Exciting prospect to open IFC knockout stages

IFC QUARTER-FINAL PREVIEW

Two evenly matched sides will go to battle in Ashbourne on Friday evening in the first of the IFC quarter- finals between Kilbride and St Patrick's, writes Tom Gannon.

Since their promotion in 2023, Kilbride look right at home in the IFC and the young talented side are making good strides. Josh Harford is their biggest attacking asset and he has been in great form.

Finn White is the man that many are keeping an eye out for. The defender did very well for Cathal O Bric’s Meath u-20’s side this year and he is a huge player in Anthony Moyles’ squad.

There is no point in pretending otherwise, Group D wasn’t really that strong but you can only beat what’s in front of you and Kilbride went about their business well enough.Another Meath u-20 star has been lighting it up for Kilbride’s quarter-final opponents, St Patrick’s. Jamie Murphy has a lot of eyeballs on him at the moment and he is a huge asset for the Stamullen men. Cormac Reynolds and Martin Byrne have built their attack around Murphy and it’d be no surprise to see him feature for Robbie Brennan in 2026.

The interesting angle is that White will probably end up marking Murphy. That battle of the Meath u-20 stars will have a huge say on which side comes out on the right side of this clash. If White can keep tabs on Murphy, he will give his team a massive chance.

Prediction - Kilbride.