Eamonn Armstrong’s return from Australia has been a huge boost to Duleek-Bellewstown.

East Meath men to strong arm their way past Blacks

Image 1 of 2
Eamonn Armstrong’s return from Australia has been a huge boost to Duleek-Bellewstown. David Mullen www.cyberimages.net

Image 2 of 2
Brendan McGuinness was outstanding for Walterstown in their quarter-final win over Castletown. Gerry Shanahan

Tom Gannon

Published: Fri 2 Oct 2026, 5:00 PM

In what was probably the shock of the weekend across the four championships at quarter-final stage two weeks ago, Walterstown produced a remarkable performance to knock out the then IFC favourites Castletown but they will have to reproduce to a similar level if they are going to get the better of a Duleek-Bellewstown side who have been motoring along nicely in the semi-final at Simonstown on Sunday at 4.30pm.

Walterstown are a club with superb history in the county and no one will begrudge them of an IFC title charge in a bid to reclaim their senior status. Brendan McGuinness was man of the match at centre-back last time out and he is the focal point of a very solid defence. Adam Quinn, Ruairi O’Dowd and the O’Connor brothers, Lorcan and Fionnan, all provide a spark to a potent attack. While in midfield, Mark Foy and Conor McEntee are a solid pairing.

It was the way that Waltestown responded to giving up a lead against the talented Castletown side that made their quarter-final victory so impressive. They held a four-point advantage at the end of the third quarter but a goal for Castletown with five minutes remaining drew the sides level. The men in black actually fell behind narrowly before they finished strong and sealed a remarkable win.

Duleek-Bellewstown were written off early on in the IFC, not because of their credentials, but because of the fact they were drawn into an incredibly tough group that most expected Castletown and Oldcastle to progress from.

The return of their AFL star Eamonn Armstrong has been a huge bonus for Anthony Malone’s side and has rejuvenated their season. Against a Clann na nGael side that have certainly left their mark in their return to the IFC ranks, Armstrong was again prolific and registered 2-2. Walterstown’s analysis ahead of their semi will start with and consist mostly of coming up with a plan to deal with the talented Armstrong.

However, Duleek-Bellewstown are not a one-man show. Their defence is quite solid for the most part and they have a strong midfield duo in Shane Crosby and Robin Clarke. If Armstrong delivers another likely breathtaking performance, it is going to be difficult to see how Walterstown will cope and despite their impressive win over the favourites last time out the curtains may be pulled on what has been a very solid campaign for Andy McGuinness’s side. Verdict: Duleek-Bellewstown.