Clubs eye up spots in the latter stages

ANTRIM

SFC quarter-final

Lámh Dhearg v Aghagallon

(Sunday, Glenavy, 2pm)

It’s a case of youth v experience here as a young Aghagallon side aim to take a big scalp. Gareth Magee is their in-form attacker currently while county men Adam Loughran and Ruairi McCann are also performing well. They pushed Cargin all the way in their two group games, and that will also give Kevin Murray’s side real confidence. Lámh Dhearg, finalists last year, have really proven that goals win games. Their points tally has been matched by their opponents in their first three group games but six goals scored and just one conceded has been the difference.

Verdict: Lámh Dhearg

* Other SFC quarter-finals were dependent on results from last night’s games.

SHC quarter-finals

St John’s v St Gall’s

(Saturday, Sarsfields, 4pm)

St John’s were well beaten by Dunloy last weekend but had done enough before that to secure a quarter-final spot. The Johnnies were outworked all over the pitch, and that would have been the most disappointing aspect of their performance. Shea Shannon was one of the exceptions as he chipped in with seven points while Domhnall Nugent grabbed their goal in the 11-point defeat. One win was enough for St Gall’s to make this stage as they defeated Naomh Éanna in round one. They have since suffered heavy defeats to Loughgiel and Cushendall.

Verdict: St John’s

Rossa v Cushendall

(Saturday, Hightown, 4pm)

Given Rossa’s campaign to date, it would have been almost bordering on cruelty had they not qualified for the knock-out stages. They looked nailed on for four points in their games with St John’s and Dunloy but actually finished with just a single point. That left the pressure on ahead of last week’s game with Ballycastle but they hit four goals to seal the deal – Thomas Morgan scored two from the bench while Deaglan Murphy and Gerard Walsh were also on target. The big news for Cushendall last week was that Neil McManus made his return from injury against St Gall’s. He finished the day with 1-10 and his presence immediately improves their chances of going all the way.

Verdict: Cushendall

JHC quarter-finals

Cushendun v Lámh Dhearg

(Saturday, Dunsilly, 1pm)

Cushendun warmed up for this fixture with seven goals against St Agnes’ last week. Conleith O’Neill grabbed 3-5 while Conor McHugh scored nine points. Goals, four of them, were also decisive for Lámh Dhearg as they saw off St Teresa’s for one of the last knock-out spots. Joe Doone looks set to miss out through suspension for the Hannahstown men.

Verdict: Cushendun

St Paul’s v All Saint’s

(Saturday, Dunsilly, 4pm)

St Paul’s are looking in good form and they are one of the top teams left in the competition. They hit 12 goals in the group stages and won their matches by 16, 14 and 28 points respectively. All Saint’s are here courtesy of a comfortable win over Ardoyne. They had previously lost to Rasharkin by seven points.

Verdict: St Paul’s

Con Magee’s v Loch Mór Dál gCais

(Saturday, Whitehill, 4pm)

Con Magee’s will be favourites to reach the last four when they meet Loch Mór Dál gCais. They picked up two strong wins in the group stages and have been scoring freely. Loch Mór Dál gCais continue to make strong progress since their 2013 formation. A thrilling win over St Agnes’ saw them into the knock-out stages.

Verdict: Con Magee’s

Rasharkin v Shane O’Neill’s

(Saturday, Glenariff, 4pm)

Rasharkin hit the net nine times against Ardoyne last weekend with Colm Kennedy grabbing a hat-trick. This will be a much stiffer assignment against a good Shane O’Neill’s outfit.

Verdict: Rasharkin

CAVAN

SFC quarter-finals

Ramor United v Cavan Gaels

(Saturday, Kingspan Breffni, 8.15pm)

The quarter-finals begin with a blockbuster as two of the competition favourites meet for the second time. The Gaels have lost Mickey Lyng to a hamstring issue and Niall Murray remains out due to a similar injury. Kieran Donnelly’s side enter this match on the back of a seven-point win against Laragh United, Seanie Johnston and Declan Meehan with their goals. Ramor dropped their first points last weekend against Crosserlough after they were reeled in after the break. They had led 2-9 to 1-4 a few minutes into the second half but eventually lost 3-12 to 3-10. Gareth Mannion is an injury concern. Ramor won the first clash comfortably but this one will be much closer.

Verdict: Ramor United

Castlerahan v Lavey

(Saturday, Kingspan Breffni, 6.30pm)

Castlerahan’s drive for three titles in-a-row remains on course after a decent group campaign that saw them collect seven points from a possible eight. Cian Mackey may be away, but the team are still hitting the heights. Manager Glen O’Reilly will be disappointed that they didn’t take maximum points though after conceding a 64th minute goal to Gowna last week, but he’ll still be content enough. Lavey are dangerous opposition though. They finished sixth in the group but ended the campaign with wins over Shercock and Mullahoran so their tails will be up. Raymond King sealed the latter of those with a late goal although they did lose Philip Smith to injury early on.

Verdict: Castlerahan

Kingscourt Stars v Mullahoran

(Sunday, Kingspan Breffni, 4.15pm)

Kingscourt Stars laid down a marker by finishing top in the group but as joint-manager David Lennon said “the serious stuff starts now.” The Stars are reporting no injury concerns ahead and given their winning run, they’ll enter the contest as decent favourites. Mullahoran must have felt that their race was run when they lost to Lavey last weekend, but Lacken produced a late show to earn a draw with Killygarry. That was enough to see Paul Prior’s men sneak through. Interestingly, they have avoided one of the noted top four and that may just give them extra hope that they can continue their championship season.

Verdict: Kingscourt Stars

Crosserlough v Gowna

(Sunday, Kingspan Breffni, 6.30pm)

Crosserlough’s comeback win against Ramor last weekend means that they came through the group with four victories from four. Patrick Lynch was the man of the moment last weekend as he went on a rampage in the final quarter to inspire a great fightback against the 2016 champions. Gowna finished well to earn a good draw with Castlerahan, Shane Briody with a late equalising goal, but this could be a step too far.

Verdict: Crosserlough

IFC round five

Bailieborough v Drumlane

(Saturday, PJ Duke Park, 2pm)

Christopher Dunne will be suspended for Bailieborough while Drumlane are aiming for their third straight win.

Verdict: Drumlane

Butlersbridge v Arva

(Saturday, Terry Coyle Park, 2pm)

Butlersbridge haven’t dropped a point and Arva haven’t claimed one. The trend should continue here.

Verdict: Butlersbridge

Killinkere v Cuchulainn’s

(Saturday, Dolan Park, 2pm)

This is a massive game for Killinkere. They are currently ninth and a win should see them into the latter stages. Cuchulainn’s may also need a point to secure their spot in the knock-out rounds so expect this to be competitive.

Verdict: Draw

Drumgoon v Ballymachugh

(Saturday, Kingspan Breffni, 2pm)

Drumgoon had a bad outing last weekend and conceded four goals against Bailieborough. Ballymachugh have won two of their three games.

Verdict: Ballymachugh

Ballyhaise v Ramor United

(Saturday, Dr Plunkett Memorial Park, 2pm)

Ramor were missing Peter Monaghan, Stephen Monaghan, Shane Gaffney and Paddy McNamee in their heavy loss to Butlersbridge last weekend and they’ll need some of those back. Ballyhaise have been in imperious form.

Verdict: Ballyhaise

Belturbet v Ballinagh

(Saturday, St Matthew’s Park, 2pm)

Possibly the tie of the round as third-placed Belturbet take on sixth-placed Ballinagh. The former have been getting their scores easier and that could be decisive.

Verdict: Belturbet

Killeshandra v Cootehill

(Saturday, St Felim’s Park, 2pm)

Both these sides are in dire need of points, particularly Killeshandra who have lost all three games to date. They can’t finish in the top eight but they may pick up a win here.

Verdict: Killeshandra

JFC round four

Munterconnaught v Denn

(Friday, Edwin Carolan Memorial Park, 8.15pm)

Both these sides have won their two opening games. Munterconnaught’s defence has been particularly impressive.

Verdict: Munterconnaught

Drumalee v Mountnugent

(Friday, Mullahoran, 8.15pm)

Both sides are on zero points but they have been competitive in all games. Don’t be surprised if this ends all square.

Verdict: Draw

Shannon Gaels v Drung

(Friday, St Aiden’s Park, 8.15pm)

Drung had a bye week last weekend so they should be fresh. Shannon Gaels, meanwhile, got off the mark against Drumalee.

Verdict: Drung

Redhill’s v Knockbride

(Saturday, Kingspan Breffni, 4.30pm)

Redhill’s really need victory here to save their season after two losses. Kncokbride will be difficult opposition though.

Verdict: Knockbride

Swanlinbar v Kill Shamrocks

(Saturday, Emmett Park, 4.30pm)

These teams have lost one game each so far, although Swanlinbar have played three fixtures to Kill’s two. The Swad are playing well, and another victory looks likely.

Verdict: Swanlinbar

Kildallan v Maghera

(Sunday, Athletic Grounds, 5pm)

Maghera have suffered 18- and 25-point defeats to date. Life is unlikely to get much better against Kildallan.

Verdict: Kildallan

DERRY

SHC semi-final

Kevin Lynch’s v Ballinascreen

(Saturday, Lavey, 5.30pm)

The Dungiven men were in fine form in their group and they look in a good position to make it back to the final for the second year in-a-row. Eoghan Cassidy didn’t play in their last group game against Coleraine but he is expected to return here. Ballinascreen showed tremendous fight against Lavey to earn a semi-final spot. They had trailed by 11 points at the break but came back to win by the minimum with Conor McSorley grabbing a crucial goal. Paul Cleary scored a dozen points, 10 of those from frees.

Verdict: Kevin Lynch’s

Sleacht Néill v Swatragh

(Sunday, Ballinascreen, 3.30pm)

Jerome McGuigan was the only player to start Sleacht Néill’s last group game with Na Magha and last season’s All-Ireland clash with Ballyhale. It should be a rested side anyway as the team continues their hunt for eight titles in-a-row. Swatragh, in 2012, were the last side apart from Sleacht Néill to win this tournament. It’s seems inevitable that their wait for a second title will continue.

Verdict: Sleacht Néil

JHC semi-final

Banagher v Na Magha

(Saturday, Drum, 3pm)

Scoring difference cost Banagher a spot in the Senior semi-finals, but they should respond with victory against Na Magha.

Verdict: Banagher

Lavey v Eoghan Rua

(Sunday, Banagher, 1pm)

Lavey will be wondering how they let their game with Ballinascreen slip, and the Senior semi-final spot that was on offer. Coleraine have been missing so many players this year, but they have performed well. Ruairi Mooney could return here.

Verdict: Lavey

DONEGAL

JFC round four

Na Rossa v Downings

(Friday, Na Rossa, 7.30pm)

Downings saw their game postponed last week due to the tragic events in Moville. Christian Bonner provided some resistance for Na Rossa last week in their heavy loss to Letterekenny.

Verdict: Downings

Naomh Padraig v Convoy

(Sunday, Maurice McMenamin Memorial Park, 3pm)

Convoy are aiming to round off the group stages with a fourth straight win while Naomh Padraig are at the wrong end of the table.

Verdict: Convoy

Carndonagh v Pettigo

(Sunday, Carndonagh, 3pm)

Carndonagh should secure a top-two spot in Group A against a Pettigo side that is really struggling right now.

Verdict: Carndonagh

Na Rossa v Robert Emmet’s

(Sunday, Na Rossa, 3pm)

Na Rossa have lost both games to date but they should get off the mark against a Robert Emmet’s outfit that has conceded an awful lot.

Verdict: Na Rossa

Moville v Letterkenny Gaels

(Sunday, Moville, 3pm)

Sean McBrearty’s Gaels side are already in the quarter-final and are in great form. They should earn another win here in what will be a difficult occasion for the Moville community after the heartbreak of recent days.

Verdict: Letterkenny Gaels

SHC round four

Buncrana v Setanta

(Friday, Buncrana, 7pm)

This is a massive fixture between two teams who are yet to drop a point. Holders Setanta should have too much in attack with the likes of Gerard Gilmore and Declan Coulter prominent.

Verdict: Setanta

Sean MacCumhaill’s v Burt

(Friday, Sean MacCumhaill’s, 8pm)

Neither side have picked up a point yet but Burt can come away with the spoils in what is set to be a busy weekend for them.

Verdict: Burt

Burt v St Eunan’s

(Sunday, Hibernian Park, 3pm)

This will be Burt’s second game in three days. It was originally abandoned after their goalkeeper Paul Burns picked up a bad ankle injury.

Verdict: St Eunan’s

DOWN

SFC qualifier round two

Loughinisland v Bredagh

(Friday, Páirc Esler, 7.45pm)

There are plenty of subplots in this one. Brendan Mason is one of Bredagh’s joint-managers and his son Rory is a key man in the Loughinisland attack. Blues’ boss Jody Gormley was the former Bredagh manager too. On the pitch this should be a close encounter with both sides trying to shake off poor performances. Loughinisland never really got into their stride in their 0-10 to 0-7 win over Darragh Cross while Bredagh were far from their best against Rostrevor. They were 0-7 to 0-2 behind at the break and although they improved in the second half and got within a point late on, they eventually lost by four points.

Verdict: Loughinisland

Clonduff v Mayobridge

(Sunday, Páirc Esler, 3.30pm)

There is sure to be plenty of spice in this derby clash with both management teams likely to have read the riot act in the past few days. Yellas’ managers Mark Harte and Adrian O’Donnell will be wondering just how they lost to Bryansford. Midway through the second half, they led 0-14 to 0-6 but were outscored 1-6 to 0-1 from there on in and lost in extra-time. Mayobridge Ciaran McKeever will be in a similar foul mood, although at least his side are coming in on the back of a win over Glenn. Super accuracy from Charlie Smyth and a Conleith O’Hare goal helped them into a nine-point lead with just 10 minutes remaining. From there Glenn took over and only for a save from Shealan Strain they could have been dumped out.

Verdict: Clonduff

Burren v Kilcoo

(Sunday, Páirc Esler, 7.45pm)

At the end of Sunday night, one of the big favourites for the Frank O’Hare Cup will exit the competition. Ulster champions Kilcoo were very unhappy with the time-keeping in their loss to Warrenpoint last week, but on reflection they will focus more on where they fell down. They defended well but their attack didn’t hit its usual heights. The ‘Point also sent Burren into the backdoor but Paddy O’Rourke’s men responded with a qualifier win over Castlewellan last week. It was a tight contest for three quarters of the game but the St Mary’s men made a push for home.

Verdict: Kilcoo

* Longstone’s qualifier opponent was dependent on the result from last night’s game between Carryduff and RGU Downpatrick.

IFC qualifier round two

Dromara v St John’s

(Saturday, Ballykinlar, 3pm)

This is the second meeting of these sides and Dromara were extremely competitive in the first encounter. They built on that with a win over Bright with Luke Savage and Paul Flynn grabbing goals.

Verdict: St John’s

Clann na Banna v Tullylish

(Saturday, Newcastle, 3pm)

These two sides know each other very well. Clann na Banna beat Bosco last week while Tullylish lost to Annaclone by a goal.

Verdict: Tullylish

Saval v Newry Shamrocks

(Sunday, Ballyholland, 5pm)

Newry Shamrocks have no chances left if they want to repeat last year’s run to the final. They were very competitive against Liatroim last week while the Fontenoy’s swept aside Saval in the first round.

Verdict: Newry Shamrocks

* An Riocht’s qualifier opponent was dependent on the result from last night’s game between Ballymartin and Atticall.

SHC round five

Portaferry v Bredagh

(Sunday, Portaferry, 2pm)

Bredagh came so close to a huge win over Ballygalget last week but a red card to Donal Hughes was costly in the 1-20 to 1-19 defeat after extra-time. His brother Cormac did make his return from injury and there were some wonderful performances. This week they must prove it wasn’t a fluke by being competitive against Portaferry. Their opponents are top of the group and they earned an impressive win in Ballycran last week with Niall Milligan grabbing the only goal of the game.

Verdict: Portaferry

Ballygalget v Ballycran

(Sunday, Ballygalget, 4pm)

Ballygalget were nearly shocked by Bredagh last weekend but Gareth Johnson’s 1-11 was the main reason why they were able to win by the minimum after extra-time. Ballycran were disappointing against Portaferry and deservedly lost by eight points. This a tricky fixture too, but they should edge it.

Verdict: Ballycran

FERMANAGH

SFC quarter-finals

Ederney v Belnaleck

(Friday, Brewster Park, 8pm)

Belnaleck pulled off a massive shock against Ederney in last year’s quarter-final. Their performances since ensure that it wouldn’t be such a surprise this time around, but it’s still a tough challenge. Manager Colm Bradley has had huge turnouts at training and there is a real buzz at the club. Lee Cullen and Ciaran O’Brien are on a year out though. Ederney are a quality outfit and are perhaps best placed to end Derrygonnelly’s Fermanagh dominance. Their league form has been particularly impressive as they have been playing their home games in Dromore. Motivation should be a critical factor here too after last year’s defeat.

Verdict: Ederney

Kinawley v Erne Gaels

(Saturday, Derrygonnelly, 3pm)

Last year’s Intermediate champions Kinawley are flying high in Division One and they enter the championship with real momentum built up. Ollie Fay and Kevin Maguire are newly in charge and they will be happy with what they have seen. Scorer-in-chief Tomás Corrigan picked up a leg injury in their last league game, but he should be fit. Erne Gaels have lost four and drawn one of their five league games to date, but they have been competitive in the majority of those fixtures. Seamus Ryder has been in good form both as a shooter and in terms of setting up scores. He’ll need help though to stop Kinalwey in their tracks.

Verdict: Kinawley

Tempo Maguire’s v Teemore

(Sunday, Kinawley, 4pm)

Teemore may be a Division Two side but they are far too strong for the second tier. Their average winning margin has been more than 11 points but, of course, they will not get things as easy here. Barry Owens has been amongst their 14 goals this season and they have a real attacking threat. Tempo won the Division Two title last year but the retirement of Darryl Keenan is a significant blow. Patrick McNabb’s side have one win to their name this year, a one-point victory over Belnaleck. If they aren’t at their best they could see their hopes extinguished here.

Verdict: Teemore

Derrygonnelly v Roslea

(Sunday, Brewster Park, 7pm)

These two clubs have shared 10 of the last 11 titles but there is no doubting who the kingpins are right now. Derrygonnelly reinforced that point in last year’s final as their 0-10 to 1-3 county final win secured their fifth title in-a-row. Apart from a slip-up against Kinawley, the Harps have been storming through the league season. Roslea have had more mixed fortunes as they have won one and drawn two of their games to date. Peter McGinnity is back in charge but a few players have retired while Diarmuid McAleer and Niall Beggan have headed to Australia. Sean Quigley will carry most of their hopes as they aim to dump out the champions.

Verdict: Derrygonnelly

IFC quarter-finals

Irvinestown v Enniskillen Gaels

(Saturday, Tempo, 4.45pm)

Two of the Division One sides clash in Tempo and if we were going by the form book then the Gaels look good for a spot in the last four. Irvinestown have taken one point from a possible 10 to date and scoring has been a real issue for them. Jack Largo-Ellis has recently returned from injury and they need all the help that they can get. Enniskillen, by contrast, have hit six goals in their last two games with Conor Love scoring three of those.

Verdict: Enniskillen Gaels

Lisnaskea v Belcoo

(Saturday, Derrygonnelly, 6.30pm)

Belcoo will be on a mission this year after last year’s final defeat to Kinawley, but this is a really tough opening fixture. Shane McCabe’s side have been scoring well and Matthew McAloon and Paul McGrath got goals in their last league game. Lisnaskea lost last year’s quarter-final to Irvinestown by the minimum. The likes of Mark McKenna, Mark Little and Daniel Kille are not there from last year, so Peter Clarke is without some real quality.

Verdict: Belcoo

St Patrick’s, Donagh v Maguiresbridge

(Saturday, Roslea, 6.30pm)

The St Patrick’s men made it to the semi-finals last year before losing out to eventual champions Kinawley and new boss Sean Donnelly will be seeking an improvement. Their scoring rates have been low this season – 0-13, 0-8, 0-10 and 0-11 – but they don’t concede much either. Maguiresbridge didn’t field in their last league game and they could find this a tough assignment.

Verdict: St Patrick’s, Donagh

Devenish v Aghadrumsee

(Sunday, Brewster Park, 1.30pm)

Pat Cadden is in charge of Aghadrumsee this year and they have started brightly in Division Two this season. Devenish drop down from the Senior Championship and Sid Mulrone’s side will need to be wary here. This should be a tight encounter.

Verdict: Devenish

JFC quarter-finals

Coa O’Dwyer’s v Newtownbutler

(Saturday, Roslea, 3pm)

Coa enter the championship on the back of a long overdue league win as they got the better of Brookeborough and that should give Gary Donnelly’s side plenty of confidence heading into this. Newtownbutler were relegated from Intermediate last year and will be targeting a straight return to the second tier. Conor Maguire is out for the season after picking up a bad leg injury against Teemore earlier this month.

Verdict: Newtownbutler

Brookeborough v Derrylin

(Sunday, Donagh, 12pm)

Derrylin reached last year’s final where they lost to Maguiresbridge, and they have started the league season well losing just once in their five games to date. Aidan Gilroy is in charge and players like Fearghal McGovern, James Dolan and Luke Flanagan give them a solid basis to slip straight into the semi-finals. Brookeborough have been conceding, on average, 16 points per game and that leaky defence could cost them.

Verdict: Derrylin

MONAGHAN

SFC quarter-finals

Magheracloone v Carrickmacross

(Sunday, Inniskeen, 2pm)

Magheracloone’s return to the senior ranks has ended up in a quarter-final spot, something they probably would have been happy enough with given that Ballybay were in their group. They only lost to Ballybay by three points though, so there are signs that they are ready to compete at the top. They have also shown character by edging out Inniskeen in round one while last weekend they took any potential drama out of the equation by starting like a train against Donaghmoyne with the lively Ronan McKeown grabbing an early goal. Carrick faced a tricky assignment last weekend but they went to Latton and won 1-13 to 0-9 with Stephen O’Hanlon grabbing the goal. The match was overshadowed by some trouble between a fan and some of their players late on. It’s been a number of years since Carrick were in the semi-finals, and that wait could stretch on.

Verdict: Magheracloone

Truagh Gaels v Inniskeen

(Sunday, Castleblayney, 5pm)

Inniskeen may have earned a big win in Clontibret at the weekend, but Oisin McConville was far from happy with his team’s performance. The result is all that mattered though as McConville got one over his former partner-in-crime John McEntee. Andrew Woods was the hero for the Grattan’s as his late 1-1 tally saved them from a relegation play-off. Truagh have been mightily impressive on all sides of the coin. They have won a tight encounter (Carrickmacross) and have hammered a side (Latton). They were given last weekend off as Castleblayney conceded their game, and that extra week’s rest may just give them a slight advantage in what has been a gruelling campaign for teams.

Verdict: Traugh Gaels

SFC relegation play-offs

Clontibret v Castleblayney

(Saturday, Cremartin, 2.30pm)

Clontibret’s reign as Monaghan champions came to an end last week as they were denied their fourth straight draw by a late Inniskeen goal. Manager John McEntee was apoplectic with the performance of referee Colin Murphy and took to social media to share his views. ‘Blayney also had an interesting weekend as they opted not to field for their final group game with Truagh Gaels. The Faugh’s already knew they were for this play-off, so it was maybe to keep their players fresh. It’s a move that needs to be backed up by a big performance but this is a tough ask.

Verdict: Clontibret

Donaghmoyne v Latton

(Saturday, Carrickmacross, 2.30pm)

There was no final-day escape act for Donaghmoyne as they lost to Magheracloone by six points last week to pick up the wooden spoon. They knew their fate early enough as they trailed 1-10 to 0-2 after half an hour. They won the rest of the match 2-5 to 0-6 but it wasn’t enough. Latton started with a win in ‘Blayney and performed admirably in a four-point loss to Scotstown, so to be comfortably defeated by Truagh and Carrickmacross was a disappointing conclusion to the group stages. They can still save themselves though.

Verdict: Latton

IFC quarter-finals

Corduff v Monaghan Harps

(Saturday, Aughnamullen, 5.30pm)

Corduff came through their group unbeaten but two draws meant that were unable to secure an automatic semi-final spot. They had a bye last weekend so they should be well rested. Paddy Kelly’s Monaghan Harps made the quarter-final on the basis of the head-to-head rule, which allowed them to leapfrog Killanny. Doohamlet and Emyvale’s draw at the weekend was also crucial. A point either way would have left the Harps in fourth.

Verdict: Corduff

Doohamlet v Blackhill

(Saturday, Toome, 5.30pm)

Doohamlet put up a great late show to earn a draw with Emyvale as Barry McBennett rattled off three late frees, but they needed one more to top the group. Still, that fightback will inspire them, especially as they played a lot of the contest with 14 men following Paul McArdle’s dismissal. Blackhill booked their spot with a comprehensive win over Eire Óg. They had been behind by two points at half time but they hit the net three times after the break.

Verdict: Doohamlet

IFC relegation play-offs

Killanny v Currin

(Saturday, Drumhowan, 2.30pm)

Killanny did the business against Tyholland last week but they were left cursing Doohamlet’s Barry McBennett. His accurate free-taking earned his side a late draw with Emyvale, and in doing so knocked Killany into the relegation spots as Monaghan Harps had the better head-to-head record. Currin really haven’t recovered from the loss of Jack McCarron to a long-term injury and this could be another tough outing.

Verdict: Killanny

Eire Óg v Tyholland

(Saturday, Emyvale, 6pm)

Eire Óg missed a number of goal chances against Blackhill, but they have only themselves to blame really have let a two-point interval lead turn into an 11-point defeat. Tyholland are a very good side and will be disappointed to be in this position, but they should survive okay.

Verdict: Tyholland

JFC quarter-finals

Aughnamullen v Aghabog

(Sunday, Monaghan, 2pm)

With a few minutes left in their tie with Rockcorry, Aghabog were facing championship elimination, but a late 1-2 flourish saw them into the last eight. This is a massive challenge though. Aughnamullen did lose to Drumhowan at the weekend, but they rested a number of key players.

Verdict: Aughnamullen

Sean McDermott’s v Drumhowan

(Sunday, Scotstown, 2pm)

Drumhowan warmed up for this clash with an impressive win over Aughnamullen, even if their opponents left a few main men out. Aidan Quinn was on free-taking duty and he gathered the majority of their 10 points. Sean McDermott’s were not in action last week but they had already done enough to ensure top spot. They look a safe bet for the semi-finals.

Verdict: Sean McDermott’s

Clones v Rockcorry

(Sunday, Latton, 5pm)

Clones were stopped in their tracks as Aughnamullen hammered them in round four, but they got back to winning ways last week against Toome. Rockcorry have been known as a championship side in recent years but this is a huge challenge. They simply don’t score enough.

Verdict: Clones

Oram v Toome

(Sunday, Blackhill, 5pm)

Oram produced a good final quarter to defeat Killeevan and keep their championship aspirations afloat. Toome remain without the injured James Wilson but their season can be extended yet.

Verdict: Toome

By Niall McCoy