Most eyes turning towards Ulster already

By Michael McMullan

AFTER all the shadow boxing – with the exception of Tyrone’s knock-out action – across Ulster, the championship race picked up pace with only a handful of football titles up for grabs.

The Tyrone and Derry county finals take place this weekend with the Monaghan intermediate champions yet to be crowned.

After that, we are down to the race for the Ulster titles and hopes of a spin to Croke Park in the distance.

Here is a look at the lie of the land in the Ulster men’s football scene…

SENIOR

PRELIMINARY ROUND – November 5
Derrygonnelly v Kilcoo

QUARTER-FINALS – November 11/12
(1) Magherafelt/Glen v Cargin
(2) Gowna v Naomh Conaill
(3) Errigal Ciaran/Trillick v Crossmaglen
(4) Scotstown v Derrygonnelly/Kilcoo
SEMI-FINALS – November 25/26
1 v 2
3 v 4
FINAL – December 9/10

ALL-IRELAND SEMI-FINAL –January 6/7
Ulster v Leinster

ALL-IRELAND FINAL – January 20/21

INTERMEDIATE

PRELIMINARY ROUND – November 5
Teemore v Liatroim

QUARTER-FINALS – November 11/12
(1) Glenullin/Banagher v Glenravel
(2) Ballyhaise v Downings
(3) Moy/Pomeroy v St Patrick’s Cullyhanna
(4) Kilanny/Carrickmacross v Teemore/Liatroim
SEMI-FINALS – November 25/26
1 v 2
3 v 4
FINAL – December 9/10

ALL-IRELAND SEMI-FINAL –January 6/7
Ulster v Leinster

ALL-IRELAND FINAL – January 14

JUNIOR

PRELIMINARY ROUND – October 28

Ballyhegan v Fintona

QUARTER-FINALS – November 4/5
(1) Ballymaguigan v Arva
(2) Na Rossa v Lisnaskea
(3) Blackhill v Rasharkin
(4) Ballyhegan/Fintona v Drumaness

SEMI-FINALS – November 18/19
1 v 2 @malmcmullan

3 v 4

FINAL – November 25/26

TWINNING FINAL (Home) – December 8/9
Ulster v Britain

ALL-IRELAND SEMI- FINAL – January 6/7
Twinning final winner v Leinster

ALL-IRELAND FINAL – January 14