Castletown expected to march on to semis

Despite a slow start against Oldcastle, one of the favourites for the IFC Castletown have bounced back well and will be hoping they can maintain their current form in their quarter-final clash with Walterstown at 6pm in Simonstown on Sunday.

Last year's finalists were in the competitive Group D and can maybe count themselves a little bit fortunate in that they faced Duleek-Bellewstown before Eamon Armstrong made his return from Australia, however they went about their business well that day regardless.

In Rian McConnell and Killian Smyth, Castletown have the most talented midfield duo in the IFC. Adam Matthews, Darragh Weldon and Declan Cribbin all contribute to a potent attack while their defence have become more solid since that round one outing.

Walterstown were probably not in the most competitive group which was topped by newly promoted Clann na nGael who won the shootout with the Blacks in round three, but to their credit they did well to qualify for the quarter-finals and their performance against St Michael’s showed how well they can grind out a victory. Ruairi O’Dowd will cause issues for the Castletown defence if he is afforded the space and time to do so.

However, in truth, this will probably be a one-sided contest and it is difficult to see anything other than a Castletown victory. Tougher tests will likely await Sean Barry and Sean Kelly’s charges but they are expected to win this clash with a bit in hand. Verdict - Castletown.

RESULTS SO FAR

Round one:- Oldcastle 4-12, Castletown 1-19; Walterstown 3-13, St Michael's 0-20.

Round two : Castletown 0-15, Duleek-Bellewstown 0-10; Walterstown 2-18, Drumbaragh 0-13.

Round three:- Castletown 1-18, Ballivor 1-12; Clann na nGael 3-10, Walterstown 0-10.