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

Driven to avenge their loss to Glen two years ago, St Brigid’s have no shortage of proven inter-county pedigree in their ranks.

Former All-Star nominee Brian Stack is one of the game’s finest man-markers and has captained Roscommon in the past three seasons, while Ben O’Carroll carries a significant threat at the other end after returning from a lengthy injury lay-off.

Bobby Nugent has also been a dependable supplier of scores, while it was Ruaidhri Fallon – another county player – who came up with the decisive goal in the Connacht final for Anthony Cunningham’s side.

But Scotstown have serious firepower, too. Goalkeeper Rory Beggan continues to defy the number on his back, hitting 11 points in the Ulster final, while Jack McCarron has often shown his penchant for deciding big games in Monaghan colours.

Beggan and McCarron are just two of Scotstown’s sizeable inter-county cohort, which also includes Ryan O’Toole, All-Star Conor McCarthy and Shane Carey. Hughes brothers Darren and Kieran – both retired from the county game – also provide a wealth of experience and big-game mettle for McCague’s side.

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

Reaching this season’s decider would represent another significant achievement for a side who have laid some ghosts to rest in recent weeks.

Before Scotstown and St Brigid’s square off on Sunday, Leinster champions Ballyboden St Enda’s – who have Antrim’s Peter Healy in their ranks – and first-time Munster kingpins Dingle meet in the first semi-final at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Saturday (15:15 GMT).