Last four places up for grabs in Donegal

DONEGAL INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

DUNLGLOE V NAOMH MUIRE

Saturday, O’Donnell Park, 5pm

Oisin Bonner put an injury-laden season behind with a tally of 2-2 as Dungloe came through the recent dress rehearsal of the teams to top the group. Dungloe lost last year’s decider after a replay to Cloughaneely should come through against the men from the Rosses.

Verdict: Dungloe

DOWNINGS V FANAD

Sunday, Dunfanaghy, 1.30pm

It has already been a summer to remember for a Johnny McGroddy inspired Downings who clinched promotion to the Division One after going to the Ulster junior final last season. This is the tie of the round, with neighbours Fanad well placed after winning two games. An interesting one awaits.

Verdict: Downings

BUNCRANA V NAOMH COLUMBA

Sunday, O’Donnell Park, 2pm

Both clubs took six from the eight points on offer in the group stages. Goals from Eric Carr and Pauric Ward helped Naomh Columba to victory (2-16 to 1-13) when the sides met in the group stages. It’s hard to see off a team twice in succession and Buncrana proved against Downings they are in the title race.

Verdict: Buncrana

TERMON V KILLYGORDON

Sunday, O’Donnell Park, 4pm

Termon maintained their unbeaten run with 0-6 from Ryan McFadden in their win over Malin to finish second in the group. Ten years after their last title, they have a sprinkling of their recent minor winning team and will be fancied to see off a Red Hughs team who were Ulster Junior champions four years ago.

Verdict: Termon

DOWN

DOWN SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO

LOUGHINISLAND V WARRENPOINT

Friday, Kilcoo, 7.30pm

Warrenpoint eased past Saul in the first round, team captain Donagh McAleenan excelling, but they’ll face a much stiffer challenge here. Loughinisland should be battle hardened after their tussle with Castlewellan. The Blues weren’t at their best, but they should push the ‘Point here.

Verdict: Warrenpoint

GLENN V CARRYDUFF

Saturday, Downpatrick, 2pm

With young Patrick Brooks excellent, Glenn powered past Bredagh for a notable win in round one. Likewise, Finnian Moriarty’s Carryduff put some patchy league form behind them to ease past Bryansford. This could be a great game, even if James Guinness is out for Carryduff.

Verdict: Carryduff

BURREN V DOWNPATRICK

Sunday, Newcastle, 5pm

Burren will welcome Donal O’Hare back from suspension, and they’ll be glad of that with their attack looking a bit ponderous in the extra-time win over Mayobridge. Downpatrick always bring pace and power, but victory should be beyond them.

Verdict: Burren

Kilcoo v Ballyholland

Monday, Páirc Esler, 7.30pm

Games between these two sides can be spicy enough affairs, and Ballyholland will bring some physicality. Despite their league final loss to Burren, Kilcoo showed they’re still the team to beat as they took apart Clonduff in the first round.

Verdict: Kilcoo

DOWN SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS ROUND ONE

LONGSTONE V MAYOBRIDGE

Thursday, Páirc Esler, 7.30pm

Steven Poacher’s Mayobridge should have beaten Burren in the first round, but lost after extra-time. Shane Annett should be fit for more action this time. Longstone were edged out by Ballyholland, and another narrow defeat may arrive here.

Verdict: Mayobridge

SAUL V AN RIOCHT

Thursday, Ballymartin, 7.30pm

Both sides would have been relatively pleased with the draw as it’s a game they will each fancy they can win. Both sides one a league meeting each – away fixtures, incidentally – but the Kingdom can earn a second win.

Verdict: An Riocht

BRYANSFORD V CLONDUFF

Friday, Páirc Esler, 7.30pm

Clonduff really didn’t show up against neighbours Kilcoo, managing just four points. A big reaction will be expected against a Bryansford side well beaten by Carryduff.

Verdict: Clonduff

BREDAGH V CASTLEWELLAN

Sunday, Mayobridge, 3pm

These are busy times for Bredagh’s dual players with their hurlers earning a fantastic win over Ballygalget to reach the semi-finals. The footballers face a tough task against an inconsistent Castlewellan side that battled well against Loughinisland last time out.

Verdict: Castlewellan

DOWN INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO

CLANN NA BANNA V ROSTREVOR

Thursday, Liatroim, 7.30pm

Rostrevor manager Benny Coulter was named as the new Down minor boss on Monday night, but attention quickly turned to the challenge of the Cottage Park men. Liatroim gave them a real game, and that should set them up nicely here.

Verdict: Rostrevor

Drumgath v Atticall

Saturday, Rostrevor, 2pm

Division Three champions Drumgath always seem to raise their game for the championship and they should be too strong for an Atticall side that were eight-point winners over Aughlisnafin in the first round.

Verdict: Drumgath

TULLYLISH V SAVAL

Sunday, Glenn, 1pm

Tullylish had an eye-catching 1-10 to 0-10 win over Darragh Cross in round one, but they face a Saval side enjoying a good season. Danny Hughes’ men came close to Division Two promotion, and they can go deep in this competition.

Verdict: Saval

BALLYMARTIN V ST JOHN’S

Monday, Dundrum, 7pm

St John’s went goal crazy against Newry Shamrocks, notching six in all, and their confidence will be sky-high. Ballymartin also eased past Newry opposition, as they took care of St John, Bosco. This could go all the way.

Verdict: St John’s

DOWN INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND ONE QUALIFIERS

Bright v Newry Shamrocks

Saturday, Clonduff, 2pm

Shamrocks had a horrendous start against St John’s as they let in a series of goals, and they were always chasing from there. They should get back on track against a Bright side that really gave Drumgath a good game.

Verdict: Newry Shamrocks

DARRAGH CROSS V LIATROIM

Saturday, Castlewellan, 5pm

It really has been a tough season for a Darragh Cross outfit expected to go well. Liatroim may be in the backdoor, but they were impressive against Rostrevor and they can keep their season alive here.

Verdict: Liatroim

ST PAUL’S V AUGHLISANFIN

Sunday, Darragh Cross, 2pm

One point separated these sides when the league season drew to a close, so we can expect a tight battle. St Paul’s may be low on confidence after their mauling at the hands of Saval.

Verdict: Aughlisnafin

ST JOHN, BOSCO V ANNACLONE

Monday, Burren, 7pm

Annaclone should prove far too strong here for Bosco. They may have been disappointed after their loss to Clann na Banna, but they should be comfortable here to get back on track.

Verdict: Annaclone

DOWN JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS

KILCLIEF V MITCHEL’S

Friday, Dundrum, 7.15pm

Kilclief can make the most of the last-chance saloon. They may have lost heavily to Dromara but they can bounce back with a victory here.

Verdict: Kilclief

GLASDRUMMAN V ST MICHAEL’S

Friday, Mayobridge, 7.15pm

Both sides lost heavily last week, Glasdrumman going down by 13 points to East Belfast and the Magheraline men losing to Ardglass by seven points. It should be tight, and St Michael’s can edge it.

Verdict: St Michael’s

DOWN INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

LIATROIM V CARRYDUFF

Saturday, Páirc Esler, 5.30pm

Both management teams will probably have to allow for football commitments to take precedence. Liatroim may have the strength in depth to win.

Verdict: Liatroim

FERMANAGH

FERMANAGH SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP A

BELNALECK V ERNE GAELS

Sunday, Páirc na hÉirne, 1pm

Three goals from Ultan Kelm shot last year’s intermediate champions Erne Gaels to a 5-11 to 1-11 away win when the sides met in the league, but Colm Bradley’s side won from their three games. The Gaels have since won the league, but the return of Lee and Che Cullen will give Belnaleck the tools to help a title charge.

Verdict: Belnaleck

DERRYGONNELLY V TEEMORE

Sunday, Canon Maguire Park, 6pm

The Harps welcome Teemore this weekend. The Shamrocks led the roll of honour with 21 titles, but their last was in 2005, with Derrygonnelly taking the New Ireland Cup home eight times since then. Gary McKenna is a loss, they should start with a win.

Verdict: Derrygonnelly

FERMANAGH SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP B

ENNISKILLEN V EDERNEY

Friday, Brewster Park, 8pm

Friday’s live streamed clash sees an Ederney side with Maxi Curran in their backroom team coming to Brewster Park. The Gaels have Simon Bradley in charge this season, stepping up to fill John Reihill’s shoes. There is plenty of football before the Gaels get the chance to go one better than last year, but should start with a win.

Verdict: Enniskillen

KINAWLEY V ROSLEA

Saturday, Patrick McManus Park, 6pm

Dominic Corrigan is back at the help of his native Kinawley and they reached the league final only to come up short against Erne Gaels. Roslea’s only win in the league was a convincing victory over St Patrick’s, Donagh, but they finished by drawing with Derrygonnelly.

Verdict: Kinawley

FERMANAGH INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP A

BELCOO V MAGUIRESBRIDGE

Sunday, MacNean Park, 3pm

A Dean McDermott goal helped Belcoo to a 1-12 to 0-9 opening day win when the sides locked horns in the league. The 2017 champions finished fourth in the table with Maguiresbridge’s win over Newtownbutler in the last game one of three victories. Belcoo to start with a win.

Verdict: Belcoo

DEVENISH V DERRYLIN

Sunday, St Mary’s Park, 3.30pm

Devinish were relegated from Division One, on score difference, for the first time in 41 years. Jake Smith’s injury time goal was enough to see fellow strugglers Derrylin home (3-10 to 2-10) when the sides met in the league, a score that proved vital. A tough game to call.

Verdict: Draw

FERMANAGH INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP B

TEMPO V IRVINESTOWN

Saturday, St Patrick’s Park, 3pm

It’s been an excellent Division Two campaign for Irvinestown who won all nine games to finish top of the pile. They needed Sean Clear’s goal to help them to 1-9 to 1-8 win over this weekend’s championship opponents Tempo in their second game. It’s hard to look past Irvinestown for a winning start,

Verdict: Irvinestown

LISNASKEA V DONAGH

Saturday, Emmet Park, 6pm

Last year’s junior champions St Patrick’s, Donagh escaped relegation from Division One on score different come into the championship searching for form. The last time ‘Skea won the title, they went all the way to land the 2010 All-Ireland. A tight game, with home advantage a factor.

Verdict: Lisnaskea

FERMANAGH JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

AGHADRUMASEE V BROOKBOROUGH

Saturday, Roslea, 6pm

Brookeborough lost all their games in the league and from the moment Tommy O’Hara hit the net in a 4-9 to 0-7 defeat to Aghadrumsee, they were well beaten with Dale Crudden (2) and Aidan Durnien also finding net.

Verdict: Aghadrumsee

NEWTOWNBUTLER V COA

Saturday, Maguiresbridge, 6pm

It’s 25 years since Newtownbutler won the senior title, but they are battling to get out of the junior grade. They finished middle of the pack in Division Two and 1-6 to 0-7 winners early in the campaign with a sixth minute Ger O’Keefe goal the key. Aghadrumsee didn’t set the world alight in the league either, but should come through.

Verdict: Newtownbutler

MONAGHAN

MONAGHAN SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP ONE

SCOTSTOWN V CLONTIBRET

Sunday, Pairc Mhuire, 5pm

Both are already through to the next round but still these two would like to finish the group stages with a win. The victor will go straight through to the semi-finals. Scotstown are the team to beat in Monaghan and could be just too strong for Clontibret.

Verdict: Scotstown

DONAGHMOYNE V AUGHNAMULLEN

Sunday, Donaghmoyne, 5pm

Aughnamullen are bottom of the group have lost three from three and won’t be able to cause an upset here. Donaghmoyne have been moving along nicely and are likely to secure their second win of the campaign and, barring a draw in the other game, should earn them a knock-out spot.

Verdict: Donaghmoyne

MONAGHAN SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP TWO

INNISKEEN V CARRICKMACROSS

Sunday, Inniskeen, 5pm

Carrickmacross simply have to win this one if they are to remain in the competition as they currently sit at the bottom of group two on score difference. That motivation could be enough to see them cause a shock

Verdict: Carrickmacross

LATTON V TRUAGH

Sunday, Latton, 5pm

Latton are in the same must-win boat as Carrickmacross, but Truagh will be out to continue their unbeaten record in the championship with the target of getting back to the same stage as last season. Score difference could come into play.

Verdict: Truagh

MONAGHAN INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP ONE

CORDUFF V EMYVALE

Sunday, Corduff, 2pm

Both sides have only lost once so far in the championship, and this could be a really close game. Corduff will have the advantage of playing on home soil which may just be enough to earn them victory.

Verdict: Corduff

CREMARTIN V DOOHAMLET

Sunday, Cremartin, 2pm

It’s winner takes all in this one as both need the victory to secure their passage into the next round. Cremartin have failed to pick up a single point so far and that form is unlikely to change this weekend.

Verdict: Doohamlet

MONAGHAN INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP TWO

TOOME V BLACKHILL

Sunday, Toome, 2pm

Toome have been in terrific form of late, defeating everyone that has crossed their path so far during the group stages. They should continue their winning streak this weekend with a fourth victory on the trot.

Verdict: Toome

TYHOLLAND V MONAGHAN HARPS

Sunday, Tyholland, 2pm

Tyholland will be desperate to pick up their first victory of the campaign and with home advantage they may just be able to cause an upset against Monaghan Harps and get the job done.

Verdict: Tyholland

MONAGHAN JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP ONE

CLONES V KILLANNY

Saturday, Clones, 5.30pm

The winner of this one will head into the next rounds of the championship having topped group one with four wins from four. Clones may just have enough to sneak through a really tight tussle.

Verdict: Clones

CURRIN V DRUMHOWAN

Saturday, Currin, 5.30pm

This game will be another incredibly tight match up with both teams fairly confident that they can get the job done. If Drumhowan bring their shooting boots, then they could be the team tasting victory this weekend.

Verdict: Drumhowan

MONAGHAN JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP TWO

ROCKCORRY V EIRE OG

Saturday, Pairc Mhuire, 5.30pm

Rockcorry are coming off the back of two good wins against Scotstown and Aghabog while Eire Og are heading into the game have lost their last two outings. Form points to a home win in this one.

Verdict: Rockcorry

AGHABOG EMMET V SCOTSTOWN

Saturday, Aghabog, 5.30pm

Aghabog have yet to pick up a single point in the group stages of the championship and their unlikely to turn that form around this weekend. Scotstown look too strong and should see out the victory.

Verdict: Scotstown

TYRONE

TYRONE JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP PRELIMINARY ROUND

Stewartstown v Donaghmore

Sunday, Rock, 2pm

Stewartstown claimed the Division Three title this week, and they should ease through to the first round proper of the Junior Championship.

Verdict: Stewartstown

Errigal Ciaran v Brockagh

Sunday, Rock, 4pm

There shouldn’t be too much between these sides when all is said and done. Errigal have been scoring a bit more freely this year, and that could be crucial.

Verdict: Errigal Ciaran

CHAMPIONS…Lee Jones and Derrygonnelly begi their title defence this weekend. Picture: Martin Brady

TOP OF THE TABLE…Michael Warnock and Glen have a chance to finish as group leaders. Photo: Brian McKenna

CHAMPIONS…Alan Pasona (left) and Downings have made it the last eight of the Donegal Intermediate Football Championship. Picture: Evan Logan

TEAM TO BEAT…Creggan are the current senior champions and the team to beat in Antrim

COMMITTMENT… Joe McElroy has been a mainstay in the Harps side since stepping away from Armagh

ANOTHER CHANCE… Ballyhaise will hope to go one step further than they did last season