All to play for as Offaly Intermediate Football Championship approaches final stage

THE Offaly Intermediate Football Championship has developed into one of the most exciting, keenly contested competitions of the year.

Even now with the semi-finals approaching this weekend, there are no obvious or clerarcut favourites and that can't be said about any other championship.

Erin Rovers play St Brigid's and Daingean meet Tullamore in the two semi-finals and not only do we not know who will win these cames but we have no real idea who will emerge as champions – those two games seem very neatly poised, the four teams very evenly matched and it will make for a compelling conclusion.

St Brigid's v Erin Rovers: Saturday, September 9 in Ballinagar 3pm

St Brigid's have turned a corner this year, qualifying for the semi-finals as group winners and they have a lot going for them. They have an Offaly senior footballer in Cian Donoghue and some exciting young players have been a great additition to them this year.

Erin Rovers came down out of senior “B” last year and the jury is out on them. They have a very good chance of going the whole way but there are doubts and they were fortunate that Ballinagar let them off the hook in the quarter-final.

The experience of playing at a higher grade in recent years is a help to Erin Rovers but this is a real 50-50 game with no outcome a surprise.

Verdict – Erin Rovers.

Daingean v Tullamore: Sunday, September 10 in Geashill 12 noon

If someone gave you a €100 and told you to place a bet on a team for charity, it would have to go on Daingean but Tullamore's late emergence and development has created a great unknown in this championship – these two sides meet on Sunday in what is an intriguing pairing.

Daingean lost to Ballinagar in their last group game but had already qualified for the semi-finals while Ballinagar had to win to get out. That result must be ignored and it will be a different Daingean team on Sunday.

Daingean have been the most impressive team so far but Tullamore are now very dangerous opposition. Tullamore' second team will always be strong once they put in any effort and the return of some players from abroad has really strengthened their hand. They got over Ferbane in the quarter-final and will be stronger for this one.

It is more or less a 50-50 game. Daingean defeated Tullamore by 2-11 to 1-8 in the first round but everyone involved will be ignoring that result. It is a very different Tullamore team now and a win for them would not raise an eyebrow of surprise.

Verdict – Daingean.