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Ryan McMenamin is chasing success in the Tyrone county final this weekend. INPHO/Presseye/Andrew Paton
Chasing Silverware

Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Tyrone football titles on the line

There are county senior football finals down for decision in Connacht and Ulster this weekend.

Sunday
Cavan SFC final replay
Kingscourt Stars v Mullahoran
Kingspan Breffni Park, 4pm
Enda O’Reilly popped over two late frees to rescue a draw for Mullahoran last week after Shane McCormack’s goal had appeared to seal victory for Kingscourt Stars.

It sets up an intriguing replay encounter with Mullahoran bound to be heartened by the fact that Dermot Sheridan emerged unscathed from last week’s draw after being an injury doubt beforehand. For Kingscourt Stars, they are hopeful that JP O’Reilly will be back in action after he missed last week with a cheekbone injury.

Mullahoran produced a wonderful start last week when they raced into an early 1-3 to 0-0 lead and Kingscourt Stars will be seeking a positive opening here. If they can achieve that, a second title in three years is within their grasp.

Verdict: Kingscourt Stars
Betting: Kingscourt Stars 8/15, Mullahoran 2/1, Draw 13/2.

Paths to final
Group 2: Kingscourt Stars 1-6 Cavan Gaels 2-9; Kingscourt Stars 5-9 Lavey 0-5; Kingscourt Stars 3-12 Denn 0-5.
Group 3: Mullahoran 1-20 Cúchullainn’s 1-12; Mullahoran 0-11 Killygarry 1-7; Mullahoran 0-8 Gowna 0-7.
Quarter-finals: Kingscourt Stars 1-13 Drumgoon 0-10; Mullahoran 0-11 Ballinagh 1-6.
Semi-finals: Kingscourt Stars 1-16 Castlerahan 1-6; Mullahoran 0-15 Killygarry 1-9.
Final: Kingscourt Stars 1-8 Mullahoran 1-8.

Leitirm SFC final
Glencar/Manorhamilton v Melvin Gaels, Carrick-on-Shannon, 3.30pm
Glencar/Manorhamilton are undoubtedly the standard-bearers in Leitrim as they have claimed the last four county senior football crowns. In contrast Melvin Gaels, appearing in their first final since 2002, last lifted the title in 1998.

It promises to be a keenly contested tie between the locals rivals with James Glancy and Adrian Croal to the fore for the reigning champions while Emlyn Mulligan is the star turn and the attacking lynchpin of Melvin Gaels.

Verdict: Glencar/Manorhamilton
Betting:
Glencar/Manorhamilton 8/13, Melvin Gaels 7/4, Draw 6/1.

Paths to final
Group 1: Glencar/Manorhamilton 0-7 Melvin Gaels 0-7; Glencar/Manorhamilton 0-20 Carrigallen 3-4; Melvin Gaels 2-12 Mohill 1-11 ; Glencar/Manorhamilton 1-12 Mohill 1-10; Melvin Gaels 0-23 Carrigallen 0-7.
Quarter-Finals: Glencar/Manorhamilton 0-14 Allen Gaels 1-5; Melvin Gaels 0-11 Bornacoola 1-7.
Semi-Finals: Glencar/Manorhamilton 0-12 St Mary’s-Kiltoghert 0-11; Melvin Gaels 2-18 Aughawillan 0-2.

Sligo SFC final
Curry v St Mary’s, Markievicz Park, 3.30pm
The last two teams in contention for senior football honors in the Yeats County this year represent a unique pairing. Eastern Harps and Tourlestrane, who have carved up the last five titles between them, have both been felled on route by a Curry side aiming for their first crown since 2006.

It’s 11 years since St Mary’s got their hands on this trophy, incidentally they defeated Curry in the decider on that occasion. Defender Johnny Martyn and attacker Mark Breheny are the inter-county figures in their line-up while forward duo David Maye and Adrian Marren will be in the Curry ranks.

Verdict: Curry
Betting: Curry 4/6, St Mary’s 6/4, Draw 7/1.

Paths to final
Group 1: St Mary’s 0-18 Shamrocks Gaels 1-12; St Mary’s 1-13 Ballymote 1-7; St Mary’s 2-9 Eastern Harps 0-14; St Mary’s 5-15 Geevagh 0-7
Group 2: Curry 1-15 Molaise Gaels 0-11; Curry 2-13 Coolaney/Mullinabreena 0-10; Curry 1-8 St John’s 0-12; Curry 3-16 Tubbercurry 1-9
Quarter-Final: Curry 2-12 Eastern Harps 1-6
Semi-Finals: Curry 0-9 Tourlestrane 0-8; St Mary’s 2-7 Coolera-Strandhill 1-10 (Draw) – St Mary’s 2-14 Coolera-Strandhill (Replay)

Tyrone SFC final
Dromore v Errigal Ciaran, Healy Park, Omagh, 3.30pm
Dromore have established themselves as a serious force in Tyrone football in recent years, accumulating three of the last five titles. It took them two games to get the better of Killyclogher at the semi-final stage before securing success in last weekend’s replay. Cathal McCarron, Sean O’Neill, Ryan McMenamin and Ronan McNabb provide class and experience to their setup.

Errigal Ciaran featured in nine finals between 1993 and 2006, winning six of those deciders, but have endured a silverware drought of late. Peter Harte, Aidan McCrory and John Devine will shoulder their hopes of attaining glory.

Verdict: Dromore

Paths to final
First Round: Dromore 1-9 Eglish 0-9; Errigal Ciaran 0-15 Moortown 0-9.
Quarter-Finals: Dromore 1-15 Ardboe 0-9; Errigal Ciaran 1-10 Omagh 2-4.
Semi-Finals: Dromore 0-5 Killyclogher 0-5 (Draw) – Dromore 2-6 Killyclogher 0-6 (Replay); Errigal Ciaran 1-7 Carrickmore 0-9.