Allenwood vs Castledermot - An IFC decider too close to call

The Auld Shebeen Athy Intermediate football Championship has sprung many surprises in its usual unpredictability. The IFC is an oxymoron, it is almost expectedly chaotic and typically delivers on that due to the presence of the narrowest of margins between many of the teams at the sharp end of the competition.

It all comes down to two teams with incredible stories behind their journey to this year’s final, which takes place in Netwatch Dr Cullen Park, Carlow on October 22.

Castledermot, the side who came up short against shock championship winners Ballyteague at the same stage 12 months ago. And Allenwood, who few would have backed at the start of this Championship to reach this stage, with their elder statesmen and youthful blend.

We’ll start with Allenwood and their route to the final. In particular, their last two games, which could not be more contrasting. Their most recent win at the semi-final stage will be what manager Noel Mooney will hope they can replicate against Castledermot.

There were standout performances from full-forward Eoin Bagnall and centre-back Darragh Malone, who both made crucial scoreboard and open play contributions in very different ways.

Bagnall created space for himself with clever runs and was exceptional in his long-range shooting, which was vital against Monasterevan’s deep-lying defence. Malone created from deep, either for himself or others as he got forward to wreak havoc at the other end.

Both will be huge as their side are likely to once again face a tight, defensive set-up when they take on Castledermot. Their level of attacking slickness and ability to carve open the opposition will have to be at the same, if not up another level as they face an incredibly organised Castledermot team.

Allenwood’s journey to the final means a 45 year-old Johnny Doyle is back in his first county final since 2006 following their semi-final win over Monasterevan. The evergreen Doyle has produced moments this year that have blown everyone away and gained national attention when the iconic figure stuck over an incredible score, from an outrageous angle to level against Caragh in the last minute of their quarter-final clash.

Also in Allenwood’s experienced leader department, they possess Johnny Byrne, a dual player who remained one of the busiest players in Kildare in 2023. County duties with Kildare hurlers and two maximised campaigns as he reached county finals in both football and hurling as his small ball side Coill Dubh came up against the titanic Naas hurlers in the final. Byrne’s experience and quality will be vital to this Allenwood team on the big occasion.

The aforementioned Caragh win was the standout clash of this Championship and ignited Allenwood’s campaign. An equalising moment for the ages and a convincing display in extra-time could be needed again as they face a step-up in quality for this final.

Now to their opponents, often hailed for their defensive structure and disciplined press, Castledermot put 3-12 on the board in their semi-final against Two Mile House. Their standout contribution came from Emmet O’Keefe with 2-3 on the day, and that type of clinical finishing shown by O’Keefe when chances are created by Castledermot will no doubt be key on the final day against Allenwood.

David and Gavin Keating are never far from the positive end of the scoring charts either, as they demonstrated against The House. Gavin hit five pints containing four frees and his coolness under pressure from set-pieces could be vital in those crucial moments. David hit 1-1 and they alongside the previously mentioned O’Keefe will all be looking to be heavily involved in those often fruitful Casteldermot counter-

attacks.

Mentioned above as in the same category as Monasterevan in terms of style, Casteldermot in truth possess far more quality in the way they execute their game plan. It may be stylistically similar, but the increased coaching and set-up quality is easily seen as last year’s finalists epitomise what is expected from a diligent and resilient outfit.

This final has legends, storylines and a redemption arc. This year’s Intermediate Football Championship final has all the built-in narrative Vince McMahon would want from a WWE pay-per-view, but this is organic and very much real as these sides go in search of silverware and senior status.