Clubs in touching distance of final

ANTRIM

Sfc semi-final

lamh dhearg v cargin

(Saturday, Naomh Eanna, 4pm)

CARGIN have a short turnaround for Saturday’s semi-final showdown against Lamh Dhearg, but in fairness they should still be fresh enough after they demolished Rossa by 2-23 to 0-7. That result has set up a repeat of last year’s final, and Lamh Dhearg will have revenge on their minds after they lost out in extra-time last October. Cargin were ominously good against Rossa, with Tomas McCann and Pat Shivers scoring 13 points between them in a one-sided contest, while Lamh Dhearg only had a point to spare in their quarter-final victory over Aghagallon at the weekend. They gave away too many frees and looked rusty at times so they’ll need to up their game if they’re to stand a chance against the reigning champions.

Verdict: Cargin

creggan v portglenone

(Saturday, Ahoghill, 1pm)

THIS is Creggan’s third semi-final appearance in four years, and they qualified by virtue of a 3-9 to 1-8 victory over Naomh Eanna on Sunday. It was a reasonably straightforward victory as their opponents took ages to get going, but Portglenone had a much more dramatic time of things in their victory over St Gall’s on Tuesday night. They won in dramatic fashion in a penalty shoot-out after recovering from a major setback early on when Niall McKeever was taken off with injury. However, Paddy Kelly’s introduction settled things in the middle and he ended up kicking a free deep in extra-time to send the game to penalties. It was a great win but they’ll need to move on quickly ahead of Saturday’s semi-final.

Verdict: CregganIHC Semi-final

Randalstown v Glenariffe

(Saturday, Loughgiel, 4pm)

Randalstown qualified for the semis with a dogged victory over Cloughmills. Sean Duffin stood out as top scorer whilst his two brothers Caoimhin and Colm also did well in defence. Glenariffe meanwhile came from five points down to beat Gort na Móna by seventeen and therefore qualify for the semis on scoring difference.

Verdict: Randalstown

JHC Semi-final

Cushendun v St Paul’s

(Saturday, Ballymena, 1pm)

Cushendun have been scoring goals for fun lately and they blasted another five past Lamh Dhearg as they qualified for the semi-finals. The game was played at exhibition pace and in theory they should be given a much tougher test against St Paul’s, who also eased into the semi-final with a massively one-sided victory over All Saints.

Verdict: Cushendun

Rasharkin v Con Magees, Glenravel

(Saturday, 1pm, Armoy)

This is a contest to look forward to as two big rivals lock swords for a place in the Antrim Junior Hurling Championship final. Rasharkin beat Glenarm by two points to qualify, while Con Magees had a much easier time of it against Loch Mór Dál gCais.

Verdict: Con Magees

ARMAGH

IFC semi-finals

St Paul’s v Tullysaran

(Saturday, Athletic Grounds, 7pm)

Tullysaran produced the performance of the Intermediate Championship to date when they controlled their quarter-final tie with favourites Sarsfields. The O’Connell’s were excellent in every sector of the pitch, and the speed that they possess was all too evident. Eleven points separated the sides at the end, Patrick Comiskey and Gavin Conlon with the goals in a 2-17 to 1-9 win. St Paul’s were involved in a semi-final thriller as they defeated Carrickcruppen 3-12 to 2-13. Unsurprisingly Andrew Murnin proved the difference as his two cross-field passes allowed Ryan Lawless to grab a brace of goals with Eoin McConville grabbing their third major late on.

Verdict: St Paul’s

Clan na Gael v Keady

(Sunday, Athletic Grounds, 6pm)

Clan na Gael’s preparations have been hampered by three positive Covid-19 tests within their senior panel but after a rigorous testing programme, some teams have got back to training. The Clans have been favourites for this competition from the off and in Stefan Campbell they have a real elite forward. Wins over Middletown and Ballyhegan have brought Keady to the last four. It’s not ideal, but their hurlers exited the championship last week meaning that all focus has been on football for their dual players this week. Goalkeeper Paudie Donnelly (penalty) and Shea Harvey got the goals in their 13-point quarter-final win over Ballyhegan.

Verdict: Clan na Gael

JFC semi-finals

Forkhill v Derrynoose

(Saturday, Atheltic Grounds, 4.30pm)

Derrynoose are on a mission to make up for last year’s final loss to Collegeland and the way that they eased past Crossmaglen in the quarter-final suggests that they will be hard stopped. Livewire Conor McNally was at his best and had a major hand in goals for Davy McCreesh (penalty) and Sean Lennon while he scored the third himself in the 3-12 to 1-5 win. Forkhill needed extra-time to get past a good Eire Óg side but their major players stood up, namely Jemar Hall and Stephen Sheridan. The experienced Barry Shannon also produced a super cameo from the bench, and the management must work out whether to throw him into the first 15 or save his legs for the second half.

Verdict: Derrynoose

Belleek v St Michael’s

(Sunday, Athletic Grounds, 3.30pm)

The Newtown men are in their first championship semi-final since their run to the 2009 Intermediate title, and regardless of how this campaign finishes, it has been an extremely positive year for a senior team that had been floundering. Cormac Malone’s men got past Corrinshego after penalties in the quarter-final, and they were thankful to Kevin Murray who scored the equaliser to force extra-time. Belleek have been talked about as Junior Championship contender for a long time now, but their last final appearance was in 2009. Garrett Thornton has the side moving well and they can win this derby.

Verdict: Belleek

CAVAN

IFC Quarter-finals

Ballyhaise v Cootehill

(Friday, Kingspan Breffni, 8:15pm)

Ballyhaise have been in imperious form and showed no let-up in their final group stage victory over Ramor seconds. Cootehill, meanwhile, qualified for the quarters by the skin of their teeth with a victory over Killeshandra, so it’s hard to look past Ballyhaise.

Verdict: Ballyhaise

Bailieborough v Ballymachugh

(Sunday, Kingspan Breffni, 6pm)

Ballymachugh won three of their four group stage games, including a 4-17 to 1-9 trouncing of Drumgoon at the weekend. Their opponents Bailieborough are also going well and finished the group stages with a win over Drumlane. These two sides played in July in the league and Bailieborough won handily enough on that occasion.

Verdict: Bailieborough

Ballinagh v Belturbet

(Sunday, Kingspan Breffni, 2pm)

Oddly enough, these two teams are set to face off for the second time in a week after they played each other in their final group encounter. Ballinagh eased to a 1-23 to 1-6 victory, but it wouldn’t be wise to read much into that as last year’s beaten finalists Belturbet had already qualified for the quarters. Still though, Ballinagh will have taken confidence from the win.

Verdict: Belturbet

Butlersbridge v Killinkere

(Sunday, Kingspan Breffni, 4.15pm)

IN theory, this should be a straightforward victory for Butlersbridge, who were perhaps the best Intermediate team in the group stages. They won all five matches, while Killinkere were ninth heading into the last round of fixtures, qualifying with a two-point win over Cuchulainn’s.

Verdict: Butlersbridge

JFC Round Five

Shannon Gaels v Maghera MacFinns

(Sunday, Butlersbridge, 2pm)

Maghera MacFinns haven’t been going well at all, so there’s only one winner here unfortunately. Shannon Gaels have picked up a bit of form so will be hopeful of going further in the competition.

Verdict: Shannon Gaels

Drung v Mountnugent

(Sunday, Killygarry, 2pm)

Mountnugent have been way off the pace and have nothing really to play for apart from pride after losing all their fixtures to date. Drung are in slightly better nick but will be disappointed to have lost to Shannon Gaels at the weekend.

Verdict: Drung

Munterconnaught v Knockbride

(Sunday, Stradone, 2pm)

A sublime 3-13 to 2-15 victory over Redhills has set Knockbride up nicely for this final group stage clash against Munterconnaught. Munterconnaught aren’t going so badly themselves but a one-point defeat to Denn makes this an important game with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Verdict: Knockbride

Kildallan v Kill Shamrocks

(Sunday, Belturbet, 2pm)

Kill Shamrocks are still in contention for a place in the quarters after a massive one-point victory over Swanlinbar. Kildallan likewise are going well and had an easy time of it against minnows Magher MacFinn in their last match.

Verdict: Kildallan

Drumalee v Templeport

(Sunday, Drumlane, 2pm)

DRUMALEE have nothing but pride at stake after their latest defeat – they’re still deadlocked on zero points – while Templeport are unbeaten after their two matches to date. Could be a one-sided affair.

Verdict: Templeport

Denn v Redhills

(Sunday, Drumalee, 2pm)

Redhills badly needed a victory over Knockbride, but a one-point loss has really driven a nail through their championship hopes. An unbeaten Denn team have fared much better and will take their place in the last eight no matter what happens on Sunday.

Verdict: Denn

Derry

SFC last 16

Eoghan Rua Coleraine v John Mitchel’s Claudy

(Saturday, Dungiven, 2pm)

Eoghan Rua’s group stages run ended with a one-point win over Kilrea. They have also defeated Lavey this year. Their only defeat was against Sleacht Néill who beat them by 2-12 to 1-5. Coleraine are still a strong championship team. They are up against a Claudy side which managed to draw not one but two matches against Dungiven and Swatragh. They are good competitors but Eoghan Rua will be fancied because of their experience.

Verdict: Eoghan Rua

Newbridge v Ballinderry

(Saturday, Loup, 4pm)

The Ballinderry team are undoubtedly a team in transition. Their powerhouse days of reaching repeated county final are slipping further away. They won one game in the group stages, against Banagher. Their opponents are Newbridge, who have a Ballinderry man at the helm in Killian Conlon. This is a game which Newbridge will fancy themselves to win after they beat Bellaghy and Foreglen in the group stages.

Verdict: Newbridge

Glen v Kilrea

(Saturday, Glenullin, 4pm)

Glen’s scoring returns have been very good this year. They have scored 50 points in three games. Only Glen and Sleacht Neill have won all their matches so far. Kilrea could be on for a big defeat this weekend. They lost all three of their group games. Though they did run Eoghan Rua to a point, so all may not be lost.

Verdict: Glen

Ballinascreen v Bellaghy

(Saturday, Celtic Park, 6pm)

This is a game that really could go either way. Bellaghy may have finished third in their group, but they were the only team that took a point off the Loup when the two teams drew. Ballinascreen have been doing plenty of scoring, and have hit 48 points over three games. They finished second in group D behind Swatragh.

Verdict: Ballinsacreen

Sleacht Néill v Foreglen

(Sunday, Castledawson, 1pm)

It really looks as though Sleacht Néill have refound the form that delivered their four senior championship titles in a row. Shane McGuigan has been playing extremely well and their three wins in the group stages came very easy. There’s little to suggest that Foreglen could turn their form around after they lost their three matches.

Verdict: Sleacht Néill

The Loup v Dungiven

(Sunday, Glen, 3pm)

The only fly in the Loup’s ointment was their draw with Bellaghy in the group stages. They made up for that result by beating Foreglen in the final game of the series. Their opponents are Dungiven whose only point in the group stages came after they drew with Claudy. The Loup should win this one.

Verdict: The Loup

Swatragh v Banagher

(Sunday, Ballinascreen, 3pm)

Swatragh have been in good form this year. After opening with a solid win over Dungiven, Claudy held them to a draw, but they bounced back and beat Ballinascreen 0-15 to 0-7. Their return of 50 points in three games is the joint third highest in senior football.

Their opponents Banagher, caused some shocks in last year’s championship. This year they have lost all three group stages games.

Verdict: Swatragh

O’Donovan Rossa v Lavey

(Sunday, Celtic Park, 2pm)

Magherafelt’s defence of their title continues with a clash with Lavey in the city. Rossa’s one defeat came against Glen, a revenge result for last year’s count final. Perhaps a concern for Magherafelt is that they have only scored 38 points in three games. Lavey have won just one match but have scored 42 points. They didn’t have a full strength team out againt Sleacht Néill in round three. They could pull off a big result this weekend.

Verdict: Lavey

IFC

Slaughtmanus v Drumsurn

(Saturday, Foreglen, 2pm)

Slaughtmanus need to feed off the positivity of their round three win over Ballymaguigan a fortnight ago. That result got them into the next round. But after losing their first two matches in group C, to Greenlough and Castledawson by 11 points and 15 points respectively, they are up against a difficult challenge. Drumsurn are hard to gauge. They lost to Faughanvale by a point, and beat Doire Trasna well in the last round. But their other win was a concession from Lissan.

Verdict: Drumsurn

Ballymaguigan v Limavady

(Saturday, Greenlough, 4pm)

Ballymaguigan have shipped three defeats so far, so a turn around in their fortunes is unlikely. Yet they will hold out some hope against a Limavady team whose one win in three games was against Glack. What Limavady should feel positive about is their scoring returns. They’ve hit the net in all thre games and scored 17 and 18 in their first two matches. Only three Intermediate teams have scored more than them so far.

Verdict: Limavady

Glack v Doire Trasna

(Sunday, Steelstown, 1pm)

Glack need a big performance to turn their campaign around after they lost their three group games. Yet they only lost their last game to Glenullin by a point. Doire Trasna’s one win was against Lissan.

Verdict: Doire Trasna

Lissan v Glenullin

(Sunday, Kilrea, 3pm)

After winning two of their three games Glenullin will be expected to beat a Lissan side which lost all three of their matches in the group stage.

Verdict: Glenullin

JFC

Drum v Craigbane

(Friday, Banagher, 7.30pm)

This should be a straightforward win for Craigbane based on results so far. Drum have played two and lost two, while Craigbane have won both of their matches in Group A.

Verdict: Craigbane

Sean Dolan’s v St Mary’s Ardmore

(Friday, Celtic Park, 7.30pm)

Both these teams are winless. Though Sean Dolan’s appear to be in better shape. They only lost to Ballerin by two points. Ardmore were well beaten by Doire Colmcille.

Verdict: Sean Dolans

Ballerin v Doire Colmcille

(Friday, Ballerin, 7.30pm)

Ballerin beat Sean Dolans by two at the weekend, and will fancy themselves to take on Doire Colmcille. The latter were 12 points better than Ardmore, and hit the net three times to do so. If Ballerin’s defence can hold up they could edge this one.

Verdict: Ballerin

Magilligan v Moneymore

(Saturday, Drum, 2pm)

Magilligan are going into this game after a four point win against Drum. Moneymore will be favourited though as they beat Drum by nine points.

Verdict: Moneymore

DONEGAL

SFC quarter-finals

Naomh Conaill v Glenfin

(Saturday, Davy Brenna Memorial Park, 3.30pm)

Naomh Conaill have been in phenomenal form, and their 1-17 to 0-8 victory over Glenswilly in their last group stage was just the latest in a string of one-sided victories for the reigning champions. They showed their strength-in-depth as well with the likes of Anthony Thompson and Leo McLoone sitting that game out (McLoone has a niggly calf injury but is hopeful of making it back to play Glenfin). Their opponents are massive underdogs, and a heavy defeat to Kilcar in their final group match doesn’t bode well for their chances against Naomh Conaill.

Verdict: Naomh Conaill

Kilcar v St Michael’s

(Saturday, Kilcar, 6pm)

Kilcar have been in flying form with the likes of Paddy McBrearty in free-scoring form, but the main talking point from their easy victory over Glenfin on their last day out was the return of veteran full-back Conor McShane, who had retired earlier in the year. Another veteran player, Michael Hegarty, is also in contention to feature against St Michael’s. Their opponents are stubborn and resolute in defence, and have Colm McFadden playing well up front, but this may prove a bridge too far.

Verdict: Kilcar

Gaoth Dobhair v Sean Mac Cumhaill’s

(Sunday, Gaoth Dobhair, 3pm)

Yep, that’s right – these two sides already played each other in the final group stage match a fortnight ago, and it was a fairly close contest. Gaoth Dobhair only really tightened their grip on proceedings in the final quarter as they claimed a five-point victory, but generally speaking they’ve been going really well with the likes of Odhran Mac Niallais in fantastic form. It’s becoming a bit of a trend, however, that they’re slow to settle, and that’s something Sean MacCumhaill’s will really need to take advantage of if they’re to have any chance of progressing.

Verdict: Gaoth Dobhair

St Eunan’s v Realt na Mara

(Sunday, St Eunan’s, 6pm)

Bundoran have been tipping along nicely so they’ll quietly fancy their chances of a place in the semi-finals. They won three of their four group stage matches, including a surprisingly comfortable victory away from home against Ardara on their last day out. St Eunan’s are also going well, and they showed against St Michael’s that when they’re forwards gel, they’re hard to stop.

Verdict: St Eunan’s

Dungloe v Ardara

(Friday, Convoy, 8.30pm)

It was concerning from an Ardara perspective that they basically didn’t show up on their last day out as they could only muster three points across the hour against Bundoran. That means they must play Dungloe in the play-offs for the second year in-a-row, and their opponents were at least competitive on the last day out against Killybegs. They’ve battled really well this year despite missing a host of key names and should stay in the Intermediate ranks.

Verdict: Dungloe

IFC quarter-finals

Aodh Ruadh v Naomh Muire

(Saturday, Fr Tierney Park, noon)

Naomh Muire qualified for the quarter-finals despite losing on their last day out against Malin. Perhaps it’d be foolish to read anything into their nine-point defeat as they had already qualified. They’re set to face a Ballyshannon side which had an easy win over Fanad even though David Dolan and Sean Taylor were absent due to injury.

Verdict: Aodh Ruadh

Buncrana v Gaeil Fhanada

(Sunday, Buncrana, 5.30pm)

Gaeil Fhanada are pretty luck to be in the last eight as they lost to Aodh Ruadh in their final group game but still managed to progress due to results elsewhere. They travel to Scarvey to take on a Buncrana side which kept their 100 percent record in this year’s championship going with victory over Naomh Colmcille. Darach O’Connor deserves mention for scoring a hat-trick of goals in an entertaining game of football, and it’s hard to see them bowing out at this stage.

Verdict: Buncrana

Naomh Columba v Malin

(Sunday, Pairc Na nGael, 5.30pm)

Naomh Columba did the business against Burt on a scoreline of 2-14 to 1-9 to qualify for the quarter-finals. They’re powerful all over the field and particularly potent in attack, and they also have home advantage so this could be a tough evening for Malin, who slipped through to the quarters with an impressive victory over Naomh Mhuire in their last group stage clash.

Verdict: Naomh Columba

IFC Relegation semi-finals

Naomh Colmcille v Burt

(Saturday, Bun Crannacha, 3.30pm)

Burt picked up the wooden spoon when they fell short against Naomh Columba, but at least they showed their character as they gave a decent account of themselves in the second-half. Naomh Colmcille threw everything at it in their hard-fought contest against table-toppers Buncrana, and although they lost by four points, they showed what they can do when they really go for it.

Verdict: Naomh Colmcille

Naomh Brid v Naomh Ultan

(Sunday, Four Masters, 1pm)

It’s squeaky bum time for these two rivals as they’ve failed to avoid the relegation play-offs. Naomh Brid needed a win against Cloughnaeely, but a 1-14 to 1-9 defeat has left them in peril. Opponents Naomh Ultan didn’t fare any better against Aodh Ruadh, and it didn’t help matters that their focal point Alan Lyons was sidelined. His return would be a big boost.

Verdict: Naomh Ultan

DOWN

SFC quarter-finals

Ballyholland v Loughinisland

(Saturday, Castlewellan, 4pm)

Ballyholland are aiming for back-to-back semi-final appearances as their exciting young team

continues to develop well. Tiarnan Rushe, Jack Grant and Seamus Loughran are all very promising players with the latter’s exemplary free-taking proving more and more crucial. Another fine youngster, Ruairi Campell, is an injury doubt though. Loughinisland responded to their loss to Longstone with wins over Darragh Cross and Bredagh. Ben O’Reilly is showing well while Rory Mason and free-taker Declan McClements will provide plenty of scoring support. Ballyholland won the championship meeting between these two by a point last year, and they can eke out another narrow win here.

Verdict: Ballyholland

Rostrevor v Kilcoo

(Sunday, Páirc Esler, 3pm)

Two of Ulster’s biggest managerial names will clash in Newry as Pete McGrath’s Rostrevor attempt to shock Mickey Moran’s Kilcoo. Only a goal separated these sides when they met in round 2A last year and the Reds really did give the Magpies their fill of it. Once again they will enter as massive underdogs but there is reason to suggest that they can cause trouble once again. Four-point wins over Downpatrick and Bredagh will leave them confident too. Kilcoo responded to their loss to Warrenpoint with a five-point win over Burren last Sunday. The first half was even but Moran’s men took control after the break with their better physicality shining through against young opposition. Jerome Johnston scored the only goal of the game, another cracker to go with his long-rage strike against Mayobridge.

Verdict: Kilcoo

Cumann Pheadair Naofa v Clonduff

(Sunday, Páirc Esler, 7.30pm)

Clonduff needed a late, late show to get past Mayobridge with Stephen McConville timing his run perfectly to slap home a match-winning goal after his older brother Arthur had flicked the ball on. Their first goal was more controversial with the umpire judging that Shealan Strain had carried the ball over the line, although the official was not in the correct position to make that call. That wasn’t Clonduff’s problem but, as selector Jamie Fegan said afterwards, not playing well for a prolonged period was. The Hilltown men were good in patches, particularly in the second quarter when Aidan Carr dominated in midfield, but they will need to play better for longer. Warrenpoint are the team to beat after wins over Burren and Kilcoo, and manager Niall McAleenan was in Newry on Sunday to view this weekend’s opponents. They are moving the ball brilliantly at pace and confidence is sky-high. This is another test of their mentality though because Clonduff can cause any team problems.

Verdict: Cumann Pheadair Naofa

Bryansford v Carryduff

(Monday, Páirc Esler, 7.30pm)

Carryduff put aside the drama regarding their Downpatrick fixture to produce a super second half to progress to the last eight against Longstone on Tuesday. They trailed 1-8 to 1-4 at the break, John Kelly with their goal, but majors from Daniel Guinness and Ronan Beatty helped them through. Bryansford boss Steven Poacher said that the week’s rest was of great benefit as they had been carrying a few niggly injuries. With that in mind, they only did one collective session last week. Poacher is hopeful that everyone will have recovered in time for this one.

Verdict: Bryansford

IFC quarter-finals

Annaclone v Dromara

(Friday, Liatroim, 7.30pm)

Dromara are having a tremendous year and they added to that with an impressive derby win over St John’s, one of their best results in years. Luke Savage was the scoring hero as he kicked eight of their 11 points. Annaclone are another close neighbour and they have been warned. They are generally a championship team though and they have dismissed Bright and Tullylish already.

Verdict: Annaclone

Saul v Newry Shamrocks

(Saturday, Newcastle, 5.30pm)

This should be a real battle between two clubs who are making real strides. Ronan McCartan is driving Saul onto great heights and Ballymartin and St John’s have already been defeated. The Shamrocks, finalists last year, started with a win over Atticall but then they lost narrowly to Liatroim. They responded with a three-point win over Saval.

Verdict: Saul

Liatroim v An Riocht

(Sunday, Ballyholland, 5pm)

Having previously lost to Ballymartin, An Riocht gained revenge with a 2-16 to 0-11 win on Monday with a good performance rounded off with a second major in the final quarter. Liatroim are ticking along nicely. They took care of Saval easily enough and then won a battle with Newry Shamrocks.

Verdict: Liatroim

Clann na Banna v Drumgath

(Sunday, Mayobridge, 5.30pm)

Drumgath were viewed as underdogs against An Riocht, and for 30 minutes that looked a fair shout. But a Ryan Hillen penalty kept them in touch at half-time and Oisin Toner (2) and Packie Downey found the net after the break to earn an impressive win. Clann na Banna also had a good win last weekend as they hit 1-15 against Tullylish – Kieran Maguire with their goal.

Verdict: Drumgath

IFC relegation play-offs

Atticall v St John, Bosco

(Sunday, Warrenpoint, 2pm)

Atticall are somewhat unfortunate to be here after two narrow losses, but they should escape danger against the Newry men.

Verdict: Atticall

Bright v Teconnaught

(Sunday, Drumaness, 2pm)

Both these sides have scored very little across their two games. They should each get a bit more joy in the attacking department, and Teconnaught should be left standing.

Verdict: Teconnaught

SHC round six

Bredagh v Ballycran

(Sunday, Bredagh, 2pm)

Ballycran sit just inside the final spots and a win could be enough, although they may require a big victory depending on how Portaferry and Ballygalaget turns out. Their loss to Ballygalget last week has ramped up the pressure but all they can do is make sure they get a positive result here. That’s not to say that Bredagh can be taken lightly. They have shown this season already that they are capable of competing and they could yet be a fly in the ointment for Ballycran, even if they just keep it competitive.

Verdict: Ballycran

Portaferry v Ballygalget

(Sunday, Portaferry, 5pm)

Portaferry are essentially in the final, and the only thing that could hurt them would be if Ballygalget win this by 14 points and Ballycran hammer Bredagh. That should be enough to keep them sharp here. Ballygalget need to win, and probably by quite a bit, and hope that Bredagh do them a favour earlier in the day. They had an impressive win at home to Ballycran last week, even after Gareth Johnson missed a penalty, so their tails should be up. They can get the win, but will it be enough?

Verdict: Ballygalget

FERMANAGH

JFC Quarter-final replay

Derrylin v Brookeborough

(Saturday, Leonard Park, 5pm)

This is the only championship match in Fermanagh this weekend. Derrylin and Brookeborough have to go again after playing out a draw at the weekend, which finished 1-8 Derrylin Brookeborough 0-11. Derrylin led for most of the match and will be disappointed to have let a two-point lead slip in the final minutes.

Verdict: Derrylin

MONAGHAN

Senior Semi-finals

Scotstown v Carrickmacross

(Sunday, Clones, 3pm)

SCOTSTOWN lost their stranglehold on the Monaghan SFC title last year, but they seem to be back in business and have already defeated Carrickmacross in the group stages. They’re a massively experienced bunch with stalwarts like Conor McCarthy and Kieran Hughes going well (albeit Kieran was sent off for a second yellow in their hard-fought win over, Castleblayney), and as things stand they’re the outright favourites for the title. Carrickmacross are further down the pecking order but are to be commended for reaching the last four with fancied teams like Clontibret and Truagh Gaels already out of the running.

Verdict: Scotstown

Ballybay v Inniskeen

(Sunday, Clones, 5pm)

You wouldn’t put it past Oisin McConville’s Inniskeen reaching the final at this stage – they’ve been absolutely fantastic in the championship to date, knocking out last year’s winners Clontibret, and qualified for the semis with a really straightforward victory over Truagh. They’ve actually played Ballybay already in the group stages, and the fact Ballybay only won by a point is another reminder of just how competitive Inniskeen have been. Ballybay, meanwhile, were the pace setters in Group A and have kept up their good form as they bid to reach their second final in three years. Maybe, just maybe, Inniskeen can do the unthinkable.

Verdict: Inniskeen

Senior relegation final

Donaghmoyne v Castleblayney Faughs

(Saturda, Inniskeen, 7.45pm)

There was no great shame in losing to Clontibret in their relegation play-off, but now Castleblayney must really step up to the plate in their do-or-die clash against Donaghmoyne. Their opponents have failed to win a single match in the championship so the signs still point to a Blayney victory.

Verdict: Castleblayney

Intermediate semi-finals

Emyvale v Monaghan Harps

(Saturday, Scotstown, 3.30pm)

Emyvale are back in the semi-finals and they’re looking to make amends for last year’s defeat at the same stage to eventual Ulster Champions Magheracloone. Paddy Kelly’s Monaghan Harps are somewhat fortunate to reach this stage after qualifying for the last eight on the head-to-head rule, but deserve immense credit for their one-point win over Corduff in the quarters.

Verdict: Emyvale

Cremartin v Doohamlet

(Saturday, Scotstown, 5.30pm)

Doohamlet are having a fine campaign and edged a high-scoring contest against Blackhill in the last eight. They led for nearly the entirety of the contest, and now they must take on Cremartin for a place in the decider. Cremartin have also been going well and trounced Currin in their last matcb.

Verdict: Doohamlet

JFC Semi-finals

Sean McDermotts v Clones

(Saturday, Tyholland, 4.30pm)

Clones have now really and truly bounced back after they were hammered by Aughnamullen in the group stages, while Sean McDermotts made hard enough work of their quarter-final win over Drumhowan. It could be a very close contest.

Verdict: Sean McDermott’s

Oram v Aughnamullen

(Sunday, Blackhill, 1.30pm)

Aughnamullen have been in great form since the start of the championship and were even able to rest a few players in their final group match. Then they produced a great performance in the quarters against Aghabog, with Miceal Bannigan doing particularly well in front of the posts. Oram have also done well but this may be a bridge too far.

Verdict: Aughnamullen

TYRONE

SFC semi-finals

Trillick v Coalisland

(Saturday, Healy Park, 5.30pm)

MANY people in Tyrone consider this the de facto final. It’s a repeat of last year’s semi-final, which turned out to be a contest for the ages as Trillick summoned a massive effort in the second-half to claim a fully merited one-point victory. The rest is history as they accounted for Errigal with some degree of ease in the decider, but the burning question is whether they can buck the trend in Tyrone by retaining their title. They overcame Killyclogher on penalties on the last day out, while some of Lee Brennan’s points had the TG4 audience purring. This match is also being broadcast live, this time on RTE2, and it should be another great battle with Coalisland out for revenge for last year. Damian O’Hagan’s team made hard enough work of their quarter-final victory over Derrylaughan, but it’s hard to see them being so flat against Trillick. It’s almost too close to call, but we have no other choice.

Verdict: Coalisland

Dungannon v Errigal Ciaran

(Saturday, Healy Park, 7.30pm)

FEW would have expected Dungannon to reach the semi-finals, and they’ve certainly done it the hard way as they won both of their matches to date in extra-time. Paul Donaghy was the hero in their quarter-final victory over Ardboe, scoring 13 points, but they’re strong in every sector and have shown that they have the requisite bite to compete in the Tyrone Senior Championship. Errigal Ciaran pipped Dromore at the posts in their own last-eight clash, and they’re nursing serious hurt from two recent final defeats. Their one-point victory over Dromore should do them the power of good as they were barely challenged in their opening day rout of Pomeroy, and it may be a bit too early in Dungannon’s development to reach a senior championship final. But as is usually the way in Tyrone, it should be a tight contes