WE take a look at the weekend of football and hurling action across Ulster.

ANTRIM SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE

Loughgiel v Ballycastle

Sunday, Loughgiel, 2pm

THE Shamrocks had a week off with the bye in their group since their win over Naomh Éanna. Ballycastle opened their account with a draw at home to the Hightown side despite 1-7 from Tiernan Smyth. Both teams will advance but Loughgiel will be tipped for victory and top spot.

Verdict: Loughgiel

St John’s v Rossa

Saturday, Corrigan Park, 6pm

NEITHER team has picked up any points yet with Rossa posing the champions Cushendall plenty of questions in defeat. St John’s are in the same boat where this is knock-out hurling from here on in. The Johnnies are on home soil and need to win. A draw would be enough for Rossa.

Verdict: Rossa

Cushendall v Dunloy

Saturday, Cushendall, 6pm

THIS always had the look of a top of the table clash between the last two winners of the Volunteer Cup. The ‘Dall have the better score difference but were without newly appointed Antrim coach Neil McManus with injury in their last outing. Conal Cunning missed Dunloy’s win over Rossa. It may not be the last meeting. Whoever values top spot more will take the spoils.

Verdict: Cushendall

ANTRIM INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR

St Gall’s v Carey FAUGHS

Friday, St Gall’s, 6.45pm

CAREY are eyeing a second win to give them any chance of making a top two spot in a tough group and a pathway into the semi-finals. St Gall’s have leaked eight goals in their two defeats to date. The late Cloughmills goal that beat Carey in their last game makes this a must win clash and they should pull through.

Verdict: Carey

Cloughmills v Glenariffe

Friday, Cloughmills, 6.45pm

THIS is a top of the table clash in a group that can pan out in any number of ways. Seanie McIntosh bagged the first of four goals as Glenariffe beat Glenarm while Cloughmills had a valuable win over Carey. The toss of a coin but Glenariffe have hurled a higher level all season. It may make a difference.

Verdict: Glenariffe

Cushendun v St Paul’s

Saturday, Cushendun, 5pm

IT would take an unlikely set of results but Cushendun can still make the semi-finals. First up, they’ll need a win at home to a St Paul’s team on a run of form. Cushendun won the league game earlier in the year but will be underdogs. They’ll need a big performance.

Verdict: St Paul’s

Tír na nÓg v Cloney Gaels

Saturday, Tír na nÓg, 5pm

CLONEY have three wins from three and could book their semi-final spot if they make it four this weekend. They’ve the short distance across to Whitehill and Tír na nÓg will be eyeing a spot in the play-offs. It was level in the league and it could go the distance this time.

Verdict: Cloney Gaels

Sarsfields v Glenravel

Saturday, Sarsfields, 5pm

AFTER winning less than a handful of league games, Glenravel have lost all three championship games to date and are all but out of the equation. The Paddies have form and a win could push them into the semi-final conversation.

Verdict: Sarsfields

ANTRIM INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

Davitt’s v Lámh Dhearg

Saturday, Davitt’s, 3pm

IT was a mixed bag for Davitt’s in the group stages with a creditable performance against Rasharkin even in defeat. Lámh Dhearg hurled at a higher level in the league and with an extra group game could be primed at the right time.

Verdict: Lámh Dhearg

Gort na Mona v Ardoyne

Saturday, Gort na Mona, 3pm

IN a competitive group, Gort na Mona more than held their own and had three points to space when they saw off Ardoyne in the league on the way to top spot. They’ve have home advantage to help steer them to the last four.

Verdict: Gort na Mona

ARMAGH SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF

MAGHERY V MULLAGHBAWN

Friday, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 7.30pm

BOTH sides head into the game in good form, having won their most recent games. The addition of Aidan Forker and Ben Crealey have been huge for Maghery while Stefan Forker is in great form as well.

Verdict: Maghery

BALLYMACNAB V CLANN EIREANN

Sunday, Pearse Og Park, 5.15pm

BALLYMACNAB have been struggling without the injured pair of Rory and Jack Grugan along with Ryan Kennedy, while Clann Eireann will have Conor Turbitt to call on after his one-game suspension.

Verdict: Clann Eireann

ARMAGH SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE
GROUP B

CROSSMAGLEN V GRANEMORE

Saturday, Crossmaglen, 6pm

IT’S a straight shootout between Crossmaglen and Granemore for second spot in the group, where the winner will play Silverbridge. Jamie Clarke returned to the Cross fold last week while Rian O’Neill is back from suspension.

Verdict: Crossmaglen

CLAN NA GAEL V SARSFIELDS

Saturday, Davitt Park, 6pm

THIS game is the ultimate dead rubber as neither side has anything to play for. Clan na Gael are sure of their place at the top and a spot in the last eight while Sarsfields have been knocked out of the championship.

Verdict: Clan na Gael

ARMAGH INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF

WHITECROSS V GRANGE

Saturday, Abbey Park, 5pm

WHITECROSS are in good form heading into this game having won back-to-back championship clashes. Grange has Ethan Rafferty to call on while Daire Mallon has returned from America and kicked 0-5 last week.

Verdict: Grange

ANNAGHMORE V TULLYSARAN

Sunday, Grange, 2pm

THIS one has the potential to be a really good game and both sides will fancy their chances of coming out on top. Tullysaran probably have the best forwards with Mark McKeever and Gavin Conlon and that should count.

Verdict: Tullysaran

DERRYNOOSE V SHANE O’NEILL’S

Sunday, Crossmaglen, 3.pm

SHANE O’Neill’s are one of the big hitters in the championship but struggled in the group stages without Ciaran Mackin. Derrynoose will need a massive performance to cause an upset, and this could be a step too far.

Verdict: Shane O’Neill’s

CLANN EIREANN II V KEADY

Sunday, Pearse Og Park, 3.15pm

CLANN Eireann caused the upset of the last round with a one-point win over Division 2B league champions Belleek. Keady will be a step up in class however and should prove too strong in the end.

Verdict: Keady

ARMAGH JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF

LISSUMMON V KILLEAVY II

Saturday, Belleek, 3pm

LISSUMMON were the runners up in the Junior Championship two years ago and have failed to push on since. They have a number of talented footballers and should have too much for Killeavy IIs on Saturday.

Verdict: Lissummon

MIDDLETOWN V REDMOND O’HANLON’S

Saturday, Abbey Park, 3pm

MIDDLETOWN were disappointing in the final round of the group stages and missed out on top spot. O’Hanlon’s have a number of good young players coming through, but this could prove a step too far for them.

Verdict: Middletown

EIRE OG V ST PETER’S II

Saturday, St Paul’s, 4.15pm

ST Peter’s II qualified for the playoffs when they hammered Madden II in the final round of the group stages. Eire Og are and experienced outfit at this stage and they look the best bet to pick up a win.

verdict: EIRE OG

AN PORT MOR V THOMAS DAVIS

Sunday, Crossmaglen, 1pm

THOMAS Davis reached the last four of the Junior Championship last year but have been hindered by injuries. An Port Mor, despite defeat last weekend, have been moving rightly and could qualify for the last eight.

Verdict: An Port Mor
CAVAN SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR

BALLINAGH V LAVEY

Sunday, Drumalee, 2.30pm

BOTH these sides could feasibly sneak into the knock-out rounds if they pick up two points this Sunday. Neither have had a particularly remarkable campaign to date and Lavey scored their first win at the weekend with victory over a struggling Laragh side.

Verdict: Lavey
CAVAN GAELS V RAMOR

Sunday, Crosskeys, 2.30pm

RAMOR have enjoyed a good season to date and made sure of their place in the last eight with a 2-15 to 4-7 win over Killygarry last Saturday. Cavan Gaels played out a fiery draw against Gowna and will be disappointed not to have picked up the victory. Their need is greater here.

Verdict: Cavan Gaels
CROSSERLOUGH V MULLAHORAN

Sunday, Lacken, 2.30pm

CROSSERLOUGH have been the pace-setters in the Senior Championship and will finish top of the table if they overcome a Mullahoran side that deserve a great deal of credit themselves. Mullahoran sit second and will also qualify no matter what transpires in this top of the table clash.

Verdict: Crosserlough
CASTLERAHAN V LARAGH

Sunday, Killinkere, 2.30pm

LARAGH are in dire straits heading into the last round and are set for the relegation play-off series haven’t failed to pick up a positive result of any description. Castlerahan need to win this one or they too will face the danger of relegation.

Verdict: Laragh United
BALLYHAISE V KINGSCOURT STATS

Sunday, Hugh O Reilly Memorial Park, 2.30pm

LAST year’s beaten finalists Kingscourt will be disappointed by the manner of their defeat to a high-flying Mullahoran side on Sunday and they really need to win this one. Four points might be enough for Ballyhaise but they can’t run the risk of missing out on a place in the knock-outs. On current form, Ballyhaise might prevail.

Verdict: Ballyhaise
GOWNA V KILLYGARRY

Sunday, Kingspan Breffni, 2.30pm

A BIG one this. Reigning champions Gowna only have one victory to show for their efforts after three games and will bow out of the race for the title if they lose on Sunday. The same applies to Killygarry, but we think that Gowna will get it when the heat is on.

Verdict: Gowna

CAVAN INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR

SHERCOCK V BALLYMACHUGH

Saturday, Munterconnaught, 5pm

BALLYMACHUGH have no chance of advancing from the group stages but they’d still like to pick up a morale-boosting win against Shercock on Saturday. Shercock should win and book their spot in the last eight, however.

Verdict: Shercock

LACKEN V CUCHULAINN’S

Saturday, Ramor, 5pm

BOTH these sides operated in the top flight this year, but Cuchulainn’s had the better time of it, finishing mid-table and going by their respective fortunes in the championship as well, they should win this one.

Verdict: Cuchulainn’s

DENN V CORNAFEAN

Saturday, Killygary, 5pm

THIS could be an interesting clash between two teams that have one foot in the last eight. They’ve each won two and lost one though we’ll make Cornfean the favourites on the back of their form all year.

Verdict: Cornafean

BUTLERSBRIDGE V TEMPLEPORT

Saturday, Killeshandra, 5pm

BUTLERSBRIDGE have already secured their safe passage to the last eight with an unblemished record after three matches, while Templeport are third from last and are badly in need of a win. Butlersbridge should win but it depends on what team they field.

Verdict: Butlersbridge

ARVA V KILLINKERE

Saturday, Kingspan Breffni, 5pm

ARVA won last year’s All-Ireland Junior title and there’s been no sign of a post-2023/4 hangover as they finished mid-table in Division One and have surged to the top of the table in the group stages with a three-from-three record. They can afford to rest a few players but we’ll give them the nod to overcome Killinkere regardless.

Verdict: Arva

DRUMLANE V COOTEHILL CELTIC

Saturday, Redhills, 5pm

COOTEHILL are having a decent championship campaign but they could still miss out on the knock-outs if they lose this one. Drumlane have been a little unlucky with their draw, having been pitted against Arva and Butlersbridge in previous matches, and might sneak this one.

Verdict: Drumlane

DRUMGOON V BAILIEBOROUGH

Saturday, Knockbride, 5pm

DRUMGOON have only a point to show for their efforts to date, that coming with a draw against Shercock. Bailieborough have won their last two matches and can continue on their winning run this Saturday.

Verdict: Bailieborough

DERRY SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE

Swatragh v Na Magha

Sunday, Swatragh, 2.30pm

THE Davitts could well have been going into this game on full points and are favourites to pick up another win. Top spot in the group could come down to score difference. Paul Gunning and PJ O’Connell have added to the ‘Swa’ depth.

Verdict: Swatragh

Kevin Lynch’s v Coleraine

Sunday, Kevin Lynch’s, 2.30pm

FINISHING top of the group will mean probably avoiding Sleacht Néill in the semi-finals. Kevin Lynch’s will be favourites here against an Eoghan Rua team who will be without Niall Holly, Leo Passmore, Colm McGoldrick and Thomas Magee. A tall order for the visitors.

Verdict: Kevin Lynch’s

Lavey v Sleacht Néill

Sunday, Lavey, 2.30pm

DESPITE their talent and promise Lavey look like missing out on the semi-finals again. They’ll need to inflict a first Derry Championship defeat on the champions since 2012. The Emmet’s have continued to blood new players and are in fine form. A third win is on the cards.

Verdict: Sleacht Néill

Ballinascreen v Banagher

Sunday, Ballinascreen, 2.30pm

THE game with the most at stake this weekend with both teams vying for the second semi-final spot. Banagher were impressive for long spells against Lavey but were overrun by Sleacht Néill. Ballinascreen have one draw to show for their campaign and will be underdogs on home soil.

Verdict: Banagher

DONEGAL SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR

Gaoth Dobhair v St Michael’s

Sunday, Gaoth Dobhair, 3pm

AFTER their win away to St Eunan’s, Gaoth Dobhair have a chance to push for the top four and an automatic quarter-final spot. They’ve a tough ask against St Michael’s who have a 100 per cent record so far.

Verdict: Gaoth Dobhair

Ardara v Four Masters

Sunday, Ardara, 3pm

FOUR Masters gave Glenswilly plenty of sport in their only defeat of the campaign so far and will be keep to bounce back to eye a place in the top four. Ardara have a different focus and need to build on the four goals they scored in Ballyshannon if they are to put their hands up for a second win.

Verdict: Four Masters

Glenswilly v MacCumhaills

Sunday, Glenswilly, 3pm

AFTER coming up from Division Two, Glenswilly have had a positive start with three wins and could end up going straight to the quarter-final. They face a tough assignment this weekend with MacCumhaills looking a reaction from their drubbing at the hands of Naomh Conaill.

Verdict: Glenswilly

Kilcar v Cloughaneely

Sunday, Kilcar, 3pm

RYAN McHugh has made a return for Kilcar and they’ll fancy their chances of another win when pointless Cloughaneely visit Towney. They’ve been without Jason McGee but Cloughaneely have an outside chance of making the top 12 on score difference. It’s a big ask but they’ve need to upset the odds first.

Verdict: Kilcar

Downings v St Eunan’s

Sunday, Downings, 3pm

THE timing isn’t ideal for Downings with St Eunan’s stung by Gaoth Dobhair after a promising start. The Letterkenny men will be eyeing a top four finish with Downings needing to stay in the race. Score difference could be a factor for both.

Verdict: St Eunan’s

Killybegs v Glenfin

Sunday, Killybegs, 3pm

HUGH McFadden kicked five points as Killybegs notched a first win and they had to do it without Eoghan Bán Gallagher. They’ll be fancied to pick up another victory to move them up the ladder. For Glenfin, their battle is to grab a first win and give themselves an outside chance of qualification.

Verdict: Killybegs

Naomh Conaill v Aodh Ruadh

Sunday, Naomh Conaill, 3pm

OF all the teams on four points, the champions have the best scoring difference but they’ll need to pick up another win if a path to the quarter-finals is their priority. For Ballyshannon, their focus will be on staying clear of the bottom four.

Verdict: Naomh Conaill

Dungloe v St Naul’s

Sunday, Dungloe, 3pm

A THIRD defeat put St Naul’s to bottom of the table on score difference with zero points to their name. Dungloe have two wins from three and will be expected to make that three at home on Sunday.

Verdict: Dungloe

DONEGAL INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR

Milford v Na Rossa

Saturday, Milford, 5.30pm

PETER Curran’s goal wasn’t enough for Milford in a top of table draw in Buncrana and they take an unbeaten run into Saturday’s visit of Na Rossa. Last year’s junior champions shipped three late points to go under against Malin. A draw might be enough for the visitors but a win gives them a better shot at qualification.

Verdict: Milford

Burt v Naomh Columba

Saturday, Burt, 5.30pm

BURT have lost all three games and face an uphill battle for a quarter-final spot. They welcome a Naomh Columba side among the title contenders and who have won their last two games. County players Philip and Aaron Doherty, along with Shane Callaghan’s scoring, should help the visitors to a third victory.

Verdict: Naomh Columba

Fanad v Letterkenny Gaels

Saturday, Fanad, 5.30pm

BOTH teams are at the wrong end of the table with qualification for the quarter-finals down for decision this weekend. The Gaels have not won a game since July and will face a tough ask in Fanad. The some side kicked the last three scores to beat Na Rossa and could back it up.

Verdict: Fanad

Naomh Muire v Buncrana

Saturday, Naomh Muire, 5.30pm

DESPITE missing Caolan McGonagle and Darach O’Connor, Buncrana found a way to stay unbeaten against Milford. Both teams are placed to make the knock-out stages with Buncrana to perhaps move up the table with an away win.

Verdict: Buncrana

Malin v Bundoran

Saturday Malin, 5.30pm

BOTH teams are bogged in the middle of the table going into the last weekend of games. It would take an unlikely series of results for both not to make the quarter-finals. Neither have set the world alight. A tight game in prospect.

Verdict: Bundoran

Red Hughs v Termon

Saturday, Red Hughs, 5.30pm

TITLE favourites Termon have won all three games to date but needed to find the net to see off Burt and Malin in recent games. Red Hughs have only a win over Burt to show for their campaign. They’ll need a win to ensure a spot in the knock-out stages.

Verdict: Termon

DONEGAL JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP  ROUND FOUR

Carndonagh v Naomh Bríd

Saturday, Carndonagh, 6pm

CARNDONAGH have three wins to their name and with Convoy expected to beat Pettigo on Sunday, they’ll need to see off title contenders Naomh Bríd to get their semi-final passport stamped for finishing top. It might not be the last meeting of the season.

Verdict: Carndonagh

Naomh Colmcille v Robert Emmet’s

Sunday, Naomh Colmcille, 5pm

THIS is nothing to play for when Robert Emmet’s made the trip to take on Naomh Colmcille. Neither team has a point from the campaign to date. The winner will be whoever wants to finish with a win more.

Verdict: Naomh Colmcille

Convoy v Pettigo

Sunday, Convoy, 5pm

CONVOY have already booked a knock-out spot and will want to make it a fourth win if Carndonagh slip up on Saturday to open the door on top spot. Pettigo can only go through on score difference in the event Naomh Bríd fall to a heavy defeat but they’ll need to win well themselves first.

Verdict: Convoy
ROUND FIVE

Moville v Lifford

Saturday, Moville, 6.30pm

THIS is a dead rubber with both teams not able to make the knock-out stages after losing all their games to date. Whoever wants to finish the season with on a positive note will come out on top.

Verdict: Moville

Naomh Ultan v Urris

Sunday, Naomh Ultan, 3pm

NAOMH Ultan put their 100 per cent record on the line when Urris make the trip this weekend. Urris are guaranteed a spot in the quarter final and would need a comfortable win to sway the score difference to make it straight to the semi-final as group winners.

Verdict: Naomh Ultan
DOWN SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE

BALLYHOLLAND V WARRENPOINT

Friday, Pairc Esler, 7.30pm

BALLYHOLLAND were unlucky to lose out to Bryansford last week with just one point separating the sides after extra-time. Warrenpoint put in a good display against Longstone last week and could carry that momentum into round three.

Verdict: Warrenpoint
CLONDUFF V GLENN

Sunday, Mayobridge, 3pm

THESE two sides reached the last four of the competition last season, but one will exit the competition this weekend. Clonduff really put it up to Kilcoo in the last round and are the favourites here.

Verdict: Clonduff
MAYOBRIDGE V LIATRIOM

Monday, Dundrum, 7.15pm

BOTH sides have lost to Burren in the championship and Mayobridge ran them much closer than Liatroim did. If that’s a barometer to predict the outcome of this one, then Mayobridge should come through.

Verdict: Mayobridge
BREDAGH V LOUGHINISLAND

Monday, Kilcoo, 7.30pm

LOUGHINISLAND ran Kilcoo close in the opening round and backed that up with a win over Saul last week. Bredagh never really got within touching distance of Carryduff and could struggle again here.

Verdict: Loughinisland
DOWN INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE

ANNACLONE V ROSTREVOR

Friday, Burren, 7.30pm

ROSTREVOR have been knocking on the door in the Intermediate Championship over the past two years, having reached the last two deciders. This will be a tough test for them, but they may just have enough.

Verdict: Rostrevor
ST JOHN BOSCO V ST JOHN’S

Saturday, Drumgath, 2pm

ST John Bosco have hit five goals in their two championship fixtures to date, while St John’s have yet to hit the net in either of their two outings. That goalscoring power could be key this weekend and just give St John Bosco the nod.

Verdict: St John Bosco
DARRAGH CROSS V ST PAUL’S

Saturday, Teconnaught, 2pm

ST Paul’s suffered a hefty defeat to Tullylish last weekend and they’ll be keen to bounce back on Saturday. Darragh Cross, who last reached the final in 2021, look like a step too far on this occasion, however

Verdict: Darragh Cross
AN RIOCHT V BALLYMARTIN

Sunday, Atticall, 5pm

AN Riocht saw off Atticall last Sunday in a nine-goal thriller and they raised four green flags themselves. Ballymartin haven’t been scoring as much and head into this game off the back of a defeat to Drumgath.

Verdict: An Riocht

DOWN SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR

GROUP 1

AUGHLISNAFIN V GLASDRUMMAN

Sunday, Annsborough, 1pm

GLASDRUMMAN currently sit in second position in the league table and have been playing some fine football. Aughlisnafin have yet to win a game, losing one and drawing one, and will be up against it.

Verdict: Glasdrumman
DUNDRUM V AGHADERG

Sunday, Dundrum, 3pm

AGHADERG are at the bottom of the group one league table at the minute having tasted defeat in both of their outings. Dundrum have yet to win in their two games and that could change this weekend.

Verdict: Dundrum

GROUP 2

BRIGHT V EAST BELFAST

Sunday, Bright, 1pm

EAST Belfast have made a flying start to their championship campaign having picked up two wins from two so far. Bright’s form has been the complete opposite, and they sit at the other end of the table on zero points.

Verdict: East Belfast

ARDGLASS V ST MICHAEL’S

Sunday, Ardglass, 1pm

BOTH these sides sit on the same points in the table at this minute as both have two wins under their belts. St Michael’s lost on the opening day but bounced back to win two on the trot while Ardglass have won their last two games too.

Verdict: St  Michael’s

FERMANAGH SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO

TEEMORE V KINAWLEY

Saturday, Teemore, 3.30pm

KINAWLEY might be a bit disappointed after only mustering a draw on their first day out against Belnaleck, letting slip a two-point lead with only six minutes to go. Teemore lost to 2022 champions Enniskillen but they did reasonably well and only lost by three points. Kinawley are favourites but Teemore are no bad side.

Verdict: Kinawley

BELNALECK V ENNISKILLEN GAELS

Saturday, Belnaleck, 6pm

BELNALECK boss Daniel Kille was delighted that his side snatched a draw against Kinawley last weekend, but they’ll be doing very well just to avoid defeat against a supremely strong Enniskillen Gaels side. Enniskillen weren’t at their best against Teemore but still got the result at the end of the day.

Verdict: Enniskillen Gaels
DEVENISH V ERNE GAELS

Sunday, Garrison, 1pm

DEVENISH weren’t fancied as one of the contenders for this year’s championship and one swallow doesn’t make a summer but they’ll still take a great deal of confidence from their opening day draw against reigning champions Derrygonnelly. Erne Gaels got off to a winning start with victory over Ederney and they can make it a double.

Verdict: Devenish

EDERNEY V DERRYGONNELLY

Sunday, Ederney, 4pm

DERRYGONNELLY will be smarting after they let things slip against Devenish, who held them to a draw, but they’ll be confident enough of making amends against Ederney, who lost out to Erne Gaels last weekend.

Verdict: Derrygonnelly

FERMANAGH INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO

LISNASKeA V DERRYLIN

Saturday, Lisnaskea, 3.30pm

DERRYLIN had a poor Division One campaign and were relegated, but they proved they haven’t gone away with a strong victory over Donagh in their championship opener. Lisnaskea played in Division Two and did okay, struggling against the better teams, but they’ll be happy to have mustered a draw against Irvinestown last weekend. A tough one to call.

Verdict: Derrylin
TEMPO V BELCOO

Sunday, Tempo, 1pm

WHILE both teams fared well in the league, neither managed a win in their championship openers. Belcoo lost by two points to Maguiresbridge, while Tempo played out a draw with Roslea. It’s a tough one to call and going by the opening round of results, there’s very little to separate any of the teams in this group.

Verdict: Belcoo

ST PATRICK’S DONAGH V IRVINESTOWN

Sunday, Donagh, 2pm

NEITHER team will be particularly happy with how their first-round encounters panned out. St Pat’s shipped a heavy beating to Derrylin while Irvinestown, who were superb in the league, could only muster a draw against Lisnaskea. Irvinestown should make amends this Sunday.

Verdict: Irvinestown

MAGUIRESBRIDGE V ROSLEA

Sunday, Maguiresbridge, 3.30pm

SEAN Quigley has been out with long-term injury but is on the road to recovery and played in goals as Roslea played out a feisty draw with Tempo last weekend. Maguiresbridge did well to overcome Belcoo and they’ll need to produce another strong performance to win this one.

Verdict: Roslea

MONAGHAN SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR

AUGHNAMULLEN V CREMARTIN

Saturday, Aughnamullen, 3pm

BOTH sides are in desperate need of points if they want to qualify for the knockout stages of the championship. Aughnamullen do have home advantage, but Cremartin may just have enough to edge this one.

Verdict: Cremartin

SCOTSTOWN V CORDUFF

Saturday, Scotstown, 6pm

THESE two teams are tied at the top of the table with four points apiece, although Corduff have played an extra game. Scotstown are the obvious favourites for the Monaghan SFC and should extend their winning streak.

Verdict: Scotstown

INNISKEEN V KILLANNY

Sunday, Inniskeen, 2pm

INNISKEEN haven’t been firing well at all in the championship so far, with big things expected of them this year. Killanny have caught the eye with two wins from their three outings but are the underdogs ahead of Sunday.

Verdict: Inniskeen

LATTON V DONAGHMOYNE

Sunday, Latton, 5.00pm

DONAGHMOYNE are anchored at the bottom of the table in group two having lost their previous two games. Latton have won one and lost one and home advantage should be enough to see them over the line.

Verdict: Latton

MONAGHAN INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR

TYHOLLAND V BLACKHILL

Saturday, Tyholland, 3pm

AFTER two rounds of fixtures, Tyholland have yet to pick up a single point, but they are on home tuft this weekend. Blackhill have lost two games as well and they could be up against it on the road this weekend.

Verdict: Tyholland

MAGHERACLOONE V CLONES

Saturday, Magheracloone, 6pm

MAGHERACLOONE have won two from two while Clones’ form has been the exact opposite as they have suffered two defeats from their two games. Magheracloone are the favourites for a reason here and should get the job done.

Verdict: Magheracloone

CARRICKMACROSS V MONAGHAN HARPS

Sunday, Carrickmacross, 2pm

A VICTORY here for Carrickmacross will see them leapfrog Castleblayney at the top of the group two table. The Harps have recorded zero points in the championship so far and it’s unlikely that they’ll get any this week.

Verdict: Carrickmacross

EMYVALE V TRUAGH

Sunday, Emyvale, 5pm

TRUAGH sit just one point above Emyvale in the table at the minute but could open up some space with a win this weekend. Emyvale are in familiar surroundings with home comforts, but Truagh may just squeeze through.

Verdict: Truagh

MONAGHAN JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR
GROUP 1

EIRE OG V SEAN MCDERMOTT’S

Saturday, Eire Og, 6pm

EIRE Og have started the championship well and are unbeaten so far after their opening two matches, winning one and drawing one. Sean McDermott’s are at the bottom of the table with one point from three outings.

Verdict: Eire Og

SCOTSTOWN V DRUMHOWAN

Sunday, Scotstown, 2pm

DRUMHOWAN are clear at the top of group one having gathered all four-points from their first two fixtures. Scotstown, on the other hand,sit midtable on two points from two games and will be up against it.

Verdict: Drumhowan

GROUP 2

ORAM V TOOME

Saturday, Oram, 3pm

THIS is a top of the table clash between the two unbeaten teams in group two. Toome have won all three of their games while Oram have chalked up two from two and home advantage may just help their cause.

Verdict: Oram

ROCKCORRY V KILLEEVAN

Sunday, Rockcorry, 5pm

THE only two teams with zero points to show for their efforts after the opening could of fixtures lock horns this weekend. Neither side has been scoring much in their games so far so this could be a low-scoring affair.

Verdict: Rockcorry

TYRONE SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND ONE

ARDBOE V EDENDORK

Thursday, Dungannon, 7pm

A TOUGH one to call to get the ball rolling in Tyrone. Both these sides managed to avoid possible relegation in the league so they’ll be in positive enough form heading into the championship. Edendork can call upon Niall Morgan, Conn Kilpatrick and Darren McCurry, and if they play to their potential it could carry them over the line.

Verdict: Edendork

CARRICKMORE V DROMORE

Friday, O’Neill’s Healy Park, 8.30pm

ON paper this one should go right down to the wire. Carrickmore bowed out of last year’s championship in uncharacteristically meek fashion but they’re going well under their new management team spearheaded by Noel Slane and Ciaran McBride. Dromore won the championship in 2021 and they’ll be hopeful of a good campaign. It’s almost a 50/50 call this one.

Verdict: Dromore

TRILLICK V EGLISH

Saturday, Eglish, 2.30pm

NO team has retained the O’Neill Cup in the last two decades, so it’ll be interesting to see if Trillick can buck the trend. They’d an average enough league campaign but can call upon a host of brilliant players, including Richie Donnelly who revealed last week that he’s recovered from long-term injury in time for the championship. They should account for Eglish with the minimum of fuss.

Verdict: Trillick

ERRIGAL CIARAN V POMEROY

Saturday, Loughmacrory, 5.30pm

ERRIGAL Ciaran are red-hot favourites to advance to the last eight when they take on Pomeroy this weekend. They won the 2022 final, lost last year’s showdown after extra-time and produced some superb performances at the tail-end of the league. Pomeroy have done reasonably well in their first year back at senior level but this should prove a bridge too far.

Verdict: Errigal Ciaran

OMAGH V KILLYCLOGHER

Sunday, Carrickmore, 2.30pm

A TASTY derby clash, and it’s not the only one. Killyclogher are favourites to get the better of their near neighbours on the back of a productive league campaign, but you can’t discount Omagh either. St Enda’s are operating without 2021 All-Star Conor Meyler, who has been out all year with injury, but they have some good players coming through the ranks. Killyclogher’s Mark Bradley remains one of the best players on the Tyrone club scene while Gavin Potter and Michael Rafferty starred on the Tyrone All-Ireland U-20 winning team.

Verdict: Omagh

DUNGANNON V DONAGHMORE

Sunday, Pomeroy, 5.30pm

AGE-OLD rivals Dungannon and Donaghmore pit their wits against each other in another derby clash on Sunday. Dungannon Clarkes have been in flying form in the league and are third in the bookies’ rankings to win the championship outright. Donaghmore are teeming with talented underage players but perhaps this is a year too soon for them to go on a lengthy championship run.

Verdict: Dungannon

LOUGHMACRORY V GALBALLY

Sunday, O’Neill’s Healy Park, 7.30pm

AN especially tough one to call. Galbally have had a very impressive season in Division One but Loughmacrory are a bit more seasoned at this level and will have high hopes of making amends for last year’s first-round defeat after penalties to Trillick. Eoin McElholm and Ruairi McCullagh bring a bit of stardust in attack but Galbally are in great form so it’s a toss of a coin.

Verdict: Loughmacrory

COALISLAND V CLONOE

Monday, Dungannon, 7pm

IN a funny sort of way, this is something of a dress rehearsal for their relegation play-off which will be played once the championship is wrapped up. Coalisland are depleted for Monday match with Niall Devlin and Michael McKernan suspended, and a number of key performers out with injury. That could swing the tie in Clonoe’s favour.

Verdict: Clonoe

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND

COOKSTOWN V AGHYARAN

Friday, O’Neill’s Healy Park, 7pm

AGHYARAN have had a stellar enough league campaign though their hopes of winning the title drifted away at the tail-end. They have Ronan McNamee back after a spell in the States and they’re favourites to overcome a Cookstown side that finished in the relegation play-off spots in the league.

Verdict: Aghyaran

OWEN ROES V GORTIN

Saturday, Killyclogher, 1pm

TWO sides that are very well acqutained with each other, Gortin have to be favourites to progress considering they had such a brilliant league campaign, claiming the Division Two title. Cathal McShane is going well for Owen Roes and they’re a hardy outfit but on current form it’s Gortin to book their spot in the quarters.

Verdict: Gortin

NAOMH EOGHAN V MOY

Saturday, Loughmacrory, 4pm

AN interesting tie. Naomh Eoghan are underdogs but they’ve picked up something of a head of steam heading into the championship so they’ll be hopeful of plotting the upset of last year’s beaten finalists. The Moy’s league campaign ended in disappointing fashion but if they kick into gear they should advance to the next round.

Verdict: The Moy

DERRYLAUGHAN V CLOGHER

Saturday, Stewartstown, 7.30pm

DERRYLAUGHAN have to be favourites to win this one against a Clogher side that finished second from bottom in Division Two. The Washing Bay side are a strong, physical team with Brian Kennedy a mammoth presence in the engine room. It would be a considerable shock if they don’t win this one.

Verdict: Derrylaughan

STEWARTSTOWN V ROCK

Sunday, Eglish, 1pm

THE Rock had a reasonable enough league campaign so they’ll be favourites to take this one. Wins against the Moy and Moortown in Division Two show that the Rock carry a fair amount of potential but Stewartstown will take confidence from the fact they edged their league meeting between the two teams. Still, it’s the Rock for us.

Verdict: The Rock

DRUMRAGH V BERAGH

Sunday, Carrickmore, 1pm

DRUMRAGH have been relegated back to Division Three after the briefest possible stay in the Intermediate ranks, unless they somehow manage to win the championship title. Beragh had a super 2023 but their form this season hasn’t been so hot and they only narrowly managed to avoid the play-offs. They should nonetheless have too much for Drumragh, who they beat well in the league.

Verdict: BERAGH

KILDRESS V GREENCASTLE

Sunday, Pomeroy, 4pm

GREENCASTLE are favourites to get the better of this derby clash on Sunday afternoon. Relegated last year from Division One, they’ll be disappointed by how they fared in the second tier, failing to achieve promotion via the league. Still, they have some excellent players in their ranks. Kildress have done very well in what’s no doubt been a difficult season following the tragic passing of Matty McGuigan.

Verdict: Greencastle