This weekend’s championship at a glance

ANOTHER weekend of club action across Ulster beckons as clubs begin the serious end of the season.

ANTRIM SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

Cargin v Ahoghill

Friday, Portglenone, 7.30pm

THE champions have again been the form team and come into the last eight as group winners. Ahoghill picked their form but make the short trip to Portglenone as underdogs.

Verdict: CaRGIN

Portglenone v St John’s

Saturday, Dunsilly, 4pm

PORTGLENONE made it to the business end with a game to spare and have been knocking on the door in recent years with getting it to open. They’ll take the favourites’ tag into Saturday’s showdown. St John’s tight battle to qualify will make them dangerous opponents.

Verdict: Portglenone

Lámh Dhearg v Creggan

Sunday, Glenavy, 1.30pm

TWO of the teams to have broken the Cargin dominance over the last decade. Both will fancy their chances here. A tight one to call. Maybe Creggan’s tougher battle in the group could stand to them. This is the tie of the round.

Verdict: Creggan

St Brigid’s v Dunloy

Sunday, Cargin, 4pm

THE league champions go into this game as favourites but as last year proved, that means nothing when playing Dunloy. They tore the formbook to pieces but they’ll need to find their form again. St Brigid’s will be well warned.

Verdict: St Brigid’s

ANTRIM INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE

St Paul’s v Ardoyne

Saturday, St Paul’s, 2pm

ST Paul’s have booked a semi-final spot and have carried their league form forward. Ardoyne are without a point, out and in the relegation play-off. St Paul’s have a significant score difference on second placed St Teresa’s need a win to secure top spot for the semi-finals and should do.

Verdict: St Paul’s

Lisburn v St Teresa’s

Saturday, Lisburn, 2pm

ST Teresa’s have booked their semi-final spot and will be fancied to pick up a victory that give them a chance of finishing top in the unlikely event St Paul’s slip. A free shot for Lisburn who can’t qualify.

Verdict: St Teresa’s

Glenavy v All Saints

Saturday, Glenavy, 5pm

THE only game that really means anything in terms of the championship. Ballymena were in excellent form in Division One of the league. If they avoid defeat on Chapel Hill they will be in the semi-finals. Win and they’ll finish top on score difference.

Verdict: All-Saints

Davitt’s v Gort na Mona

Saturday, Davitt’s, 5pm

BOTH teams are out of the championship. A draw is enough to keep Gort na Mona out of the relegation play-off. A Davitt’s win and they will avoid the relegation mire on head to head.

Verdict: Gort na Mona

ANTRIM JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

Pearses v Éire Óg

Saturday, Cliftonville, 5pm

PEARSES booked their spot in the quarter-finals on score difference after a three-way tie. They now face an Éire Óg side who beat them in the league. Not much between the teams.

Verdict: Pearses

St Malachy’s v Laochra Loch Lao

Saturday, Cherryvale, 5pm

LAOCHRA Loch Lao were also tied with O’Donnell’s and Pearses but their win over the latter saw them through. The had a consistent league campaign that included a win over the Mals.

Verdict: Laochra Loch Lao

ARMAGH SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF

Crossmaglen v Silverbridge

Saturday, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 6pm

CROSS beat Granemore last weekend to set up this derby clash, and the champions should be too strong. Rico Kelly is out with injury but Jamie Clarke is back with the squad. The ‘Bridge failed to ignite against Killeavy last time out, and will need to find something special here.

Verdict: Crossmaglen

Killeavy v Granemore

Sunday, Silverbridge, 5pm

KILLEAVY look rejuvenated after Stevie McDonnell’s appointment in recent weeks and with Ciaron O’Hanlon, Niall Magennis and Miceal McNamee providing real attacking threat, they should have too much. Granemore are always a good championship side so victory won’t come easy.

Verdict: Killeavy

ARMAGH JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

St Michael’s v An Port Mor

Saturday, Armagh Harps, 3.30pm

THE Newtown side won all three of their group games, none of them easy, but An Port Mor have momentum behind them after edging out Corrinshego.

Verdict: An Port Mor

Collegeland v St Peter’s

Sunday, Clonmore, 1pm

ST PETER’S raised some eyebrows with a five-point win over a fancied Éire Óg – Fearghal Moore and Ryan McCorry finding the net. Collegeland hit 12 goals in the group stages and they should comfortably make the last four.

Verdict: Collegeland

Forkhill v Lissummon

Sunday, Carrickcruppen, 3pm

FORKHILL are many people’s favourites for the tournament outright and with the likes of Stephen Sheridan and Jemar Hall driving them on, that’s no surprise. Lissummon battled to victory over Killeavy last week, but this is a significant step up in class.

Verdict: Forkhill

ARMAGH SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

Keady v Derrynoose

Sunday, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 1.30pm

DERRYNOOSE always give the more established teams their fill of it for three quarters, but the final quarter generally is too big of a hurdle. Expect the same here, especially with their squad stretched by their footballers making the last four of the Intermediate.

Verdict: Keady

Middletown v Craobh Rua

Sunday, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 3.30pm

CRAOBH Rua have made huge strides in recent years but Middletown should have a bit to spare here.

Verdict: Middletown

ARMAGH JUNIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

Cuchulainn v Middletown

Saturday, Pearse Óg Park, 3pm

MIDDLETOWN tend to have plenty of depth and that may prove decisive here.

Verdict: Middetown

Sean Treacy’s v St Malachy’s

Saturday, Clann Éireann, 5pm

SEAN Treacy’s made last year’s final but lost to Killeavy – so they should have plenty of determination.

Verdict: Sean Treacy’s

CAVAN INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

DENN V SHERCOCK

Saturday, Kingspan Breffni, 5pm

BOTH these teams made sure of their place in the knock-out rounds with wins in the last round of the group stages, and it’s a pretty difficult one to call. Both teams have had similar formlines all season though Denn are show more potency up front and that might carry them through to the semis.

Verdict: Denn

ARVA V BAILIEBOROUGH

Saturday, Kingspan Breffni, 6.45pm

LAST season’s All-Ireland Junior kingpins Arva have continued where they’ve left off in their return to the Intermediate ranks, topping the table alongside Butlersbridge with four wins from four. It would be a big shock if they slip up against Bailieborough, who sneaked into the last eight.

Verdict: Arva

CUCHULAINN’S V COOTEHILL

Sunday, Kingspan Breffni, 2.45pm

CUCHULAINN’S are on a run of three straight victories heading into the knock-out rounds, setting aside their opening round defeat to Butlersbridge. Cootehill likewise are in decent form but our hunch is for Cuchulainn’s.

Verdict: Cuchulainn’s

BUTLERSBRIDGE V CORNAFEAN

Sunday, Kingspan Breffni, 6.45pm

ALONGSIDE Arva, Butlersbridge are the form team heading into the quarters having mopped up four successive victories. Cornafean have won two and lost two and it’s a big ask to come through this one.

Verdict: Butlersbridge

CAVAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
QUARTER-FINALS

KNOCKBRIDE V MUNTERCONNAUGHT

Thursday, Kingspan Breffni, 8.30pm

LAST year’s beaten finalists Knockbride remain in track to make amends for that disappointing outcome and they’re firm favourites to account for a Munterconnaught side that slipped into the last eight.

Verdict: Knockbride

REDHILLS V SWANBLINAR

Friday, Kingspan Breffni, 8pm

BOTH these teams fared similarly in the group stages, winning two games each, drawing one and losing the other. Tough to call.

Verdict: Redhills

SHANNON GAELS V BELTURBET

Sunday, Kingspan Breffin, 1pm

SHANNON Gaels are unbeaten heading into this quarter-final so they’ll fancy their chances of doing the business against a Belturbet side that have won two and lost two.

Verdict: Shannon Gaels

KILL SHAMROCKS V DRUMALEE

Sunday, Kingspan Breffni, 5pm

GOING by their respective results to date in the championship, there’s not much to separate these two sides. It was a similar story in the league so it could definitely go either way.

Verdict: Drumalee

DERRY SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR

Bellaghy v Sleacht Néill

Saturday, Bellaghy, 4.30pm

MARK Doran is getting a tune from Sleacht Néill so far and they’ll be fancied to make it a third win. For the Tones, after their defeat to Dungiven, it’s an important game to give them a chance of making the quarter-finals.

Verdict: Sleacht Néill

Kilrea v Swatragh

Saturday, Kilrea, 5.30pm

AN important local derby with a spot in the quarter-final not on the line. Kilrea have yet to get a point whereas Swatragh have lost the last two. With Dungiven and Bellaghy up against the odds, a win here would be a must.

Verdict: Kilrea

Newbridge v Steelstown

Saturday, Newbridge, 2.30pm

THE ‘Bridge have registered three wins in their games to date and will take confidence in their performance against Magherafelt. It’s a long journey for Steelstown and they’ll find it hard to pick up the result they need.

Verdict: Newbridge

Glen v Dungiven

Sunday, Glen, 5.30pm

THE Watties have won both games since losing to Sleacht Néill and are getting close to getting to full strength. Dungiven have put their young players into action but it’s going to a tough ask on the road to the champions.

Verdict: Glen

Lavey v Loup

Sunday, Lavey, 2.30pm

BOTH teams had vital wins in their last games when the pressure was on. Lavey have shown glimpses of excellent play and Loup were so up for their win over Steelstown. Thomas Mallon’s kick-outs are the important Loup weapon and Lavey’s ace is the pace and balanced approach.

Verdict: Lavey

Magherafelt v Ballinascreen

Sunday, Magherafelt, 4.30pm

BALLINASCREEN pushed the Rossa all the way in last year’s quarter-final but they face a team who will looked to get back to winning ways. An away win would turn the group on its head but Magherafelt will be fancied to come through.

Verdict: Magherafelt

DERRY INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR

Castledawson v Claudy

Saturday, Owenbeg, 5.30pm

CLAUDY need a win to give themselves a chance of making the last eight and they face a Castledawson team who have been thereabouts in all three of their games. That could see them pull through.

Verdict: Castledawson

Drumsurn v Limavady

Saturday, Owenbeg, 7.15pm

DRUMSURN have been without Tiarnan McHugh so far and his return would be a help as Sean Brady’s team eyes a quarter-final. Their neighbours Limavady have shown glimpse but Drumsurn might nick this one.

Verdict: Drumsurn

Ballinderry v Banagher

Sunday, Owenbeg, 2.30pm

THE Shamrocks are the title favourites and have won all three games without setting the world alight. Banagher were pipped against Castledawson from a position of strength. This might not be the last meeting. The next one will have a lot more at stake.

Verdict: Ballinderry

Greenlough v Desertmartin

Sunday, Greenlough, 3.30pm

THE ‘Lough were winners twice in the last decade but have yet to pick up a point. Desertmartin have shown some decent form but have only a draw to show for their campaign. Both need a win to stay in the competition. Home advantage might be a factor.

Verdict: Greenlough

Glenullin v Faughanvale

Sunday, Glenullin, 5.30pm

GLENULLIN were very much in the mix to win Ulster last year and have bounced back after losing to Foreglen. Faughanvale were close to going into this one unbeaten. A tight one with the holders to pull through.

Verdict: Glenullin

Foreglen v Coleraine

Sunday, Foreglen, 5.30pm

DESPITE their injuries, Coleraine’s win over Faughanvale has pulled them back into contention. Very few teams ever win in Foreglen who have three wins from three. Another tight game here.

Verdict: Foreglen

DERRY JUNIOR FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE

Glack v Doire Colmcille

Saturday, Glack, 2.30pm

THE game of the round in the final set of games to decide who makes the quarter-finals. Doire Colmcille have improved this season but Glack to get the win to seal their spot in the knock-out stages.

Verdict: Glack

Magilligan v Craigbane

Saturday, Magilligan, 2.30pm

CRAIGBANE won the title two years ago have yet to show their full deck this season. Magilligan have their quarter-final berth booked. Craigbane are already guaranteed top spot but should maintain their winning run.

Verdict: Craigbane

Drum v Slaughtmanus

Saturday, Drum, 2.30pm

DRUM are out of the face after a difficult season. Slaughtmanus will be keen to get the win that could see them finish in second place.

Verdict: Slaughtmanus

ROUND SEVEN

Lissan v Moneymore

Saturday, Lissan, 2.30pm

A DERBY game against two teams who have hit big scores across the competition to date. Lissan are at home and should pick up the win and secure second place.

Verdict: Lissan

Sean Dolan’s v Ballerin

Saturday, Sean Dolan’s, 2.30pm

BALLERIN will be keen to bounce back from their defeat against Ballymaguigan. They were winners when the sides met last season and should return from Derry with another victory with Dolans’ season already over.

Verdict: Ballerin

Ardmore v Doire Trasna

Saturday, Ardmore, 2.30pm

BOTH teams are out of the championship with nothing to play for. Ardmore have struggled to field earlier in the campaign and will be keen to end on a winning note. They’ll be up against it.

Verdict: Doire Trasna

DONEGAL SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PRELIMINARY QUARTER-FINALS

Downings v Dungloe

Saturday, Cloughaneely, 2pm

DUNGLOE were edged out by St Michael’s in their only defeat and could’ve been in the top only for Kilcar’s bigger return over the last rounds to sway the score difference. Downings went under to Ciarán Moore’s 1-3 for St Eunan’s and head into this one as underdogs.

Verdict: Dungloe

St Eunan’s v Ardara

Saturday, MacCumhaill Park, 7.30pm

AFTER an impressive start, St Eunan’s fell to Gaoth Dobhair and missed out on the quarter-finals on score difference. Ardara’s four goals in the win over Ballyshannon was their only win so far and they’ll be up against it.

Verdict: St Eunan’s

Four Masters v Killybegs

Sunday, Ardara, 1pm

FOUR Masters won three from their four qualifying but it wasn’t enough and they face into the play-offs where they take Killybegs. Glenfin pulled off a win over Killybegs for their only win. You’d fancy Four Masters to me the last eight.

Verdict: Four Masters

Gaoth Dobhair v MacCumhaills

Sunday, O’Donnell Park, 4pm

THE game of the round against two teams who will feel they are in the shakeup. Both lost last weekend with Oisín Gallen hitting five points for MacCumhaills. Gaoth Dobhair will need to keep the clampers on him and could well edge this one.

Verdict: Gaoth Dobhair

DONEGAL INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

Termon v Red Hughs

Saturday, O’Donnell Park, 3.30pm

IT’S déjà vu. Termon were slender winners last weekend with a one-point margin that saw Red Hughs come top of four teams locked on two points by virtue of score difference. It will be a tricky test but Termon to come through again.

Verdict: Termon

Milford v Naomh Mhuire

Saturday, Cloughaneely, 3.30pm

THE point dropped in a draw with Buncrana was the only won Milford lost to get to the last eight and they’ll need that consistency against a Naomh Mhuire team who could well have finished above their sixth-place finish. Milford will still be fancied to advance.

Verdict: Milford

Buncrana v Malin

Sunday, Carndonagh,2pm

BUNCRANA needed every sinew to get a win at Naomh Mhuire last weekend and are one of the fancied sides or the title. Malin were reeled in by Jamie Brennan’s equaliser for Bundoran last weekend. This is a tough one to call. Maybe Buncrana to edge it.

Verdict: Buncrana

Naomh Columba v Bundoran

Sunday, St Naul’s, 12.30pm

IT took Christopher Byrne’s goal to earn Naomh Columba a win and Jamie Brennan came with a late play for Bundoran. Another game of fine margins in a competitive title race. A toss of a coin. Perhaps it’s Naomh Columba who pull through.

Verdict: Naomh Columba

DONEGAL JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

Muff v Naomh Bríd

Saturday, Muff, 5.30pm

MUFF have put together another run of form after shipping four goals in a defeat to Naomh Ultan. Naomh Bríd will prove a tough task. A tough one to call. Home advantage might be a factor. We’ll have to wait and see.

Verdict: Muff

Convoy v Urris

Saturday, Convoy, 7pm

CONVOY’S only defeat was the league final at the hands of fellow championship contenders Carndonagh. They head into the knock-out stages with a level of consistency Urris don’t have.

Verdict: Convoy

DOWN SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

Carryduff v Ballyholland

Friday, Kilcoo, 7.30pm

CARRYDUFF are viewed by many as the closest challengers to Kilcoo, and Finnian Moriarty has an array of riches to call on. Ballyholland, however, have a wonderful tradition of being awkward championship opposition. Warrenpoint found that out last time with Seamus Loughran scoring a wonder goal to send the Harps through.

Verdict: Carryduff

Burren v Bredagh

Sunday, Liatroim, 3pm

RESULT of the last round was undoubtedly Bredagh’s win over a Loughinisland side that had look set for a deep run in the competition. Burren, be warned. The St Mary’s side are under new management this year and there has been some experimenting – but the serious stuff starts now.

Verdict: Burren

Bryansford v Glenn

Sunday, Mayobridge, 5pm

THIS may a Division Two side taking on a Division Three team, but it’s undoubtedly the tie of the round. Braynsford are here courtesy of a battling extra-time win over Ballyholland – Conall Murray slotting over the winner with his left. And what of Glenn? Minus some key players such as Jack McCartan and Liam Bagnall against Clonduff, they produced a brilliant turnaround with Tiernan O’Brien scoring the crucial goal. This will be close.

Verdict: Glenn

Kilcoo v Mayobridge

Monday, Páirc Esler, 7.30pm

HOLDERS Kilcoo have been doing what they need to do – winning with a small cushion. The likes of Micéal Rooney and Anthony Morgan have been catching the eye, and they’re heavily fancied here. Mayobridge look to have regained something since their mid-season managerial switch, but they won’t dump out the Magpies.

Verdict: Kilcoo

DOWN SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RELEGATION PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINALS

RGU Downpatrick v Longstone

Saturday, St John’s, 4.30pm

RGU Downpatrick went up to Division One this year under Kevin Duffin and while the championship has been less productive, they should secure their senior status here.

Verdict: RGU Downpatrick

Castlewellan v Saul

Saturday, Teconnaught, 4.30pm

CASTLEWELLAN will still be smarting from their loss to Glenn and Saul may take advantage here, even if they found Loughinisland too good last time out.

Verdict: Saul

DOWN INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

Saval v Rostrevor

Friday, Burren, 7.30pm

THESE sides met in the final a few years ago and it was the Saval men who prevailed. It hasn’t been an ideal season for them, with a mid-season managerial change, but they do seem to endoy these sort of games. The Reds have been knocking on the door over the last few years without joy, but they should keep their hopes alive here.

Verdict: Rostrevor

Tullylish v Darragh Cross

Saturday, Carryduff, 2pm

TULLYLISH ran up a fine 2-13 tally against St Paul’s last time out, but not a chance they get it as easy on Saturday afternoon. Darragh Cross were down in Division Four this season but they did get into the winning habit, and that may prove beneficial here,

Verdict: Darragh Cross

Drumgath v An Riocht

Saturday, Rostrevor, 5pm

DRUMGATH are a real championship team and their five-point win over Rostrevor earlier in the competition points to the threat they carry. The Kingdom are tipped as potential champions, but the fact that they conceded five goals against Atticall last time out is concerning. Hard to pick, here.

Verdict: An Riocht

Clann na Banna v St John’s

Monday, Tulllyish, 7.15pm

THESE sides operated in different divisions this season, although there wasn’t many league placings between them in the end. That said, St John’s look a pretty solid bet to book a semi-final spot against the Cottage Park men.

Verdict: St John’s

DOWN INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP
RELEGATION SEMI-FINALS

Newry Shamrocks v
Teconnaught

Saturday, Dromara, 1pm

TECONNAUGHT only managed 2-3 against Rostrevor and that’s never going to be enough to win a championship game. Shamrocks actually scored less, 0-7, against St John’s, but they can earn the win here.

Verdict: Newry Shamrocks

Drumaness v Atticall

Saturday, Bright, 1pm

ATTICALL hit five goals against An Riocht last time out and still lost. That must be hard to compute inside the dressing room, but they should earn survival against Drumaness.

Verdict: Atticall

DOWN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE

Dromara v Dundrum

Sunday, Dromara, 1pm

JOHN Fegan’s Dromara are absolutely tearing through the group and it’s hard to see Dundrum being able to stop them, even if they hit the net five times last week against Aghaderg.

Verdict: Dromara

Kilclief v Bright

Sunday, Kilclief, 1pm

TWO sides sitting without a point between them, and it’s very hard to see who will be buoyed enough to take this game to their opponents. Home advantage may prove decisive.

Verdict: Kilclief

Aghaderg v Aughlisnafin

Sunday, Aghaderg, 1pm

NEITHER side has a win to their name, although Aughlisnafin did draw with Dundrum. An away win could be on the cards here.

Verdict: Aughlisnafin

East Belfast v Ardglass

Sunday, Henry Joy Playing Fields, 1pm

SOMEONE – or both if it’s a draw – will see their 100 per cent record disappear. There’s something about East Belfast this year and they could claim an impressive win here.

Verdict: East Belfast

FERMANAGH INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE

TEMPO V MAGUIRESBRIDGE

Saturday, 4pm

IT’S crunch time in the group stages of Fermanagh and Tempo must get something out of this game to avoid the threat of relegation. Maguiresbridge are in contention to progress but something tells us there could be a sting in Tempo.

Verdict: Tempo

BELCOO V ROSLEA

Saturday, Kinawley, 4pm

ROSLEA suffered a fresh injury blow when Sean Quigley, who had been playing in nets and had scored five points, was forced off with injury at the weekend. They top the group and will advance straight to the semis if they beat Belcoo but it could be a battle.

Verdict: Roslea

LISNASKEA V ST PAT’S DONAGH

Saturday, Teemore, 4pm

A HUGE derby clash but both teams have had contrasting fortunes to date. You’d expect Lisnaskea to maintain their high levels and progress to the last four against a St Pat’s team yet to win a game.

Verdict: Lisnaskea

DERRYLIN V IRVINESTOWN

Saturday, Belnaleck, 4pm

LEAGUE champions Irvinestown only managed a draw on their first day out but in fairness it was against a decent Lisnaskea team. They followed that up with a five-point win over Donagh and they should have enough to overcome Derrylin.

Verdict: Irvinestown

FERMANAGH JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

BROOKEBOROUGH V COA

Saturday, Aghadrumsee, 4pm

THE four-team Junior Championship finally gets underway in Fermanagh on Saturday with the meeting of Coa and Brookeborough. Both teams had a poor league and it could be a bit of a dogfight, all told.

Verdict: Coa

AGHADRUMSEE V NEWTOWNBUTLER

Sunday, Roslea, 1pm

BOTH teams will fancy their chances of going all the way in the competition so this could be a revealing contest with the losers getting a second bite of the cherry. Newtownbutler are favourites but it could go either way.

Verdict: Newtownbutler

MONAGHAN SENIOR FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE

CREMARTIN V SCOTSTOWN

Sunday, Cremartin, 5.00pm

SCOTSTOWN remain the team to beat in the Monaghan Championship and are the favourites to go all the way. Cremartin may be able to make this difficult for them, but Scotstown’s quality will shine through.

Verdict: Scotstown

BALLYBAY V AUGHNAMULLEN

Sunday, Ballybay, 5.00pm

AUGHNAMULLEN upset the odds last season when they defeated Ballybay in the group stages and reached the last eight. They haven’t hit those same heights in 2024 and Ballybay look a safe bet here.

Verdict: Ballybay

DONAGHMOYNE V INNISKEEN

Sunday, Donaghmoyne, 5.00pm

INNISKEEN certainly haven’t followed up their heroic run to the final last season with their performances in the group stages, but they remain one of the big hitters in the competition and should come through.

Verdict: Inniskeen

CLONTIBRET v LATTON

Sunday, Clontibret, 5.00pm

CLONTIBRET last won the Monaghan SFC in 2019, and they’ve been in flying form at the top of the table this season. Latton will pose tough questions towards Paul McCartan’s men, but they should have enough to come through.

Verdict: Clontibret

MONAGHAN INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE

CLONES V TYHOLLAND

Sunday, Clones, 5.00pm

IT’S must win at this stage of the round robin series for both Clones and Tyholland who have struggled to date. The knockout stages is beyond the loser here so both teams will be giving it their all to come out on top.

Verdict: Tyholland

DOOHAMLET V MAGHERACLOONE

Sunday, Doohamlet, 5.00pm

DOOHMALET have been flying high so far in the Intermediate Championship and have captured three wins from their opening three games. Magheracloone will certainly prove a tough net to crack but Doohamlet have to be the favourites here.

Verdict: Doohamlet

MONAGHAN HARPS V EMYVALE

Sunday, Monaghan Harps, 2.00pm

BOTH sides are eyeing up an important two-points when they lock horns on Sunday afternoon. The Harps have struggled to make an impact in the championship so far and while they have home advantage, Emyvale are the favourites here.

Verdict: Emyvale

CASTLEBLAYNEY V
CARRICKMACROSS

Sunday, Castleblayney, 5.00pm

BOTH these teams can still finish at the top of the group, so this is a huge game. Castleblayney have just come through a long layoff since their last game and home advantage could be enough to see them over the line.

Verdict: Castleblayney

MONAGHAN JUNIOR FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE

AGHABOG V SCOTSTOWN

Saturday, Aghabog, 5.30pm

THIS game is coming down to must win territory for both Aghabog and Scotstown as they both aim to make the knockout stages of the championship. It could go right down to the wire and Aghabog might just edge it.

Verdict: Aghabog

DRUMHOWAN V EIRE OG

Saturday, Drumhowan, 5.30pm

BOTH sides will likely have their eyes on going deep into this championship and chalking up another win on the board here will be the ambition. Home advantage could just play a part, giving Drumhowan the edge.

Verdict: Drumhowan

KILLEEVAN V ORAM

Saturday, Killeevan, 5.30pm

ORAM still have ambitious of topping this group and heading straight into the knockout stages and they look well placed to do that. Killeevan will certainly be up against it this week and look likely to just come up short.

Verdict: Oram

CURRIN V ROCKCORRY

Saturday, Currin, 5.30pm

CURRIN haven’t won since the opening day and both sides have suffered consecutive defeats during the group stages. Currin can climb into the knockout spots with a win at home and they look best placed to do that.

Verdict: Currin

TYRONE JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
QUARTER-FINALS

ERRIGAL CIARAN THIRDS V GLENELLY

Saturday, Killyclogher, 1pm

GLENELLY had a strong league campaign, finishing fourth in Division Three, but they were pushed right to the pin of their collar in the first round of the championship by an Urney team that have had a turbulent season. Errigal Ciaran Thirds claimed a comfortable win over Killyman, and Glenelly will need to up their game if they’re to win this one.

Verdict: Glenelly

TATTYREAGH V STRABANE

Saturday, Killyclogher, 1pm

ANOTHER exceptionally tricky one to call. Tattyreagh showed that they have some good young players coming through the ranks with a hard-earned win over Derrytresk on their first day out, while Strabane proved too strong for Donaghmore Thirds. It’s a toss of the coin. If Strabane have their full team out, they might take this one.

Verdict: Strabane

BROCAGH V AGHALOO

Sunday, Pomeroy, 1pm

BROCAGH earned plaudits and deservedly so for a thoroughly deserved win over Castlederg a fortnight ago, but Aghaloo are a different kettle of fish and it will take something very special to upset the odds once again. Aghaloo are determined to win the title and they should take another step here.

Verdict: Aghaloo

KILLEESHIL V DRUMQUIN

Sunday, Pomeroy, 2.45pm

A HUGE tie this one. Drumquin are bidding to complete a league and championship double and the only side they’ve lost to all season happens to be Killeeshil, who they’ll meet in the fourth and final Junior quarter-final this week. The Wolfe Tones racked up a massive score in their opening day victory over Brackaville even though they weren’t firing on all cylinders, so they’ll be very hard to stop.

Verdict: Drumquin