Dublin champions, St Vincent’s, begin their defence of Leinster title against Wicklow’s Rathnew in Sunday’s AIB Leinster club SFC quarter-final in Aughrim (2.0).
Rathnew have the benefit of a provincial contest under their belt already having overcome Louth champions, Newtown Blues, in Drogheda last Sunday week.
Vincent’s defeated Ballymun Kickhams in the Dublin SFC final and picked up a few injuries that night.
Rathnew goalkeeper, Peter Dignam, has been cleared to play (following a hearing) after Leinster CCC's had originally proposed a one-match ban arising out of an incident in their victory over Newtown Blues.
Last year Vincent’s defeated Carlow’s Palatine (0-16 to 0-8), Longford’s St Columba’s of Mullinlagta (2-12 to 0-11) and Offaly’s Rhode (1-16 to 0-12) on their way to their seventh Leinster club senior football championship title.
Rathnew legend, former Wicklow senior Leighton Glynn, is looking forward to Sunday’s encounter.
“We know it’s a massive challenge on Sunday, obviously. We know the quality of players that St Vincent’s have, how they’ve dominated Dublin the last few years. There’s serious quality there,” says Leighton.
“At the same time we feel we have the experience, a few of our own strengths to work on, that maybe Vincent’s haven’t been presented with yet.
“Home advantage as well. The one thing about Rathnew is we never go out to take part. We go out to win every game, and that’s the same on Sunday.”
Meanwhile, Ballyboughal face Laois’ Emo in their Leinster club IFC quarter-final replay at home this Saturday afternoon.
The sides played out a thrilling draw last Saturday in Emo.
SATURDAY
**LEINSTER CLUB JHC FINAL
**
Innovate Wexford Park: St Mogue's Fethard (Wexford) v John Lockes (Kilkenny), 12.0, T Gleeson (Dublin)
LEINSTER CLUB IFC QUARTER-FINAL REPLAY
Ballyboughal: Ballyboughal (Dublin) v Emo (Laois), 2.0, P Maguire (Longford)
LEINSTER CLUB IFC SEMI-FINAL
Pairc Ui Suiochan, Gorey: Killanerin (Wexford) v St Mary’s Rochfortbridge (Westmeath), 2.0, N McKenna (Kildare)
**SUNDAY (2.0 unless stated)
**
LEINSTER CLUB SFC QUARTER-FINALS
(Extra-time if necessary)
Aughrim: Rathnew (Wicklow) v St Vincent's (Dublin), D Gough (Meath)
O'Moore Park: Portlaoise (Laois) v Moorefield (Kildare), D Coldrick (Meath)
Glennon Brothers Pearse Park: Mullinalaghta (Longford) v St Loman's (Westmeath), C Reilly (Meath)
Innovate Wexford Park: Starlights (Wexford) v Simonstown Gaels (Meath), A Nolan (Wicklow)