A Guide to the County Finals in Football This Weekend
If you are a fan of Gaelic games, you are in for a treat this weekend. There are 16 senior county finals in football and hurling across the country, with some exciting clashes and historic rivalries on display. Here is a breakdown of what to expect from each final
## Football Finals
### Dublin: Kilmacud Crokes vs Ballyboden St Enda’s
The Dublin SFC final is always a highlight of the club calendar, and this year is no exception. The reigning All-Ireland champions Kilmacud Crokes will face the 2016 winners Ballyboden St Enda’s in a clash of the titans at Parnell Park on Sunday at 4pm. Both teams have plenty of star power, with Crokes boasting the likes of Paul Mannion, Cian O’Sullivan and Rory O’Carroll, while Ballyboden have Michael Darragh Macauley, Colm Basquel and Ryan Basquel in their ranks. This will be a close and high-scoring affair, with Crokes looking to retain their title and Ballyboden seeking revenge for their defeat in the 2018 final.
### Armagh: Clan na Gael vs Crossmaglen Rangers
The Armagh SFC final will see a clash of generations, as the young and hungry Clan na Gael take on the experienced and dominant Crossmaglen Rangers at BOX-IT Athletic Grounds on Sunday at 4.15pm. Clan na Gael have reached their first final since 1997, after upsetting Maghery in the semi-final. They have a talented squad, led by Stefan Campbell, Jamie Brady and Rian O’Neill. Crossmaglen Rangers are the most successful club in Armagh history, with 45 county titles and six All-Ireland titles to their name. They have a mix of veterans and newcomers, such as Aaron Kernan, Oisin O’Neill and Cian McConville. Crossmaglen will be favourites to lift their 46th title, but Clan na Gael will not go down without a fight.
### Cavan: Kingscourt Stars vs Gowna
The Cavan SFC final will feature two teams that have not won the title in over a decade, as Kingscourt Stars take on Gowna at Kingspan Breffni on Sunday at 4pm. Kingscourt Stars last won the title in 2011, while Gowna last won it in 2006. Both teams have shown impressive form in the championship, with Kingscourt beating Castlerahan in the semi-final and Gowna edging out Ramor United in a thriller. Kingscourt have a strong defence, led by Padraig Faulkner and Barry Tully, while Gowna have a potent attack, spearheaded by Cian Madden and Conor Madden. This will be a tight and tense affair, with both teams desperate to end their drought.
### Donegal: Gaoth Dobhair vs Naomh Conaill
The Donegal SFC final will be a rematch of the 2018 final, as Gaoth Dobhair face Naomh Conaill at Ballybofey on Sunday at 4pm. Gaoth Dobhair won that final by a point, before going on to win the Ulster and All-Ireland titles. They have a formidable team, featuring the likes of Odhran MacNiallais, Kevin Cassidy and Eamon McGee. Naomh Conaill are the reigning champions, having beaten Kilcar in last year’s final after three replays. They have a solid team, with Leo McLoone, Anthony Thompson and Eoghan McGettigan among their key players. This will be a fierce and physical battle, with both teams eager to claim the bragging rights.
### Fermanagh: Derrygonnelly Harps vs Erne Gaels Belleek
The Fermanagh SFC final will see Derrygonnelly Harps aim for their seventh consecutive title, as they face Erne Gaels Belleek at Brewster Park on Sunday at 2pm. Derrygonnelly Harps have been the dominant force in Fermanagh football for the past six years, winning every title since 2015. They have a balanced team, with Conall Jones, Garvan Jones and Ryan Jones among their leaders. Erne Gaels Belleek are the underdogs, having reached their first final since 2016. They have a young and energetic team, with Seamus Ryder, Tommy McCaffrey and Ryan Lyons among their stars. Derrygonnelly will be confident of extending their reign, but Erne Gaels will hope to cause an upset.
### Kildare: Celbridge vs Naas
The Kildare SFC final will be a clash of two teams that have not won the title in a long time, as Celbridge take on Naas at Netwatch Dr Cullen Park on Sunday at 4pm. Celbridge last won the title in 2008, while Naas last won it in 2005. Both teams have shown great form in the championship, with Celbridge beating Moorefield in the semi-final and Naas overcoming Athy. Celbridge have a strong defence, led by Mick O’Grady and Kevin Flynn, while Naas have a potent attack, featuring Eamonn Callaghan and Ronan Joyce. This will be a close and exciting contest, with both teams hungry for glory.
### Louth: Ardee St. Mary’s vs Naomh Mairtin
The Louth SFC final will be a battle of two teams that have never won the title, as Ardee St. Mary’s take on Naomh Mairtin at Dowdallshill on Sunday at 3.30pm. Ardee St. Mary’s have reached their first final since 1993, after beating Cooley Kickhams in the semi-final. They have a talented team, with Darren Clarke, Kian Moran and Mark Fay among their main men. Naomh Mairtin have reached their third final in a row, after losing to Newtown Blues in 2018 and 2019. They have a quality team, with Sam Mulroy, Conor Whelan and John Clutterbuck among their key players. This will be a historic and emotional final, with both teams aiming to make history.
### Monaghan: Inniskeen vs Scotstown
The Monaghan SFC final will be a clash of two teams with contrasting histories, as Inniskeen take on Scotstown at Clones on Sunday at 3.30pm. Inniskeen have reached their first ever final, after stunning Ballybay in the semi-final. They have a spirited team, with Donal Meegan, Gerard Dooley and Gavin Dooley among their leaders. Scotstown are the most successful club in Monaghan history, with 21 county titles and four Ulster titles to their name. They have a formidable team, featuring Darren Hughes, Kieran Hughes and Conor McCarthy among their stars. Scotstown will be favourites to win their 22nd title, but Inniskeen will relish the challenge.
### Roscommon: St Brigid’s vs Boyle
The Roscommon SFC final will be a rematch of the 2019 final, as St Brigid’s face Boyle at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday at 2.30pm. St Brigid’s won that final by two points, before losing to Padraig Pearses in last year’s final. They have a strong team, with Senan Kilbride, Ian Kilbride and Niall McInerney among their key players. Boyle are the reigning champions, having beaten Padraig Pearses in this year’s semi-final. They have a quality team, with Enda Smith, Donie Smith and Cian McKeon among their leaders. This will be a tight and tense affair, with both teams keen to claim the title.
### Sligo: Coolera Strandhill vs St Molaise Gaels
The Sligo SFC final will be a clash of two teams that have not won the title in over 20 years, as Coolera Strandhill take on St Molaise Gaels at Markievicz Park on Sunday at 3.15pm. Coolera Strandhill last won the title in 1998, while St Molaise Gaels last won it in 1997. Both teams have shown great resilience in the championship, with Coolera Strandhill beating Tourlestrane in the semi-final and St Molaise Gaels overcoming Drumcliffe Rosses Point in extra time. Coolera Strandhill have a solid team, with Niall Murphy, Gary Cawley and Keelan Harte among their main men. St Molaise Gaels have a balanced team, with James Sheehan, Luke Towey and Nathan Mullen among their key players. This will be a close and exciting contest, with both teams eager to end their long wait.
Tipperary: Clonmel Commercials vs JK Brackens
The Tipperary SFC final will be a clash of two teams that have won the title in recent years, as Clonmel Commercials take on JK Brackens at FBD Semple Stadium on Sunday at 3.30pm. Clonmel Commercials are the most successful club in Tipperary history, with 18 county titles and one Munster title to their name. They last won the title in 2019, before losing to Nemo Rangers in the Munster final.
Wicklow: Blessington vs Rathnew
The Wicklow SFC final will be a clash of two teams that have been rivals for the past decade, as Blessington take on Rathnew at Aughrim on Sunday at 2.30pm. Blessington have won three county titles, the last one in 2023, when they beat Baltinglass by a point thanks to a late goal by Kevin Quinn. Rathnew have won 18 county titles, the last one in 2017, when they beat St Patrick’s by four points. Both teams have shown great form in the championship, with Blessington beating AGB in the semi-final and Rathnew beating Tinahely in the other semi-final. Blessington have a solid team, with Curtis Geraghty, Barry Murphy and Patrick O’Connor among their key players. Rathnew have a quality team, with Leighton Glynn, James Stafford and Mark Doyle among their leaders. This will be a close and exciting contest, with both teams eager to claim the title.
Westmeath: Tyrrellspass vs The Downs
The Westmeath SFC final will be a clash of two teams that have not won the title in a long time, as Tyrrellspass take on The Downs at TEG Cusack Park on Sunday at 3pm. Tyrrellspass last won the title in 2016, while The Downs last won it in 2009. Both teams have shown impressive form in the championship, with Tyrrellspass beating Mullingar Shamrocks in the semi-final and The Downs beating St Loman’s in a thriller. Tyrrellspass have a strong team, with Ger Egan, Denis Glennon and Martin Flanagan among their key players. The Downs have a quality team, with Luke Loughlin, Adam Loughlin and Conor Coughlan among their leaders. This will be a tight and tense affair, with both teams desperate to end their drought.
Wexford: Starlights vs Castletown
The Wexford SFC final will be a clash of two teams that have been rivals for the past few years, as Starlights take on Castletown at Chadwicks Wexford Park on Sunday at 3pm. Starlights won the title in 2017, while Castletown won it in 2018. Both teams have shown great form in the championship, with Starlights beating St Martin’s in the semi-final and Castletown beating Shelmaliers in the other semi-final. Starlights have a balanced team, with Liam Ryan, Nick Doyle and Darragh Pepper among their leaders. Castletown have a potent team, with Jonathan Bealin, Ben Brosnan and James Holmes among their main men. This will be a close and exciting contest, with both teams keen to claim the title.