Kennedys Intermediate Football Championship Final

Sunday 2nd October, 2pm, Markievicz Park

Geevagh v St. Molaise Gaels

It might not seem as significant to most as the Senior final, but for St Molaise Gaels and Geevagh Sunday’s Intermediate Championship decider is the be all and end all in terms of their 2016 ambitions.

Both clubs suffered relegation from the top tier last year, but for one Sunday will offer instant redemption and a return ticket back to Senior football.

Having come through the most competitive Intermediate Championship in recent times, both St Molaise Gaels and Geevagh will be aware that Sunday’s battle will be the toughest yet.

St Molaise Gaels in particular have made it look relatively easy as they have rarely looked in trouble in any of their games to date, while Geevagh looked pedestrian in the group stages but have since ignited.

The return of Pat Hughes has been a major factor in their recent outings, as has the continued good form of Kenneth Sweeney and David O’Reilly, but St Molaise Gaels represents a step up in class when compared to any of their previous opponents.

The north Sligo side are in the Division One league final – an illustration of their strength – and have been very impressive to date in the championship.

Mark Quinn and Cathal Burns are among their star performers to date, while Alan McLoughlin, Cathal Herron and Ger Brady offer huge ammunition for their side up front.

Their free-scoring has been quelled somewhat in recent outings – they scored 0-13 in the quarter-final and semi-final - but their defence has a mean look about it, conceding only two goals in the entire championship so far.

All the indications would suggest their defence will be tested much more stringently on Sunday, and on the whole it is difficult to see too much of a gap between the sides at the finish.

While St Molaise Gaels deservedly enter the game as favourites, Geevagh are coming into form at just the right time and Sunday could well see them lift the crown.

Whatever way it goes, it will most certainly be a hard-earned title.