It's quarter-finals weekend in the SFC with town rivals Garrycastle and Athlone facing off in Moate on Saturday evening and last year's intermediate winners Tubberclair meeting The Downs in Cusack Park 24 hours later.

The clash of champions Garrycastle and Athlone is certain to draw a big crowd to Hogan Park. Athlone have traditionally had the upper hand in meetings between the local rivals, but despite a disappointing showing against Mullingar Shamrocks in their last outing, Garrycastle are firm favourites to progress to the semi-finals.

"I suppose we're hoping our greater experience of this type of game will stand to us and hopefully get us through," Garrycastle manager Anthony Cunningham said.

"But it's going to be ever-so-close and the local rivalry potentially makes it an even tighter contest. Athlone have had a good run in the championship and will have every incentive to beat Garrycastle, but it's the very same for us."

Athlone look set to be without injured centre back Damien Kelly, while county player Alan Gaughan is unable to line out due to his contractual commitments with rugby club Garryowen.

Garrycastle will welcome back Dessie Dolan after his recent honeymoon, but James Duignan remains an injury concern.

Tubberclair are hoping Fergal Wilson will be available for their clash with The Downs after he suffered a recurrence of his knee injury against Maryland. They will see this as a great opportunity to reach the semi-finals, but The Downs are always a tough nut to crack in the championship.

The Tubberclair-The Downs quarter-final will be preceded by the SFC relegation playoff between Coralstown/Kinnegad and St. Malachy's, while the IFC quarter-final between Tang and Caulry will act as the curtain-raiser to the Garrycastle-Athlone clash. Tweet

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