🚨 Antrim SFC drama alert! This weekend, the Antrim Senior Football Championship is set for an epic conclusion to the group stages. Teams are on the brink of quarter-final glory, while others are battling to avoid relegation. Every game counts, with twists and turns expected until the very last whistle. Who will rise, and who will fall?

The Antrim Senior Football Championship reaches a critical juncture this weekend, with intense battles set to unfold as teams vie for coveted quarter-final spots and desperately fight to avoid relegation to the Intermediate grade.

While five of the eight quarter-final berths are already secured, and St Brigid’s are on the cusp of joining them, the final round of group stage matches promises high drama and complex Antrim SFC permutations for many clubs across County Antrim.

In Group One, a mouth-watering clash between holders Cargin and Dunloy will determine who tops the group, a significant encounter that is a repeat of the 2023 final. The winner of this hotly anticipated fixture will likely secure a more favorable draw, potentially avoiding a strong St Brigid’s side in the last eight of the Gaelic Football championship.

Group Two sees last season’s beaten finalists Portglenone in a strong position, needing only to avoid defeat against Aldergrove to clinch the top spot. Aldergrove, unfortunately, are already consigned to the relegation play-offs, highlighting the stark contrast in stakes for both teams and their Quarter-Final Qualifiers hopes.

The most intricate scenario unfolds in Group Four, where St Brigid’s, despite an unbeaten run, face a slim but real possibility of missing out on a quarter-final spot. Such a turn of events hinges on them losing to Aghagallon and Ahoghill securing a massive victory over St Paul’s, creating a highly improbable 48-point swing in scoring differences, adding to the Championship Permutations.

Beyond the pursuit of championship glory, a significant focus this weekend will be on the relegation battle, where several teams face the daunting prospect of dropping down to the Intermediate grade for the 2026 season. These matches carry immense pressure, with club pride and future prospects on the line for those entangled in the lower half of the Antrim SFC standings.

The structure of the quarter-final draws is pre-determined, setting up intriguing cross-group encounters. Winners and runners-up from Group One will face their counterparts from Group Four, while Group Two and Group Three teams will clash in the final eight, ensuring a diverse range of matchups in the knockout stages of the Ulster GAA competition.

As the Antrim SFC season progresses, these final group games are not merely about points; they are about momentum, psychological advantage, and avoiding the dreaded drop. Every score, every tackle, and every decision will be scrutinized as the Championship permutations play out, shaping the destiny of clubs vying for ultimate success or battling to retain their senior status.