Offaly SFC reaches business end

Tullamore's Harry Plunkett ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

The knockout picture in the Offaly SFC is now known after the final round of group matches took place at the weekend.

Rhode and Ferbane have qualified directly for the semi-finals after finishing first and second in Group 1 thanks to wins over four-in-a-row chasing Tullamore and Shamrocks respectively. They await the winners of the Shamrocks v Clara and Tullamore v Ballycommon quarter-finals, with a draw taking place to decide which of the quarter-final winners they will play.

Clara took top spot in the weaker Group 2 by virtue of their superior scoring difference over Ballycommon, who had completed their programme of group games before last weekend. Last year’s senior ‘B’ champions saw off Durrow, who face Bracknagh in the relegation final. Bracknagh’s draw with local rivals Clonbullogue on Sunday wasn’t enough to keep them out of the playoff.

The Senior ‘B’ Championship semi-final pairings are Daingean v Tullamore and Ballinagar v Tubber, with Ballycumber and Cappincur facing off in the relegation decider.

The knockout / relegation line-up is as follows:

Senior Football Championship

Semi-finalists – Rhode and Ferbane

Quarter-finals – Tullamore v Ballycommon; Shamrocks v Clara

Relegation final – Durrow v Bracknagh;

Senior ‘B’ Football Championship

Semi-finals: Daingean v Tullamore; Ballinagar v Tubber

Relegation final – Ballycumber v Cappincur

Intermediate Football Championship

Semi-finalists – Raheen and Ferbane

Quarter-finals – Edenderry v Walsh Island; St Brigid's v Gracefield

Junior ‘A’ Football Championship

Semi-finals – Doon v Shannonbridge; Erin Rovers v Clodiagh Gaels