Fixtures
Nov 25th
Semi-finals
Portlaoise (Laois) v Emmett Óg Killoe (Longford), O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, 2pm.
Sarsfields (Kildare) v Ballymun Kickhams (Dublin), St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, 2pm.
Dec 9th
Final
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DUBLIN – Ballymun Kickhams
How have they reached this stage? On a scoreline of 1-12 to 0-14, Ballymun Kickhams managed to taste Dublin glory for the first time this year since 1985 with a final victory over Kilmacud Crokes at the end of October.
And judging by their 2-13 to 0-7 victory over Mullingar Shamrocks in the Leinster quarter-final, they have the ambition and desire to progress further.
What’s their track record at this level? Considering this is only the third time that Ballymun Kickhams have figured on the provincial stage, the current are not equipped with great experience at this level.
The club did manage to reach one Leinster club decider, back in 1982, but defeat was their lot against Laois outfit Portlaoise.
Any inter-county stars of note on the pitch? Ballymun have plenty of players who have donned the Dublin jersey. Philly McMahon, James McCarthy, Davy Byrne and Dean Rock were all involved at some stage for the county senior side this year while Alan Hubbard also has recent experience at that level.
Ted Furman won an All-Ireland U21 medal with Dublin 2010 while substitutes John Small and Sean George achieved that same feat with the county last May.
Which young gun should we keep an eye on? Youngster John Small was centre-back on the Dublin minor team that lost out in the All-Ireland minor final last year. His current role for Ballymun has largely been appearing from the bench but he is an exciting talent.
Who’s calling the shots on the sideline? 1995 Dublin All-Ireland winner Paul Curran is guiding the team in the managerial role.
The odds on a title win? 11/10.
KILDARE – Sarsfields
How have they reached this stage? Sarsfields are savouring their appearance at this stage as it is seven years since they emerged from the Kildare championship. Their county final win last month was achieved against Carbury while they defeated Louth’s St Patrick’s in their opening provincial encounter by three points a fortnight ago.
What’s their track record at this level? The Newbridge-based club have featured in seven Leinster campaigns (1982, 1986, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2001 and 2005) before this year. They have reached the final twice but suffered defeat in 1999 against Dublin’s Na Fianna and in 2005 against Kilmacud Crokes.
Any inter-county stars of note on the pitch? Midfielder Gary White and full-forward Alan Smith are the current members of Kieran McGeeney’s squad in operation for Sarsfields. 34 year-old corner-forward Padraig Brennan gave plenty service to the Lilywhites over the years as well. But for injury their talismanic midfielder Dermot Earley would also be involved.
Which young gun should we keep an eye on? Caoimhin McDonnell may be likely to start on the bench for Sarsfields next Sunday but he has made a telling impact when introduced this season, particularly in helping swing the Kildare county final the way
Who’s calling the shots on the sideline? John Crofton is at the helm for Sarsfields and has a wealth of Gaelic football experience having lined out in defence for the Kildare senior side and also managed the county team in 2005 and 2006.
The odds on a title win? 7/1.
Sarsfields team celebrate with the cup after the Kildare county final. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
LAOIS – Portlaoise
How have they reached this stage? It is hard to quibble with the supremacy Portlaoise have exerted at local level. This year’s county final win over Arles-Kilcruise was their sixth successive Laois senior title. And then they steam-rolled Wicklow outfit St Patrick’s by 3-15 to 0-4 to issue a powerful statement of intent in their Leinster opener.
What’s their track record at this level? Portlaoise are in fact the only club remaining in this year’s Leinster championship who have lifted the provincial trophy before. Indeed they have the best record of any club in the province with seven titles to their name.
Recent triumphs have arrived in the 2004 final against Skryne of Meath and in the 2009 decider and Garrycastle of Westmeath. Last year they were defeated by Dublin’s St Brigid’s in an exciting semi-final match by 2-16 to 1-15.
Any inter-county stars of note on the pitch? Portlaoise have an abundance of players who have figured for Laois at various levels. Cahir Healy, Conor Boyle, Paul Cahillane and Kieran Lillis all featured during the county’s All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Dublin in early August. Tipperary’s Hugh Coghlan is another inter-county player present in their ranks.
Which young gun should we keep an eye on? Centre-back Lillis is a fine prospect, who was part of the county U21 side last year, and is now challenging strongly for a starting berth with the Laois senior side.
Who’s calling the shots on the sideline? Mick Lillis and Mark Kavanagh form a strong managerial partnership that has had success in winning county titles with Portlaoise, Palatine in Carlow and St Laurence’s in Kildare.
Both also lined out on the Portlaoise team that won the 1983 All-Ireland club title with Kavanagh at left corner-back and Lillis lining out at centre-back in their final win over Roscommon’s Clann na nGael.
The odds on a title win? 6/5.
Portlaoise’s Conor Boyle celebrates scoring during their Leinster quarter-final. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
LONGFORD – Emmett Óg Killoe
How have they reached this stage? The surprise force at this stage of the competition, Emmett Óg Killoe got the better of Longford Slashers after a replay in the county final.
They have picked up momentum from thereon and relished the surroundings of Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, the site of their Leinster victories over Wexford’s St Anne’s and Meath’s Navan O’Mahony’s.
What’s their track record at this level? No Longford club has ever managed to reach a Leinster club SFC final and for Emmett Óg Killoe, their previous provincial forays in 1988, 1993 and 1995.
Any inter-county stars of note on the pitch? Michael Quinn, the county senior star who previously enjoyed a three-year stint with AFL outfit Essendon, is their best-known player yet attacker Seanie McCormack has gained prominence by racking up impressive totals in attack for Longford this season as well.
Which young gun should we keep an eye on? McCormack’s younger brother Padraig was a county U21 earlier this year and is an extremely versatile operator. Midfield for the Longford U21′s, he lines out at full-back for the club team.
Who’s calling the shots on the sideline? Club man Tommy McCormack is in charge of the side. He previously lead Emmett Óg Killoe to their county titles in 1993 and 1995, and lined out on the team that claimed honours in 1988.
The odds on a title win? 12/1.
