By Michael McMullan

BALLINASCREEN will host a double header of Ulster minor hurling on Friday with both semi-finals down for decision.

Now in the 27th season of the competition, Lavey eye their third title, with Éire Óg Carrickmore and Dunloy bidding for a second with Down champions Bredagh yet to take home the title.

In the first game (12noon), Dunloy take on Éire Óg Carrickmore who have already two games under their belt.

Éire Óg were winners over Craobh Ciaran to lift the shield earlier this month with Francy Hurson and Kevin Cuddy key players in their side.

Dunloy will hope a recent challenge game and training sessions have been enough to keep themselves ticking over since stopping Loughgiel’s drive for five in the Antrim decider.

Mickey McClements, a member of the Antrim champions’ management team, spoke of their disappointing record in the competition and have been focussing on lifting their own performance.

The second semi-final pits Lavey up against Bredagh (2pm) and the Erin’s Own will be hoping to have James Sergeant operating on full power after a recent injury.

Lavey, winners in 1996 and 2005, have been enjoying a recent underage hurling resurgence to match the football successes of late.

The prize for the winners is a spot in January’s final and a chance to be start 2024 with silverware.