Favourites stand on the brink of elimination

The unpredictable nature of the IFC makes the group stages of the competition so intriguing and this weekend's fixtures will be no different. Castletown look to bounce back after their loss to Oldcastle while the JFC-promoted Clann na nGael and SFC-relegated Meath Hill will hope to build on their round one victories.

GROUP A

Navan O’Mahonys v Longwood: Navan O’Mahonys were well-fancied in the lead-up to this year's IFC and the pressure is now on for them to bounce back against Longwood in Athboy on Sunday at 2pm after the Brews Hill side were beaten by St Patrick’s. They should have enough in reserve though to see off Longwood. Prediction: Navan O’Mahonys.

Bective v St Patrick’s: St Patrick’s are perennial dark horses, but they certainly set out their stall early this year with a win over Navan O’Mahonys. Bective probably won’t cause too much difficulty for Colm Nally’s side in Duleek on Sunday at 4pm. Prediction: St Patrick’s.

GROUP B

Walterstown v Drumbaragh: Drumbaragh will still be feeling the mental effects of their comprehensive defeat at the hands of Clann na nGael when they face Walterstown on Sunday in Gibbstown at 2pm. Walterstown can build on their narrow win over St Michael’s with another win here. Prediction: Walterstown.

Clann na nGael v St Michael’s: Clann na nGael have very quickly settled back into life in the IFC and they are a team that will be feared by every opposition. The nature of this competition means that you cannot rest on your laurels too long and they face an experienced St Michael’s side this Sunday in Cortown at 2pm. St Michael’s get a tentative vote here. Prediction: St Michael’s.

GROUP C

Dunsany v Meath Hill: In 2024, Meath Hill and Dunsany were flying after they were crowned champions of the IFC and the JFC respectively. Last year's SFC relegated side showed no signs of a top tier hangover when they stunned Moynalvey in round one and while Gary Bresin’s injury is a big blow, the north Meath side will likely come out on top of Tom Shine’s Dunsany on Saturday in Castletown at 6pm. Prediction: Meath Hill.

Moynalvey v Blackhall Gaels: Many people had Moynalvey as their pick for this years IFC. They were the only intermediate side to expereince FL Div 1 this year and that will stand to them in the long run. Barry O’Keefe’s side should be able to bounce back and get the win over Blackhall Gaels on Saturday in Dunboyne at 6pm.Prediction: Moynalvey.

GROUP D

Ballivor v Oldcastle: Nothing is a certainty in the IFC but Oldcastle’s clash with Ballivor on Thursday at 7.30pm is quite a straightforward one to call. Joe Sheridan’s side laid down a real marker with an impressive win over last year's finalists Castletown in round one and they will be too strong for struggling Ballivor. Prediction: Oldcastle.

Castletown v Duleek-Bellewstown: Last years finalists Castletown were given a reminder of just how competitive the IFC can be in round one when Oldcastle put them to the sword. They won’t to take Duleek-Bellewstown for granted this Saturday in Paddy O'Brien Park Navan at 7.30pm but they are slight favourites to take the spoils. Prediction: Castletown.