Derry's 2024 Intermediate Football Championship contenders preview

Tuesday night witnessed the Derry Intermediate Football Championship draw, with Owenbeg as the venue.

The two groups were drawn with six clubs in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively, from which four sides from each group will reach the seeded quarterfinals. 

Three senior division sides, Castledawson, Ballinderry, and Eoghan Rua, drop down to intermediate level, immediately putting these clubs among the favourites to lift the Championship. 

Current league leader Lavey, yet to suffer defeat this season, will be involved in the Senior Football Championship. 

This makes Faughanvale the most in-form side from the intermediate division for the Championship, with the club confident they can finally get over the line and hold aloft their first Intermediate Championship since 1999. 

Meanwhile, Glenullin will be hoping to secure their third consecutive championship victory, as their relatively good form will put them in a good position going into the competition. 

Castledawson are enjoying themselves in the Senior League this campaign, with the club sitting in seventh, but focus will move to the Championship as they look to lift their fourth Intermediate Championship.

But the favourites for the title will be Ballinderry, the 13-time Senior Football Championship winners, as they drop to the Intermediate Championship. 

They currently occupy fourth place in the Senior League, and they will look to bring their form and championship experience to the intermediate level to lift the trophy. 

The first round will be held on August 4, with the final set to take place on October 27.