Irvinestown and Belcoo have both secured their main aim in the league, which was promotion to Division One, but with silverware on the line on Sunday both sides will be keen to finish of the competition as champions when they meet in the Division Two final.

Irvinestown will go into the decider at Brewster Park as favourites after an impressive league campaign that saw them finish with a 100 per cent record and there is no doubt that they will be keen to keep that run going on Sunday.

“There is only two teams who can win silverware in the league every year, that’s Division One and Division Two, and you would like to win it when you are there. It doesn’t come around every year so when you have the opportunity you have to make the most of it,” said Irvinestown manager Francie Ward.

Irvinestown had their promotion confirmed on Friday night when Brookeborough conceded the points and Ward is delighted to be back in Division One.

“It is great to get back to Division One. It didn’t look too good after the Players’ Competition but the three week break really did us a favour and we have kicked on since then.

“Unfortunately, most of my playing career was in Division Two and it is a tough, tough division to get out of.

“There are a lot of teams who can take points of each other but thankfully we got a run and got the right teams at the right time and we showed massive character to come back and win some of our games which was important.”

Tough game

He is expecting a big examination though when they face the O’Rahillys on Sunday.

“Belcoo will be a big test. They are an experienced team, a lot of those players have played in a senior championship final and they are very well drilled. It is a 50/50 game,” he added.

Belcoo manager Barry Hanrahan believes his side will be the underdogs going into the final but says that his side are there on merit and they will be going there to try and claim the victory.

“Irvinestown will undoubtedly be favourites going into the league final. They have shown their quality throughout the league, remaining unbeaten,” he said.

“A few weeks ago, promotion seemed remote, but we are here and over the course of the league we deserve to be here contesting a league final.

“The goal was to get back to Division One, which has been achieved, so we have the added bonus of trying to win some silverware for Belcoo.”

Hanrahan is very aware of the danger that Irvinestown carry in their side but he feels it will come down to which ever side produces the goods on the day.

“Irvinestown have plenty of threats and are a team that likes to move the ball quickly so we will have to be switched on if we are to get anything from this game.

“Which ever team performs on the day will win. Finals are few and far between so we will be doing our utmost to win it.

“We are coming in as underdogs and we accept that fact. Francie Ward is a man that has my utmost respect and I wish him and his team well. But finals are there to be won and once the ball is thrown up, it’s every man for himself,” he commented.

There may be a title up for grabs but both managers are also looking further ahead with the two agreeing that this is the ideal preparation for their respective Intermediate Championship campaigns.

“It is the perfect preparation and it is two teams are are probably going to be pushing the Intermediate Championship. I think it will be a good game,” said Ward while Hanrahan is delighted to have another competitive game.

“The final is also an extra game in preparation for the Intermediate Championship and the more games you play the better. It should help us as we start to ramp up our Championship preparations in earnest,” he said.