especially with Adam Flanagan on the field who will gladly capitalise.
It is very possible and probable that Dunshaughlin will improve again for the semi-final and the cream usually comes to the top. However, it does seem like the whole county are sleeping on Summerhill at the moment and it’s probably time they all wake up.
Prediction - Summerhill.