Revealed: Louth Junior Championship Quarter-finals draws announced

After three rounds of football, the knockout stages of the DKIT Sport Junior Football Championship are finally upon as, with the draw held at the Louth GAA Centre of Excellence in Darver last night.

The marquee draw of the contest is the prospect of the in-form Lannleire taking on either county semi-finalists Naomh Fionnbarra or last year's runners up Glyde Rangers. They collide later this evening in Darver (throw in 8PM) to decide who tops Group 3.

There is also an outside chance of St Nicholas, who at the minute sit in third position, progressing to a date with the men from Dunleer. But their chances of making the knockout stages took a big hit when they lost to Annaghminnon Rovers.

Currently, if the ‘Barrs win, St Nicholas’s will have to hope they do so by nine, so they edge Glyde on score difference. An eight-point loss for Rangers will see them go level on score difference, but out on the head-to-head rule, having lost in the opening round to the Nicks.

Nicky Malone's troops have been the form team in the Junior Championship this season. They topped Group 4 following impressive wins over Na Piarsaigh, Sean McDermotts and Naomh Malachi.

Whoever ends up topping Group 3 will find themselves with a tough tie too, having been drawn to play what looks to be the strongest of the second seeds in John Mitchels. The Ballybailie men lost out in the first round to Oliver Plunketts, 1-9 to 1-5, before earning their place in the quarter finals courtesy of a victory over Westerns, 0-14 to 0-7.

Speaking of the Drogheda men, who finished the group stages with two wins from two, they have been drawn to play Cuchulainn Gaels. They are in the quarters for just the second time in their history, the first since 2021, having earned their spot with a comfortable victory over Dowdallshill.

The final draw sees Wolfe Tones taking on Naomh Malachi. The Drogheda club had a resurgent season last year in their run to Semi-Finals and in 2023 had decisive wins over Cuchulainn Gaels and Dowdallshill. The Courtbane men finished second in Group 4, having defeated Na Piarsaigh and Sean McDermotts.   

Senior Championship Group 1: Naomh Mairtin showcase their championship credentials

Ardee St Mary's begin their Joe Ward Cup defence with comfortable victory

DKIT Sport JFC Q/Final Draw

Lannleire vs Runners Up of Group 3 (Glyde Rangers/Naomh Fionnbarra/St Nicholas)

Winners Group 3 (Glyde Rangers/Naomh Fionnbarra/St Nicholas) vs John Mitchels

Wolfe Tones vs Naomh Malachi

Oliver Plunketts vs Cuchulainn Gaels