Hard to see many shocks ahead of huge Kildare SFC weekend

Sixteen teams were there at the outset of the Joe Mallon Motors SFC; reduced to 12 after the group games and now following last weekend's action we are down to eight — the quarter-finals — all down for decision this weekend.

The line up reads:
Celbridge v Sarsfields;
Clane v Johnstownbridge;
Raheens v Athy;
Naas v Moorefield.

Probably the eight teams that most would have chosen before the action began; Maynooth, most would agree were the unlucky side to miss out.

Celbridge v Sarsfields:
And what a mouth-watering prospect we have to get Saturday's action under way, two of the sides that would be on any short list of ultimate honours.

Celbridge came through their group with three wins out of three defeating Clane, Clogherinkoe and Carbury.
Extremely impressive at times while at other times maybe lapsed back into old habits.

Sarsfields, one just one game in group, that to Maynooth and while they just scraped in due to the Naas and Athy drawing they are there on merit.

Second favourites before the start, they certainly have not been firing on all cylinders; what they do have is one Barry Coffey, who is playing out of his skin.

A big worry is the availability of county Ban McCormack who was forced off on Sunday after a collision with one of his own players.

Celbridge have disappointed so many times in recent times but this could be their chance to take out a big scalp and when you see they have eight present or former county players, add in Killian Browne and you have a side more than capable.
Hard as it is to look beyond Sarsfields but this could be the turn of Celbridge to take out Pat Flanagan's side.
Prediction: Celbridge.

Clane v Johnstownbridge:
Last season's beaten finalists Clane, without setting the place alight are back looking for a place in the last four.
They were runners-up to Celbridge in the group and look like a team improving as the championship unfolds.

One part of their game that needs improvement is the spread of scorers. Sam McCormack hit 1-6 of 1-8 against Celbridge and needs a bit of assistance.

The possibility of the return of ???? McLoughlin would be a huge boost and along with Shane O'Sullivan, Adam Fanning can pose a bit threat.

Johnstownbridge went their their group unbeaten having got the better of Moorefield, Kilcock and Ballyteague.
It looks like they could be missing the Cribbin boys, Paul and Keith through injury and there Clane must be in with a great chance of advancing.
Prediction: Clane.

Raheens v Athy:
Although it looked one of the easier groups Raheens had their quarter-final spot booked prior to their last game when they lost out to Confey, having earlier defeated Eadestown and St Laurence's.

They have made it a habit of scoring late goals and they will surely have to find the net to advance on Sunday.

Athy, one of the fancied sides to make a big impact will go into this one as firm favourites with Kevin Feely leading the charge along with the Kelly boys, Niall and Barry; the Hyland brothers, David and mark; the experienced Cathal McCarron and midfielder Paschal Connell they get a firm vote to progress.
Prediction: Athy.

Naas v Moorefield:
And so to the champions, Naas, now seeking three senior titles in a row.
Short odds favourites before a ball was kicked,they have already captured the Division 1 title and the Leinster Leader Cup this season.

Having defeated Sarsfields and Maynooth in an extremely strong group they were then held by Athy in their final game.
One can dismiss that performance as simply one of those things but then when you realise that if they had defeated Athy they would have put Sarsfields out of the competition — so there was a lot to play for in that game.

In the end in one of the most disappointing games todate they settled, along with Athy, for a draw.
Still missing Darragh Kirwan and influential wing back Tom Browne, they nevertheless have an extremely strong panel to choose from.

From Luke Mullins in goals, Brian Byrne and Eoin Doyle; James Burke, Alex Beirne, Eamonn Callaghan, the influential Jack McKevitt, not forgetting the Hanafin boys and Kevin Cummins — strong or what.

Moorefield have certainly not been setting the place alight but have progressed to the quarters on merit, showing a little improvement along the way with a lot of young, inexperience players getting their opportunity along with the experienced Tom Kinsella, Ryan Houlihan, Mark Dempsey, Liam Callaghan, Kevin Murnaghan, James Murray Aaron Masterson, Jason Philips and Adam Tyrrell.

Naas will be very short odds to advance, which they should, but The Moores will not lie down and roll over; Ger Brennan has done a very good job all things considered but it is just impossible to oppose Naas.
Prediction: Naas.

SFC RELEGATION FINAL
Ballyteague and St Laurence's are in the final everyone was hoping to avoid as both bid to retain their senior status.
The Larks, without Jimmy Hyland are, understandably, under pressure and while the news on the county man is very encouraging of late, it is probably he will miss this.
Larries have their own problems with Podge Fogarty also out through injury, a big loss.
Difficult one to call but on the balance St Laurence's get the nod to retain senior status, that with the provision that Jimmy Hyland misses out.
Prediction: St Laurence's.