Experience the key for St Vincent’s hopes

In a deferred quarter-final last Friday evening, perennial JFC contenders St Vincent’s booked their spot in the semi-final with a victory over St Ultan’s and will now look to seal a third JFC final appearance in a row when they meet Ballinlough on Saturday at 7.30pm.

The Ardcath side have proven that, on their day, they are well capable of beating any team at this level. Out of the final four, themselves and the club that they integrate with at underage level, Curraha, are probably best set up for a return to the IFC ranks.

Paul McManus laid the foundations for this St Vincent’s and despite not getting over the line in the JFC, ‘Shaggy’, as he is affectionatley known, was quite successful at building a solid unit during his tenure.

Marc Clifford and Dessie Lennon have built on what McManus started and have injected a freshness into the set-up. St Vincent’s have built their team around the extremely talented Michael McIvor and regardless of how St Vincent’s fare out from here, it would be no surprise to see the 2026 Meath u-20 captain get called up by Robbie Brennan.

Ballinlough have gone about their business well and they are benefiting from an extremely talented dual generation who have been provided the spine to Kilskyre/Moylagh’s so far impressive SHC B campaign.

That may also be their downfall though as how much have the demands of the dual responsibilities taken out of the likes of the two Shine brothers and Darren O'Higgins. Automatic qualification for their respective semi-final/final helps but the fact remains Ballinlough’s most talented players have racked up a lot of mileage this year.

The real question mark over Ballinlough though is just how strong their group stage form is. Credit to them, they were impressive and you can only beat what is in front of you but Slane’s dismantling of Moylagh did that aforementioned form no favours.

St Vincent’s have been here before and they know how to win semi-finals. Verdict - St Vincent’s.