Preview: AIB Leinster Club Junior Football Quarter Final- Man O’War v Ballinacor

Wed, 1st November 2023

By Conor Martin

After ending a 44-year wait for a Go-Ahead Dublin Junior Football Championship on Sunday, Man O’War are looking forward to taking on Wicklow Junior A Football Championship winners Ballinacor in the AIB Leinster Club Junior Football Championship in Aughrim.

The North County Dublin club ended their long wait for county glory with a hard-fought three-point win over O’Dwyers at the weekend.

A goal from Sam Clancy in the second-half was the only daylight between the two clubs. The Northsiders clicked in front of the posts, with Shane Moore and John Fleming proving to be a handful for the O’Dwyers defence.

Conor Dolan was also a constant threat, but Willie Moore would get the game's best score with a vintage free from the sideline that sailed over the bar.

Their opponents this Saturday, Ballinacor, are also riding high and are looking forward to returning to intermediate football next year after being relegated in 2021.

James Murphy was the key in the final win over Shillelagh-Coolboy, as he scored (2-6, 0-3f) and will be a man Man O’War have to keep quiet in their Leinster last eight clash. Paddy Byrne also can be clinical on frees.

With rain currently forecast in Wicklow on Saturday, you can expect the weather to be a factor in what is bound to be a closely fought affair that will be won and lost by the barest of margins.