Aghadrumsee v Belcoo, Saturday August 10 in Kinawley, 3pm
Aghadrumsee and Belcoo will battle it out for a place in the Intermeidate Championship semi-final when they meet this Saturday in Kinawley.
Aghadrumsee won the Junior Championship last year to see them promoted to Intermediate while Belcoo are in the championship courtesy of being relegated last year from Senior last season and all indications are that this will be a close tie.
The Magpies sharpshooter Eddie Courtney feels that they are coming into the championship in a good place but he accepts that they will be underdogs for the game.
“I suppose for the first time in a long time we had a fairly good run in the league and we were in the shake up for the top four which was pleasing.
“Belcoo though will be favourites for the game. Their form picked up towards the end of the league and they got into the top four and you would have to say that was on merit,” he said.
Courtney is also keen to point out that not only is a place in the semi-final up for grabs for the winners, but avoiding the relegation play offs is also key.
“We only came up this year so for us it would be important to stay in Intermediate at least. That’s why a win in this game is so important as it means you won’t be involved in a relegation play-off. We know that Belcoo are a good side but we will be going out to give it a rattle,” he added.
Belcoo player Paul McGrath agrees about the importance of winning the opening game.
“We came down last year so it is vital for us to win this game as it would mean not looking over your shoulder at relegation. If you get the win then you are into a semi-final and you can look ahead then but for now we can look no further ahead than the Aghadrumsee game,” he said.
And he expects a stern test from Aghadrumsee.
“They won the Junior Championship last year, they have improved in the league so it will be a tough challenge but hopefully we can come through it.”
Prediction: Belcoo