AN Indian summer is expected to warm up the drumlins of Cavan this weekend but the air temperature in Kingspan Breffni specifically this evening (6.45pm) is likely to be at its hottest locally so far this year.
Defending champions Gowna meet Cavan Gaels in a crucial contest which is undoubtedly the most appetising of this weekend’s ties.
Gowna are looking to secure a hat-trick of Cavan SFC titles this year but they’ve little room for error now and Cavan Gaels are similarly vulnerable, with the teams sporting just one point and two points respectively. Gowna’s need is greater and they are tipped to edge it.
Elsewhere, this evening at Lavey (6.30pm), last year’s semi-finalists Ramor Utd have yet to translate their 2024 Division One league success onto the championship platform although they have three points on the board to date.
Killygarry had a whopping (4-12 to 2-8) first round win over Castlerahan but have also failed to replicate their success in making this year’s league semi-finals and they too are under some pressure after falling to Kingscourt Stars last time out. Ramor’s greater solidity at the back and better bite in midfield should ease them home.
Also this evening, a tasty local derby is on offer at Lacken (6.30pm) where the table-topping Crosserlough will be odds-on to beat Ballinagh.
Ballinagh won this year’s division two league title but they’ve lost one and won one game in the SFC this year and against a ‘lough team sporting a 100% record to date, will doubtless find the step up a tad too much.
Meanwhile, it already looks like tomorrow’s tie in Kingspan Breffni (5pm) between next-door neighbours Laragh and Lavey is a meeting of the competition’s also-rans.
That said, it’s a duel that could well be the most enjoyable, entertaining of the ties down for decision this weekend as they’re two evenly matched teams who will be determined to move away from the relegation trap door. Laragh to prevail.
The clash of Mullahoran and Kingscourt Stars in Virginia tomorrow (3pm) also promises to be an intriguing one with both of them not yet ruled out of the running for the Oliver Plunkett Cup.
Mullahoran have been one of the surprise packets of this year’s SFC having drawn with Ramor Utd and beaten Cavan Gaels while Kingscourt drew with Gowna and beat Killgarry. The smart money is on a draw here.
Last year’s intermediate champions Ballyhaise enhance their prospects of reaching the knock-out stages as they followed up last week’s win over Gowna by beating Castlerahan 1-17 to 3-9 in Thursday’s opening tie.
Round three
Thursday Castlerahan 3-9 Ballyhaise 1-17
Saturday Killygarry v Ramor United (Lavey, 6.30pm); Crosserlough v Ballinagh (Lacken, 6.30pm); Gowna v Cavan Gaels (Kingspan Breffni, 6.45pm)
Sunday Mullahoran v Kingscourt (Ramor, 2pm); Laragh Lavey (Kingspan Breffni, 5pm)
