Ulster Championship first round

Donegal v Cavan

Saturday, Kingspan Breffni, 5pm

DONEGAL have been the dominant side in the Ulster Championship in recent times, although they didn’t participate in last year’s competition.

It’s a busy period for the Tir Chonaill county and only for narrowly losing out to Cork in last weekend’s league semi-final, this game was unlikely to have taken place as they may have wanted the week to prepare.

Boss Maxi Curran rued his side’s defending in the 5-10 to 3-13 defeat to the Rebels, but he is looking forward to the packed schedule with the All-Ireland Championship also coming quickly into view.

“I think it’s been a brilliant season so far,” he said. “It’s hell for leather. They’re training and then they’re playing games right away. I think it’s the way forward. It has the makings of a great championship.”

Cavan too suffered league semi-final disappointment last weekend, in the Division Two competition, as they lost 0-13 to 0-9 to Meath.

That tally was somewhat surprising as Gerry Moane’s team had hit 2-12, 4-11 and 3-11 in their three group game victories.

Roisin O’Keefe missed the match through injury and Breffni fans will be hoping that she will be available for this clash.

Verdict: Donegal

Ulster Championship first round

Armagh v Monaghan

Friday, Athletic Grounds, 7.30pm

IT’S a repeat of last year’s final as holders Armagh attempt to hold off the challenge of a resurgent Monaghan.

These two counties played out a provincial final to round off the 2020 season, and it proved to be a fine contest with Ronan Murphy’s side claiming their first Ulster title in six seasons with a 0-17 to 0-15 win.

The Orchard ladies had been firm favourites heading into that game as they came so close to getting the better of Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final a few weeks previous, but they got all they wanted from a Cora Courtney inspired Monaghan.

The sides met a few weeks ago in the National League and it was the Oriel county who prevailed at the Athletic Grounds on a 2-11 to 1-13 scoreline. Laura McEnaney grabbed both goals while Shauna Coyle also excelled for the visitors.

They followed that up with a comfortable win over Tyrone to secure a semi-final spot last weekend, but unlike their men’s team, they were unable to finish the job in extra-time. Instead, the match went all the way to a free-kick shoot-out.

It was Kerry who prevailed by a point after the sides had finished with 1-8 apiece in normal time. Ciara McAnespie’s goal in normal time was key while Ellen McCarron raised a green flag in extra-time, however the Kingdom held their nerve during the shoot-out.

Armagh lost two of their three games, but Murphy won’t panic yet. Narrow defeats to Monaghan and Cavan stopped any chance of a semi-final appearance, but the side will be confident that they can raise their game when they need to.

They have struggled at times around the middle, but their attack still remains deadly with Aimee Mackin going well, Alex Clarke making her mark, while Aoife McCoy has a knack of getting in for goals.

Verdict: Armagh