Ranking the All-Ireland club football championship contenders
Monday 26 November 2018 13:00, UK
With six teams left in the race for the All-Ireland club championship, we rank the clubs on their likelihood of landing the Andy Merrigan Cup.
6. Mullinalaghta St Columba's
The Longford side are preparing for a David vs Goliath clash in the Leinster final. Facing up against Kilmacud Crokes, a Dublin southside suburban club with a significant catchment area, St Columba's hail from a parish of less than 400 people.
Their 18-point hammering of Carlow champions Éire Óg suggest Mullinalaghta are more than up to the task of going toe-to-toe with Crokes as they aim for a major scalp.
5. Gaoth Dobhair
The Gaeltacht outfit will fancy their chances after an impressive win over Crossmaglen in the Ulster semi-final. Flying the flag for Donegal, a county with a dismal recent record in the Ulster club competition, this experienced bunch won't be lacking in belief.
4. Scotstown
The Ulster final looks like a toss-up, as the Monaghan champions prepare to face Gaoth Dobhair. Rory Beggan has been making headlines during Scotstown's run to the Ulster final, but this side are about much more than just the Farney shot-stopper.
After four consecutive county titles, and an Ulster final appearance in 2015, this group aim to take the next step in Omagh next Sunday.
3. Kilmacud Crokes
The Stillorgan side just edged Portlaoise in the Leinster semi-final, and look like real contenders ahead of the provincial decider. The form of Paul Mannion ensures they have a touch of class up front, and their Dublin campaign will give them belief that they can take down any team in the country.
2. Dr Crokes
The Killarney side regained the Munster title after a comfortable victory over St Joseph's Milltown Malbay. Much has been made of the depth within this Crokes side, with Colm Cooper being kept on the bench.
Their 5-20 registered from play in the win over the Barrs in the semi-final fired a warning shot to the rest of the country, and it's going to take an impressive performance to stop them winning their second All-Ireland title in three seasons.
1. Corofin
The reigning All-Ireland champions won their third consecutive Connacht title on Sunday as they aim to become just the fourth club to defend the Andy Merrigan Cup, after Crossmaglen Rangers, St Finbarr's and UCD.
Ian Burke's introduction from the bench inspired their provincial final win over Ballintubber as they now look ahead to the All-Ireland semi-final. There is not much to suggest that they are any weaker than last year, and thus remain the team to beat.
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