Will Duleek-Bellewstown players Sam O’Leary and Glen Callaghan be celebrating after Sunday’s IFC quarter-final clash with Clann na nGael in Walterstown?

Duleek-Bellewstown could edge Titanic tussle

Fergal Lynch

Published: Fri 18 Sep 2026, 1:30 PM

There was such contrasting scenarios for both Clann na nGael and Duleek-Bellewstown heading into their respective final round of group games in the IFC that it is hard to know who will bounce into this quarter-final meeting on a bigger high.

Clann na nGael were already assured of their last eight place before they played Walterstown in Trim, whereas Duleek-Bellewstown knew they had to beat Oldcastle by more than four points in Carlanstown if they were to progress.

Those totally different scenarios still led to quite similar, economic performances with both teams impressing in their final round wins, although for Clann na nGael the reward of a quarter-final against Duleek-Bellewstown seems more like a poke in the eye than a clap on the back.

Clann na nGael won the JFC last year and despite a difficult league campaign, that saw them survive by claiming a sensational relegation play-off win over Rathkenny, they have really shone in the group stages of the championship.

A massive win over Drumbaragh early on was followed by an impressive victory over last year's semi-finalists St Michael's before they were clincal in their goalscoring to see off Walterstown for top spot.

By contrast Duleek-Bellewstown had to get a significant win over then table toppers, Oldcastle, in their final game and with Eamonn Armstrong on board of the duration of his break from life in Australia with AFL side St Kilda they got the job done.

Duleek-Bellewstown have plenty of strength, pace and power through the middle in players like Armstrong, Sam O'Leary and Robin Clarke, but they are short of a lethat marksman up front.

Clann na nGael have plenty of options with Daragh Griffin inspiring from midfield and Ben Corkery a consistent, high scoring forward in attack.

This is a finely balanced clash, but if Duleek-Bellewstown can find some shooting boots for more of their forwards then they should be too strong for the ever-imporving Athboy-Rathcairn side. Verdict - Duleek-Bellewstown.

RESULTS SO FAR

Round one : Duleek-Bellewstown 2-17, Ballivor 0-15; Clann na nGael 4-25, Drumbaragh 2-9.

Round two : Castletown 0-15, Duleek-Bellewstown 0-10; Clann na nGael 4-12, St Michael's 0-17.

Round three : Duleek-Bellewstown 0-13, Oldcastle 0-7; Clann na nGael 3-10, Walterstown 0-10.