Club Championships: Thrills and spills expected this weekend

Antrim IHC Group 1

Creggan v Cathaoir an Ri

Sunday, Creggan, 2pm

Niall Robb is back in charge of Creggan this year. They open their campaign against last year’s beaten Intermediate finalists Carey Faughs. Creggan have some quality on their side including Conor McCann. But Carey will be determined.

Verdict: Carey

Antrim IHC Group 2

Cloughmills v Glen Rovers

Sunday, Cloughmills, 2pm

In 2016 Cloughmills hit the heights when they won the Ulster Intermediate Hurling Championship and then got a taste of the All-Ireland series. But that experience was short-lived as the small club were forced to move up to senior level. The rules have since changed and they are back at Intermediate level for a second season still desperate to get back to an Ulster campaign. Last year they lost to Glenarriffe in the quarter-finals. Their Armoy opponents were Ulster Champions themselves in 2007 at Junior level. Last year, Glen Rovers lost to Carey at the quarter-final stages.

Verdict: Cloughmills

Antrim IHC Group 3

Clooney Gaels v Glenarriffe Oisins

Sunday, Ahoghill, 2pm

Raymond McDonnell takes the Glenarriffe hurlers this year.

Last year Clooney lost to eventual champions Naomh Eanna in the preliminary round. Naomh Eanna would go on to beat Glenarriffe in the semi-finals. Both teams will be looking to build on last year’s form.

Verdict: Glenarriffe

Junior hurling

championship round up

There are five games taking place this weekend. Davitts v Latharna Og (Sunday, 2pm), Shane O’Neill’s v St Paul’s (Sunday, 2pm), St Teresa’s v Glenravel (Sunday 2pm), Cushendun v Loch Mor Dal Cais (Sunday, 2pm) and Rasharkin v Ballymena (Sunday, 2pm).

One interesting story will be to see how Latharna Og fare after they won the Junior B championship last year.

Antrim SHC – see pages 18-19

Armagh SFC

Clann Eireann v Granemore

Friday, Armagh Harps, 7pm

Shea Heffron captains Clann Eireann this year. They welcome the return of Conor Bell, Ryan Henderson, Declan Leathem and Danny McKavanagh as they start their championship against Granemore. Eamonn Kavanagh manages Granemore this season. Their captain is Brendan Boylan while Kieran Toner will again be a key player for them.

Verdict: Granemore

Armagh SFC

Annaghmore v Mullaghbawn

Friday, Ballymacnab, 7pm

It was reported in Gaelic Life last week that Annaghmore have a depleted panel this year, with a number of players having been sidelined with injury, or left the club to work or travel. They still have some stalwarst there who will feel that they can beat Mullaghbawn. Peter McDonnell is taking the latter side this year alongside Martin McQuillan, Ciaran Leonard, Peter Og McDonnell, Conor McCann and Colm McCoy. Their one departure is Patrick Tiernan who has transferred to Bryansford.

Verdict: Mullaghbawn

Armagh SFC

Grange v Killeavy

Saturday, Pearse Og Park, 3.30pm

Grange are intermediate champions, but have lost Padraig Rafferty and Conor Toal from the side which wonlast year. That’s a negative, but on the positive side they have added Sean Doherty from Strabane, and Daire Mallon has returned from injury. Killeavy have had the unwanted attention of a Covid-19 outbreak to worry about. They should be positive that Ciaran O’Hanlon and Jamie Cosgrove have both rejoined the squad.

Verdict: Killeavy

Armagh SFC

Dromintee v Maghery

Saturday, Armagh Harps, 3.30pm

The 2016 champions take on Dromintee, who last reached the county final in 2011.

Maghery were finalists in 2017 but were beaten by the Harps. Dromintee have lost the experience of Philly McEvoy, John Molloy and Shane Carroll and they look to youth to bring them on this year. Maghery have Finnian Moriarty over them this year, but they won’t have Ben Crealey as he has broken his collarbone.

Verdict: Dromintee

Armagh SFC

Ballymacnab v Madden

Saturday, Athletic Grounds, 7pm

Ballymacnab have lost the last two finals to Crossmaglen so they need no motivation this year. They have unfortunately lost Sean Lynch, Cormac Gribben and Kieran Hughes to injury. Madden have said goodbye to Gerard Grimley who has transferred to Clady, but Ronan Gallagher has joined the club from St Gall’s. They have a few players carrying injuries.

Verdict: Ballymacnab

Armagh SFC

Armagh Harps v Naomh Peadar

Sunday, Pearse Og Park, 1.30pmCrossmaglen

The Harps were champions back in 2017 and they will be hoping that they can regain that success this year. They have experience in Charlie Vernon and Declan McKenna and their young players coming through have added a new dimension to the team. St Peter’s were Intermediate champions in 2018 and have some very good players, such as Aaron Findon and Robbie Geary.

Verdict: Armagh Harps

Armagh SFC

Crossmaglen v Silverbridge

Sunday, Athletic Grounds, 1.30pm

Crossmaglen begin another championship which they are expected to win. Their defeat might have given some other clubs a modicum of hope, but most will know that the Rangers remain a potent force. Silverbridge have Gerard McGarvey back from a year out. Pauric Keatings has recovered from a cruciate injury.

Verdict: Crossmaglen

Armagh SFC

Pearse Og v St Patrick’s

Sunday, Athletic Grounds, 6pm

Shane McConville is in his second year in charge of Pearse Og and he plans to inspire a talented group. Gerald Barton, Conor Clarke and Paul Duffy have the experience, but there are also some young additions as well. Losing Ross McQuillan to the AFL was a blow for Cullyhanna, and Pearse Casey and Shane Conlon are in Australia as well.

Verdict: Pearse Og

Cavan SFC Round two

Killygarry v Kingscourt

Friday, Kingspan Breffni Park, 8.15pm

Kingscourt were comfortable winners over Lacken in the first round, 1-13 to 0-10. Shane Duffy’s early goal set them up for a straightforward result. Their opponents this weekend are Killygarry who lost to Cavan Gaels last weekend on a scoreline of 1-10 to 0-12. The narrow nature of that game should make Kingscourt wary.

Verdict: Kingscourt

Cavan SFC Round two

Gowna v Lavey

Saturday, Dr Plunkett Memorial Park, 5pm

Gowna’s championship began with a frustrating loss to Ramor. They weren’t fancied to win, and they were undone by the brilliance of James Brady’s return of 2-5. They might take some hope from the fact that there was just a goal between them at the end, 2-11 to 1-11. Their opponent this week is Lavey who lost to Crosserlough by 1-14 to 0-7.

Verdict: Gowna

Cavan SFC Round two

Cavan Gaels v Mullahoran

Saturday, Kingspan Breffni Park, 7.30pm

One of the points of interest of Cavan Gaels’ game last weekend was seeing Gearoid McKiernan make his debut. He transferred from Swanlinbar and marked his start with a return of two points as they beat Killygarry. That was a close run game. In contrast, Mullahoran were confident winners against Laragh United who are just up from the Intermediate level.

Verdict: Mullahoran

Cavan SFC Round two

Crosserlough v Laragh United

Sunday, Kingspan Breffni Park, 2pm

Laragh United are up from Intermediate level and they got a lesson last weekend when they were well beaten by Mullahoran, 3-15 to 0-9.

Crosserlough beat Lavey 1-14 to 0-7, so if that form sticks on both sides, Laragh could be facing another defeat.

Verdict: Crosserlough

Cavan SFC Round two

Shercock v Ramor

Sunday, Jim Smith, 5pm

Shercock have yet to play so we will see on Sunday what their championship out fit looks like. They’ll need to be sharp though to beat a Ramor side which beat Gowna 2-11 to 1-11 last weekend. James Brady scored 2-5 so Shercock will know who to watch.

Verdict: Ramor

Cavan SFC Round two

Castlerahan v Lacken

Sunday, Kingspan Breffni Park, 7.30pm

Cavan save the best for last as the champions take to Breffni Park for the final game on Sunday. Lacken were poor against Kingscourt last weekend and lost 1-13 to 0-10. They should bounce back from that, though Castlerahan will be raring to go.

Verdict: Castlerahan

Cavan IFC Round three

Cootehill v Butlersbridge

Saturday, Annalee Park, 5pm

Cootehill get their first Intermdiate championship game this weekend against a Butlersbridge team that beat Drumlane 1-11 to 1-8 last weekend. Drumlane put on a good showing in the first half but Butlersbridge were better towards the finish.

Verdict: Butlersbridge

Cavan IFC Round three

Cornafean v Drumlane

Saturday, St Aiden’s Park, 7.30pm

Drumlane had a late chance to draw with Butlersbridge last weekend but it came to nothing. If they can take some positives from that game then they should have a chance against Cornafean. The latter side lost to Ballymachugh 2-7 to 0-10 last weekend.

Verdict: Drumlane

Cavan Junior

championship round up

There are two games to be played this weekend. Maghera play Templeport (Saturday, 5pm) and Swanlinbar play Drung (Sunday, 2pm).

Templeport are six time champions, and they last won the title in 2015.

Derry SFC round two Group B

Sleacht Néill v Coleraine Eoghan Rua

Saturday, Greenlough, 2pm

Coleraine knocked Sleacht Néill out in 2018. The Robert Emmet’s got off to a flier last weekend, when they beat Kilrea 2-18 to 0-6. Shane McGuigan was in super form as he scored 0-10. Eoghan Rua proved that they are still the battlers as they beat up and coming side Lavey 3-7 to 1-10. This is one game that will be very good.

Verdict: Sleacht Néill

Derry SFC round two Group C

O’Donovan Rossa Magherafelt v Glen

Saturday, Bellaghy, 2pm

This is a rematch of last year’s final, when a fancied Glen team were beaten by a Danny Heavron inspired Rossa side. Last weekend Glen beat Banagher 1-19 to 0-10. Magherafelt beat Ballinderry 1-11 to 0-6. This is another game with fantastic potential.

Verdict: Glen

Derry SFC Round two Group D

Claudy v Swatragh

Saturday, Claudy, 4pm

Swatragh were in a tricky spot last weekend when they had to battle back against Dungiven. They ended up winning by 2-14 to 1-14. Their opponents this weekend are Claudy, and they should present another difficult test, even though they lost to Ballinascreen last weekend, 1-11 to 1-5.

Verdict: Swatragh

Derry SFC round two Group A

Bellaghy v Foreglen

Sunday, Bellaghy, 4pm

Bellaghy almost earned victory in the opening round but the Loup got a late free to draw.

They will fancy themselves to beat a Foreglen side who were beaten 3-19 to 0-8 by Newbridge.

Verdict: Bellaghy

Derry SFC Round two Group A

The Loup v Newbridge

Sunday, the Loup, 4pm

The Loup were leading at half time against Bellaghy but needed a final score to draw their match.

Now they pitch up against a Newbridge team who were runaway winners against Foreglen. The extra twist to this game is that the Loup manager is Paddy Bradley who managed Newbridge last year.

Verdict: Newbridge

Derry SFC Round two Group B

Lavey v Kilrea

Sunday, Swatragh, 2pm

In a replay of the 2018 final, Lavey lost to Coleraine, 3-7 to 1-10 last weekend. Coleraine yet again proving that they are still a canny and determined out fit. Lavey under new manager Michael Hassan will hope to bounce back against a Kilrea team who were beaten by Sleacht Néill.

Verdict: Lavey

Derry SFC round two Group C

Ballinderry v Banagher

Sunday, Glen, 6.30pm

It looks as though Ballinderry are firmly in transition after they were beaten well by Magherafelt.

The Shamrocks, managed by Niall Conway, lost 1-11 to 0-6. They won’t have a straight forward second round game against a Banagher team who showed their championship hunger last year when they reached the semi-finals.

Verdict: Banagher

Derry SFC round two Group D

Dungiven v Ballinascreen

Sunday, Dungiven, 4pm

This is a game that has potential to be a thrilling encounter. Dungiven have a home tie, and are coming off the back of a great performance against Swatragh. Yes they lost that game 2-15 to 1-14, but they were in the game for long periods. They play Liam Bradley’s Ballinascreen team which beat Claudy 1-11 to 1-5.

Verdict: Ballinascreen

Derry IFC round two group B

Doire Trasna v Lissan

Friday, Ballinascreen, 7.30pm

Doire Trasna lost to Faughanvale 1-14 to 0-7 last weekend, while Lissan conceded against Drumsurn.

Verdict: Doire Trasna

Derry IFC round two Group B

Faughanvale v Drumsurn

Friday, Limavady, 8pm

Faughanvale were easy winners over Doire Trasna last weekend. Drumsurn did not get to play their game as Lissan conceded.

Verdict: Faughanvale

Derry IFC round two Group C

Slaughtmanus v Greenlough

Friday, Slaughtmanus, 7.30pm

Slaughtmanus lost their opener against Castledawson, 4-16 to 1-10. Greenlough were 3-12 to 1-12 winners over Ballymaguigan. They should win again.

Verdict: Greenlough

Derry IFC round two group c

Ballymaguigan v Castledawson

Saturday, Ballymaguigan, 4pm

This is an intriguing south Derry derby, though Castledawson will be heavily fancied after they beat Slaughtmanus easily, and Ballymaguigan were beaten.

Verdict: Castledawson

Derry IFC round two group A

Steelstown v Glack

Sunday, Pairc Brid, 4pm

Steelstown got their competition off to a great start with a 2-16 to 0-8 away win against Glenullin. Glack lost to their neighbours Limavady in round one.

Verdict: Steelstown

Derry IFC Round two Group A

Glenullin v Limavady

Sunday, Glenullin, 4pm

Glenullin need to bounce back after their loss to Steelstown in round one. Limavady will see Glenullin as vulnerable after that first defeat, and they have momentum after beating Glack.

Verdict: Limavady

Derry Junior Championship round up

There are four junior Championship matches fixed for this week. The pick of them is Moneymore against Drum on Friday. Magilligan play Desertmartin (Friday, 7.30pm), Doire Colmcille play Ardmore (Friday, 7.30pm), and Ballerin play Sean Dolans (Friday, 7.30pm).

Donegal SFC Round two

St Eunan’s v Kilcar

Friday, St Eunan’s 7.30pm

St Eunan’s opened with a 0-15 to 1-5 win over Bundoran. Their opponents this weekend are Kilcar who hammered Termon 4-21 to 0-7.

This game has the promise of being very exciting

Verdict: Kilcar

Donegal SFC Round two

Gaoth Dobhair v Killybegs

Saturday, Gaoth Dobhair, 2pm

Last year’s beaten finalists, Gaoth Dobhair defeated Four Masters comfortably 2-17 to 0-7.

Their next game is against a Killybegs side that lost 1-6 to 1-12 against Glenfin.

Verdict: Gaoth Dobhair

Donegal SFC Round two

Termon v Bundoran

Saturday, Termon, 4pm

Termon have to pick themselves up after getting hammered by 4-21 to 0-7. But they have a home game this weekend and they will feel that they can get close to a Bundoran team that lost to St Eunan’s.

Verdict: Termon

Donegal SFC Round two

Glenfin v St Naul’s

Saturday, Glenfin, 6pm

Glenfin will be pleased at having beaten Killybegs by six points last weekend. However, they have a tricky test against a St Naul’s team who edged out Dungloe by a point.

Verdict: Glenfin

Donegal SFC Round two

Milford v St Michael’s

Saturday, Moyle Park, 7.30pm

Milford will be down after getting well beaten by Naomh Conaill, 3-20 to 0-6. But they may have expected it. St Michael’s is another challenge though, and they are looking for win number two after beating Glenswilly, 3-5 to 0-8.

Verdict: St Michael’s

Donegal SFC Round two

Ardara v Naomh Conaill

Sunday, Ardara, 2.30pm

Naomh Conaill had a fantastic result against Milford, winning by 23 points. Milford are not at the standard of the county champions, but they will want to build on that result against Ardara this weekend. They should do so.

Verdict: Naomh Conaill

Donegal SFC Round two

Dungloe v Sean MacCumhaill

Sunday, Dungloe, 4.30pm

Dungloe suffered an agonising defeat to St Naul’s last weekend by a single point. That should have focused their minds and they will want a response against MacCumhaill’s. The latter side had one point win of their own against Ardara. Could be another close one.

Verdict: MacCumhaill’s

Donegal SFC Round two

Glenswilly v Four Masters

Sunday, Glenswilly, 6pm

Both Glenswilly and Four Masters were on the wrong side of bad defeats last weekend. Glenswilly suffered a six-point defeat to St Michael’s, Four Masters lost by 16 to Gaoth Dobhair.

Verdict: Glenswilly

Donegal IFC round two

Naomh Ultan v Naomh Muire Iochtar Na Rosann

Saturday, Naomh Ultan, 3pm

Naomh Muire should win after they beat Red Hugh’s 2-8 to 0-8 last weekend.

Verdict: Naomh Muire

Donegal IFC round two

Cloughaneely v Naomh Columba

Saturday, Cloughaneely, 4.30pm

Cloughaneely had a one goal win over Fanad, but Naomh Columba were nine points better than Naomh Brid last weekend

Verdict: Naomh Columba

Donegal IFC round two

Burt v Fanad Gaels

Sunday, Hibernian Park, 12noon

Fanad Gaels are fancied after they only lost by a goal against Cloughaneely.

Donegal IFC round two

Red Hugh’s v Buncrana

Sunday Pairc Aodh Rua, 3pm

Buncrana get the nod after their 1-16 to 0-12 win over Malin last weekend.

Verdict: Buncrana

Donegal IFC Round two

Naomh Brid v Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon

Sunday, Naomh Brid, 3pm

Aodh Ruadh beat Burt 0-11 to 0-6 and they are tipped to win again this weekend.

Verdict: Aodh Ruadh

Donegal IFC round two

Malin v Naomh Colmcille

Sunday, Connolly Park, 4.30pm

Naomh Colmcille can continue their winning run this weekend, after they beat Naomh Ultan 2-10 to 0-10 last Sunday.

Verdict: Naomh Colmcille

Donegal Junior

championship round up

There are three games taking place this weekend. Carndonagh play Naomh Padraig (Friday, 8pm), Downings play Robert Emmet’s (Saturday, 5.30pm), Urris play Convoy (Saturday, 6pm) and Moville host Na Rossa (Sunday, 2pm)

Monaghan SFC Group one round three

Clontibret v Magheracloone

Sunday, Clontibret, 2pm

Clontibret battled for a draw with Ballybay in their opening game a fortnight ago.

This weekend they take on a Magheracloone side that edge out Inniskeen by a point, but lost to Ballybay by three.

Verdict: Clontibret

Monaghan SFC Group one round three

Ballybay v Donaghmoyne

Sunday, Ballybay, 5pm

With an unbeaten record so far, Ballybay can keep their place on the top with a win over Donaghmoyne. They should do so as Donaghmoyne are on a low after losing to Inniskeen.

Verdict: Ballybay

Monaghan SFC Group two round three

Truagh v Latton

Saturday, 4pm

Latton got knocked back last weekend when they lost 0-12 to 0-8 against Scotstown. They had opened with a win over Castleblayney. They can get back on track with a win over a Truagh team that lost to Scotstown in round one.

Verdict: Latton

Monaghan SFC Group two round three

Scotstown v Carrickmacross

Saturday, Pairc Mhuire , 7pm

Scotstown are two wins from two after beating Truagh and Latton. They should make it three from three against Carrickmacross who lost to latton by seven.

Verdict: Scotstown

Monaghan IFC Group 1 round three

Corduff v Cremartin

Sunday, Corduff, 2pm

Corduff should win this one. Their only dropped points came when they drew with Currin.

Verdict: Corduff

Monaghan IFC Group 1 round three

Blackhill v Currin

Sunday, Blackhill, 5pm

The key result to this is Currin’s draw with Corduff. That suggests that they are a solid team. Blackhill lost to Corduff.

Verdict: Currin

Monaghan IFC Group two round three

Doohamlet v Killanny

Saturday, Doohamlet, 4pm

Killanny have played two and lost two, so they are unlikely to beat Doohamlet who beat Monaghan Harps.

Verdict: Doohamlet

Monaghan IFC Group two round three

Monaghan Harps v Tyholland

Saturday, Monaghan, 7pm

This is a tricky one to call. Tyholland have lost their only game, while Harps only win was against Killanny.

Verdict : Tyholland

Monaghan Junior Championship round up

There are four games taking place in the junior championship. Aghabog against Oram (Saturday, 4pm), Sean McDermott’s v Killeevan (Saturday, 7pm). Scotstown v Aughnamullen (Sunday, 2pm), and Clones v Drumhowan (Sunday, 5pm).