Offaly senior football interest focuses on weak group

WITH the four qualifiers decided from the strong group 1, the focus in the Offaly Senior Football Championship in round 4 next weekend will be very much on the weak group 2.

Edenderry's demise means that Tullamore, Shamrocks, Rhode and Ferbane are all safely through from group 1 – the top two teams go into the semi-finals from this group with third and fourth playing the first and second from group 2 in the quarter-finals.

It means that the only issue at stake here is the semi-finalists with champions Tullamore top with four points from two games, Shamrocks second with 3 from three, Rhode on 3 from two and Ferbane with 2 from two.

The form of Rhode and Shamrocks has been a standout in this group. Both have worked very hard to turn things around and are very much in the championship shakeup.

The final two rounds will determine which two go into the semi-finals but that battle won't inflame neutral interest.

There is a marked difference in standard between the strong and weak groups but in terms of stakes, Group 2 is much more intriguing. Clara and Ballycommon both have 4 points from three games, Bracknagh have 3 from two, Clonbullogue have 1 from two and Durrow have one from two.

With two defeats and Ballinamere hurlers flying, Durrow are in bother but every other side is very much in contention and there are huge games ahead.

This weekend's games are:

Group 1

Tullamore v Ferbane, Friday August 14 in O'Connor Park 7pm

A win over Ferbane will secure a semi-final berth for Tullamore but there is a chance of a mild surprise in this one. Ferbane have suffered some devastating recent final defeats to Tullamore but got an important win over them in the Division 1 Football League final. Ferbane remain second favourites but haven't fully clicked yet and this is a crucial test for them. They will be very eager to put another one over their great rivals and will attack this with everything they have.

Verdict – Tullamore.

Rhode v Edenderry: Sunday, August 16 in O'Connor Park 5.30pm

There has been something very impressive about the way Rhode have performed this year. Their hand may have been forced but they have bit the bullet and shown faith in their emerging young talent. That is the only way forward for Rhode and many of their young players have answered the call very impressively. They have performed very well in their draw with Shamrocks and win over Ferbane and the clear message is that Rhode are not gone away.

The influence of older players remains powerful and Niall McNamee won the game for them against Ferbane while Ruari McNamee ran the whole show. They command complete respect and are favourites here against an Edenderry side who have suffered awful defeats against Tullamore and Shamrocks before performing better when losing to Ferbane. It means that Edenderry are only fighting for their pride here and they will certainly do that against Rhode but the form book suggests they won't win it, though that can't be ruled out.

Verdict – Rhode.

Group 2

Clonbullogue v Durrow: Saturday, August 15 in Clonbullogue 4.30pm

In normal circumstances, you would expect Durrow to edge this one but Clonbullogue are favourites. Durrow have lost their two games and are down key players to injury in Dan Bourke and Kevin McDermott. Ballinamere hurlers are going very well and that will now be a clear priority for many of their dual players.

Durrow conceded a disgraceful walkover to Rhode in last year's championship and it would be a disaster for the club and also for their “marriage” with Ballinamere if there was a repeat this year. There is an onus on all stakeholders in Durrow and Ballinamere to ensure that does not happen again but they also need to perform and treat this like a competitive senior football game.

It's a must win game for Clonbullogue. If they lose, they are gone but if they win they will still have a chance in their final round against Bracknagh. You would expect a team in that situation to be able to win this one but it is a dangerous one for them. Durrow could just play with a sense of freedom and have a go at them. If they do, there is every chance of them winning but at the moment, Clonbullogue have to be made favourites by virtue of the fact that they can qualify – they also have injury problems and are very vulnerable here.

Verdict – Clonbullogue.

Bracknagh v Ballycommon: Saturday, August 15 in Daingean 7pm

Under most criteria, the meeting of Bracknagh and Ballycommon is the standout fixture this weekend, the most attractive game.

The stakes are massive with both clubs vying for a quarter-final berth. Clara and Ballycommon are joint top with four points from three games while Bracknagh have three from two. It is Ballycommon's final game and a defeat will almost certainly put them out. Bracknagh will also be in serious bother if they lose – they have Clonbullogue last but would need Durrow to beat Clara to survive and this is also essentially a knockout game for them.

It will be fiercely contested between two very honest, hungry sides. It is also a real 50-50 game and no result would surprise. It should go right down to the wire and we make Bracknagh the slightest of favourites because of the star factor of Peter Cunningham in their ranks.

Verdict – Bracknagh.

Senior “B” Football Championship

There are very important games in the Senior “B” Football Championship where Daingean are top of the group with six points from three games and are the new favourites. Ballinagar and Tullamore are on four points, Tubber and Cappincur on two and Ballycumber on one.

Tubber's excellent win over Cappincur upset the predictions that Daingean, Ballinagar, Tullamore and Cappincur would cruise into the two semi-finals and it places Cappincur in a precarious situation with tough games to come against Daingean and Cappincur.

Ballycumber could give them a lifeline by beating Tubber and that possibility can't be ruled out this weekend. Daingean are in the semi-finals and Ballinagar and Tullamore are in a strong position with Tubber and Cappincur in contention.

This weekend's games are:

Ballycumber v Tubber: Friday, August 14 in Pullough 7.30pm

Verdict – Tubber.

Ballinagar v Tullamore: Saturday, August 15 in Geashill 7.30pm

Verdict – Tullamore.

Cappincur v Daingean: Sunday, August 16 in Croghan 3pm

Verdict - Daingean