Tight battle in store as Caherlistrane and An Spidéal chase Galway IFC glory
FOR one of these two clubs, their short stay outside the top flight is set to end this Sunday (Pearse Stadium, 2pm) when An Spidéal and Caherlistrane clash in the intermediate football final.
Two years ago, Caherlistrane surrendered their spot among Galway’s senior elite, just 12 months after An Spidéal dropped to the second tier. Indeed, their last meeting was during that relegation series in 2023.
Goals from Joe Monaghan and Sean Kyne gave Caherlistrane a stay of execution as An Spidéal’s results spiralled downwards leading them down to intermediate status. Caherlistrane were destined to join them in 2024.
But as much as every club desperately tries to hold their spot in Galway’s top competition, sometimes a reboot proves to be a blessing in disguise when circumstances are accepted and new ambitions are created.
Starting with An Spidéal, they were intermediate champions as recently as 2018 and did contest last year’s final, going down 1-18 to 1-16 to Caltra.
And even though wins over Clifden and Glenamaddy were coupled with a loss to Menlough in the group stages, they’ve been in devastating form since.
Oileáin Árann fell (2-22 to 1-9) in the preliminary play-offs; they dumped out favourites St. Michael’s (1-14 to 1-11) in the quarter-finals; and avenged that one blemish when moving up the gears in the last 15 minutes of their semi-final against Menlough (2-15 to 0-11).
On form, Micheál Ó Duinn’s side are peaking at the right time as they attempt to go one better than last year and have plenty of strength and experience throughout the team.
Maghnus Breathnach in goal has contributed five points and knows all about big occasions, having led An Cheathrú Rua to All-Ireland junior glory last year. Captain Liam Ó Ceallaigh and Dara Mac An Rí are a defensive spine to match any senior team.
2022 All-Ireland winning minor Tomás Farthing’s return has re-energised the squad with Seamus Ó Droighneáin, Andy Ó Finneadha and Liam Ó Fátharta other reliable hands.
Cillian Ó Laoi and Galway senior Liam Ó Conghaile are a powerful midfield unit while Finnian Ó Laoi is central to a formidable half forward line that includes Diarmuid Ó Duinn and Antaine Ó Laoi. Cillian and Antaine shared 2-9 in the victory over Menlough.
Inside duo Eanna Ó Curraoin and Cormac Ó Laoi were joined the last day by Padraic Eoin Ó Curraoin, while Cian Ó Fearachair and Fionnán Ó Conchubhair are other possibles. Diarmuid Ó Droighneáin, Micheál Ó Curraoin and Cian Ó Flatharta are their main impact options.
But as An Spidéal’s form continues to rise, Caherlistrane’s toughness has improved following two tight contests to reach a first county final in 21 years.
The 2005 champions have seven changes from their 2025 starting team that were stopped in extra-time in their quarter-final defeat to St. Brendan’s.
Under-19 B winners last season Evan Cunningham and Timmy Madden have stepped up along with Kieran McDonagh, Kyne, Cian Molloy, Oisin O’Brien and Ciaran Donnellan. And they’ve been on a roll, also winning the Division 3A League.
McDonagh in goal has kicked four two-pointers throughout a campaign that saw them triumph over St. Brendan’s, An Cheathru Rua and Kilconly in the group stages.
Caherlistrane were made work harder in beating Glenamaddy (2-12 to 0-14) in the quarter-final. And Shane Greaney’s injury time winner was needed to survive their semi-final tussle with Oranmore-Maree (1-12 to 2-8).
Greaney, another under-19 winner, has scored 1-25 and leads an attack that includes Donnellan (3-7), Adam McGreal, Madden, O’Brien and joint captain Alan Morris. The other armband holder Steven Lawless and Kevin Nally are the middle duo tasked with supplying them possession.
Their half back line includes Galway’s Johnny McGrath, a goal scorer the last day, his brother Richard and Molloy. Shane Bohan anchors the full back sector with Kyne and Cuningham outside him.
In reserve, they have Steven Greaney, Cormac Hanley, Kian O’Donoghue, Connor Faulkner and Shane O’Brien to call upon.
When looking at crucial match-ups, one can’t help but be drawn to An Spidéal centre forward Finnian Ó Laoi against opposing centre back Richard McGrath. Both are in player of the year contention and the winner will give his team a psychological boost.
Equally important is the potential dual between Shane Greaney against Mac an Rí. Ó Ceallaigh could also take on this role while one of them will monitor Donnellan. Farthing is the key card for An Spidéal as he can play any position in defence.
For Caherlistrane, as well as the possible Ó Laoi-McGrath match-up, their half backs need to have more influence then their opposing players. Johnny McGrath and Molloy’s help in curtailing An Spidéal as well as supporting Lawless and Nally is crucial.
While positions will rotate, Ó Conghaile and Cillian Ó Laoi hold the edge in midfield while Diarmuid Ó Duinn, Finnian or Antaine Ó Laoi can drop back. No doubt opposing managers Micheál Ó Duinn and Barry McCabe have worked out multiple scenarios to try and best each other.
And it makes predicting who’ll emerge near nigh impossible!
An Spidéal’s form can’t be ignored, and west Galway could do with the boost following Naomh Anna Leitir Moir’s recent relegation from senior. They’ve averaged 21 points per game and conceded just 14. And will carry the hurt from last year’s final defeat.
While they haven’t beaten Caherlistrane recently, they did overcome them in the league decider in 2018, the year they last won intermediate. And they’ve plenty of match winners outside of the Ó Laois, Ó Conghaile and Farthing.
But in saying that, Caherlistrane will have benefited from their workouts against Glenamaddy and Oranmore-Maree and have also kicked 21 points per game, while their concessions have only reached the 12-point mark.
While Greaney and Donnellan’s scoring is critical, others like McGreal, Madden or Morris could be the star on this occasion once their team mates ensure they get plenty of ball.
Another intriguing Galway intermediate football final awaits.
Verdict: Caherlistrane