All-Ireland Club SFC: Ulster champions Scotstown target first final in nearly 50 years

Motivated by revenge for their loss to the Glen two years ago, St Brigid’s have no shortage of proven inter-county pedigree in their ranks.

Former All-Star candidate Brian Stack is one of the best markers in the game and has captained Roscommon for the past three seasons, while Ben O’Carroll carries a huge threat at the other end after returning from a long injury layoff.

Bobby Nugent was also a reliable supplier of scores, while it was Ruaidri Fallon – another county player – who scored the decisive goal in the Connacht final for Anthony Cunningham’s side.

But Scottstown has serious firepower, too. Goalkeeper Rory Beegan continues to defy the number on his back, scoring 11 points in the Ulster final, while Jack McCarron has often shown his penchant for clinching big games in Monaghan colours.

Beagan and McCarron are just two of Scottstown’s senior inter-county group, which also includes Ryan O’Toole, all-stars Connor McCarthy and Shane Curry. The Hughes brothers Darren and Kieran – both retired from the county game – also bring a wealth of experience and mettle to the McCagues in big games.

Scotstown’s only previous All-Ireland final appearance came in 1979 when they lost to Nemo Rangers from Cork.

Reaching the clinch this season would represent another important achievement for a team that has shaken off some ghosts in recent weeks.

Before facing off against Scotstown and St Brigid’s on Sunday, Leinster champions Ballyboden St Enda – who include Antrim’s Peter Healy – and Munster kingpin Dingle meet for the first time in the first semi-final at Birk Ui Chaoimh on Saturday (15:15 GMT).