Preview: Weekend’s County Senior Finals action from around the Country:
GAELIC FOOTBALL
Carlow SFC Final
Sunday October 6
Rathvilly v Palatine, Netwtach Cullen Park, 4pm
It promises to be a lively encounter between two clubs eager to return to the summit of Carlow football.
Palatine, who had to deal with a relegation scrap last year, were champions in 2022.
In the previous campaign Rathvilly triumphed in the decider against Éire Óg.
During the group stages in August, Palatine defeated Rathvilly 0-10 to 0-8 with Shane O’Neill contributing a couple of late points.
Leitrim SFC Final
Sunday October 6
Ballinamore Seán O’Heslins v Mohill, Ballinamore, 2pm
Holders Mohill know a demanding encounter awaits in Ballinamore against the local club, who have enjoyed a productive campaign.
Ballinamore, the most prolific winners of the competition, last triumphed in 2021 when overcoming Mohill, 1-16 to 0-17, in the decider.
It is likely to be similarly hard fought at the weekend with Mohill demonstrating real battling qualities to overcome Fenagh at the penultimate stage. Domhnaill Flynn delivered a critical score in the closing stages.
In the other semi-final, Ballinamore’s Tom Prior supplied the decisive point to edge out St Mary’s.
HURLING
Laois SHC Final
Sunday October 6
Clough-Ballacolla v Rathdowney-Errill, Laois Hire O’Moore Park, 4pm
Clough-Ballacolla, who have won six Laois titles since 2009, face Rathdowney-Errill in the decider.
Rathdowney-Errill have triumphed on six occasions in the last 18 years. So, these two clubs are well versed in big occasions.
Ross King scored 1-7 for Rathdowney-Errill in their semi-final win over Abbeyleix.
Stephen Maher and Jordan Walshe were influential as Clough-Ballacolla dethroned Camross in the last four.
Tyrone SHC Final
Sunday October 6
Éire Óg, Carrickmore v Eoghan Ruadh Dungannon, O’Neill’s Healy Park, 3pm
Éire Óg, Carrickmore have won the last three Tyrone SHC titles.
Eoghan Ruadh, Dungannon are carrying out significant work at underage level, but they are hoping to end a five year wait for senior silverware in Tyrone.
Wicklow SHC Final
Sunday October 6
Bray Emmets v Carnew Emmets, Echelon Park, 3pm
Another interesting decider is on the agenda as six-in-a-row chasing Bray Emmets face Carnew Emmets.
For Carnew Emmets it has been a remarkable year reaching six different Wicklow adult county finals between hurling, football, ladies football, and camogie.
Carnew Emmets haven’t won a Wicklow SHC since 2009 and the fact that Bray Emmets have collected seven in that spell illustrates the challenge that awaits them on Sunday in Aughrim.