THE Limerick SFC kicks back into gear this weekend with knockout games at either side of the competition.
The four quarter-finals take place with Fr Caseys and Monaleen kicking off proceedings on Friday, Oola facing Galtee Gaels on Saturday and a double header on Sunday involving the clashes of Newctastle West and Claugaun & Ballysteen against Adare.
St Kierans and Na Piarsaigh meet in the first relegation semi-final on Saturday with Galbally and Ballylanders meeting the following day.
None of the 12 teams have been eliminated yet but by Sunday evening six teams’ seasons will have come to an end.
Prior to the knockout stages, take a look at the power rankings of all the SFC teams below.
12. Na Piarsaigh
The Caherdavin side have been flirting with relegation for a number of years now and it seems inevitable that they will find themselves in the second tier sooner rather than later.
Without the services of their hurlers, the City side have struggled and last reached the knockout stage in 2016. Are up against it in seasoned St Kierans.
11. Galbally
The team with the worst scoring difference after the group stages, Galbally find themselves two more losses from relegation, just over a year after they reached the semi-finals of the competition.
After a solid performance against Newcastle in the opening round, they lost by fifteen against Fr Caseys, scoring just three times in the contest. They will need to et back to the form of 2020 to avoid the relegation final.
10. Ballylanders
Last year’s finalists are in relegation danger after consecutive reversals against newly promoted Claughaun and Monaleen. The City duo have improved in recent years but Landers will be very disappointed to find themselves in the current situation.
While they will be slight favourites against Galbally, it will not be easy for them.
9. St Kierans
The West side are in the relegation play-offs for the second consecutive year but it could have been all so different as they lost both their group games by a solitary point.
They will fancy their chances against Na Piarsaigh with the likes of Darragh Treacy expected to be back after missing the opening rounds.
8. Oola
Scraped through to the quarter-final courtesy of a last minute goal over Na Piarsaigh. Were well beaten by Adare in the opening round.
Have been without their intercounty hurlers who have proved as adept with the big ball in recent years. Up against it but facing SFC sophmores Galtee Gaels, the 2019 finalists will be confident of advancing.
7. Ballysteen
A one point win over St Kierans booked their place in the quarter-finals for the fourth successive year. However, were well beaten by Galtee Gaels in round three.
Have the toughest task in the quarter-finals in the form of Adare, but upset the odds at the same stage last year defeating Fr Caseys. Can they do it again?
6. Claughaun
Have dramatically over achieved in their first year back at the grade after a decade long absence. Deserved winners over last years finalists Ballylanders in round one and were only three points off a strong Monaleen side.
Up against it in the quarters where they face Newcastle but with Senior status for next year secured, they have nothing to lose against the 2019 champions.
5. Fr Caseys
Perennial underachievers, like their opponents on Friday, Fr Caseys showed their good and their bad in their two group games. Destroyed Galbally in their opener but were on the receiving end of a comprehensive loss to Newcastle West in the third round.
Have the squad depth to go all the way but fell at the same stage last year. Will be hoping to go one better this year in what looks like the most even quarter-final tie.
4. Galtee Gaels
Judging from their group stage games, Galtee Gaels are the most improved team in the Senior championship. Defeating Drom Broadford in the relegation decider last year has brought on John McGrath’s young side leaps and bounds.
Showed real grit to reel in St Kierans in their opener and were full value for a five point in over Ballysteen in round three. But in Oola, they are facing a difficult opponent in the last eight.
3. Monaleen
Two wins from the City side who overcame Ballylanders and Claughaun. The manner of their win over Ballylanders, who needed a win to avoid the relegation final, was especially impressive.
Fr Caseys await in the quarters which is the standout tie of the round. A side who have promised so much with underage success, could this year be the one where they fulfill the potential?
2. Newcastle West
Munster Club Senior Football Championship Quarter Final, Mallow 10/11/2019
Nemo Rangers v Newcastle West
Mandatory Credit. (Image: ©INPHO/Tom O’Hanlon)
Somewhat stumbled past Galbally in the first round, Newcastle made their mark in the final round with a comprehensive win over Fr Caseys.
Have been guilty of having an off day in recent years but on their day, they are arguably the best side in the county. Barring a huge shock, they will advance to the semi-finals.
1. Adare
The defending champions picked up two wins from two to advance into the quarter-finals with relative ease. A pair of 1-13 to 0-6 wins over Na Piarsaigh and Oola were achieved respectively.
Still favourites to retain.
The post SFC Power Rankings | Adare still the team to beat as the Limerick Senior Football Championship reaches the quarter-finals appeared first on Sporting Limerick.
