Limerick SFC Power Rankings | Table toppers continue their winning ways as final four confirmed

The quarter-finals of the Limerick SFC were played over the weekend.

We are down to the final four in the Limerick SFC with Adare, Galtee Gaels, Newcastle West and Monaleen still vying for championship honours.

These sides will meet later this month with the season coming to an end for six clubs at the weekend.

🚨Limerick SFC | Semi-Final Pairings

Adare v Galtee Gaels in Kilmallock
Newcastle v Monaleen in Mick Neville Park

To be played on either the 10th or 16th of October.

— Jack Neville (@JackNev30) September 27, 2021

At the other end of the scale, Galbally face Na Piarsaigh in the relegation decider.

Ahead of that clash and the semi-finals we present our power rankings.

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12. Na Piarsaigh

(-)

Took St Kierans to extra-time in the relegation semi-final but find themselves in danger of dropping once more.

Their recent record in the competition has been very poor as they face into a second relegation final in four years.

11. Galbally

(-)

After reaching the semi-finals of the competition in 2020, Galbally are now in the relegation final after losing to Ballylanders.

Will be favoured to overcome the Caherdaving outfit but in a one off game, it is a perilous situation.

10. St Kierans

(-1)

A disappointing year for the 2019 semi-finalists as they found themselves in a relegation battle for the second successive year.

However, were severely hampered by injury in the opening rounds and will be hopeful for a clean bill of health in 2022 after retaining their place in the top tier.

9. Ballylanders

(+1)

Leading from start to finish against Galbally, Ballylanders outlined exactly what they are capable of. But after reaching the final last year, they will look back on the current campaign with much regret.

Will be keen on a return to a longer group stage as they often seem to perform better as the season progresses.

8. Oola

(-)

A year to forget for Oola as they picked up just one win from three, with that being against relegation favourite Na Piarsaigh where they needed a last minute goal.

Without their intercounty players, they have failed to reach the same levels that saw them reach the 2019 county final as Galtee Gaels ended their season at the weekend.

7. Clauaghaun

(-1)

A hugely positive return to life in the top tier for Claughaun who showed little sign of rust when they overcame Ballylanders in their first game back in the top tier for a decade.

The performance against Newcastle probably says more about where the West side are but also shows the gulf between the sides.

Nonetheless, the City side will delighted with their maiden year back at the top table.

6. Ballysteen

(+1)

Failed to impress in the group stages, emerging from arguably the weakest group. But will be satisfied with their quarter-final performance that saw them put it up to champions Adare.

Without the services of their, and Limerick’s, marquee forward Danny Neville, they dominated the county champions in the final quarter of their last eight tie. However, it was too little too late.

Yet, a fourth successive season of knockout football is another positive for the West club.

5. Fr Caseys

(-)

A mixed campaign for Caseys who will feel they should be reaching the semi-finals of the competition consistently. But, their record in the quarter-finals reads very poorly with their last semi-final appearance coming in 2014.

Against Galbally in their opener, they showed their undoubted quality but were well beaten by Newcastle West before being knocked out by Monaleen.

4. Galtee Gaels

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The most improved team in the county, Galtee Gaels have made it three wins from three in their sophomore year in the senior ranks.

Final score
Galtee Gaels 1-12
Oola 0-12
Fantastic second half performance sees Gaels through to the senior semi final
Congratulations lads

— Galtee Gaels GAA (@Galtee_GaelsGAA) September 25, 2021

Since defeating Drom Broadford in last year’s relegation final, the South side have gone from strength to strength.

Faced with Adare in the semi-final, the men from the Galtees will hold little fear over the defending champions.

3. Monaleen

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Starting to deliver on their promise, Monaleen have gone about their business quietly in the 2021 season. Wins over Ballylanders and Claughaun were followed by a four point win over Fr Caseys in the semi-final.

Lost out to Adare by a single point in their previous semi-final clash in 2018 and will be hopeful of a better performance as they only kicked 1-5 on the night.

Against Newcastle West they will definitely be underdogs but the City side certainly have the potential to cause an upset as they did in the league final earlier this year.

2. Newcastle West

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Were comprehensive winners over Claughaun in the quarter-finals with the 2019 champions hitting their stride after a slow start in round one.

Three from three with arguably the strongest squad depth out of the remaining contenders, up next is Monaleen who will certainly cause them some problems.

But it’s hard to bet against them reaching a sixth final in ten years, despite the league loss.

1 . Adare

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The champions remain on top after they were put to the pin of their collar by Ballysteen on Sunday evening but showed their mettle in surviving.

That win will go a long way for the West men who are seeking a fourth championship win in five years.

However, in Galtee Gaels they have a dangerous semi-final opponent waiting.