Ulster’s weekend of football and hurling action at a glance

WE take a look at the football and hurling games across all the counties of Ulster.

NB: Dates, times and venues correct as of time of going to press. Double check times before travelling to games.

ANTRIM SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE

NAOMH ÉANNA V ALDERGROVE

Sunday, Corrigan Park, 1pm

THIS game means nothing in the title race with Lámh Dhearg and Dunloy already through to the quarter-finals. There is still plenty at stake. Avoiding defeat will be enough for Aldergrove to stay out of relegation trouble. Naomh Éanna have to win.

Verdict: Aldergrove

LÁMH DHEARG V DUNLOY

Sunday, Corrigan Park, 1pm

AFTER winning both their games, these sides are in the last eight. With this group twinned with the group of death involving St Brigid’s. Creggan or Aghagallon, finishing top holds no real value here.

Verdict: Lámh Dhearg

TÍR NA NÓG V CARGIN

Friday, Dunsilly, 6.45pm

A LOCAL derby with Cargin having already in the quarter-finals as the first seed and Tír na nÓg all but guaranteed to be in the relegation play-offs as the bottom team. They Whitehill men will need an unlikely score difference change to leapfrog Rossa or St John’s.

VERDICT: Cargin

ST JOHN’S V ROSSA

Saturday, Hannahstown, 5pm

IF St John’s avoid defeat, they finish behind Cargin and can look forward to the quarter-finals. Rossa need to win like they did when the sides met in the league. If they can get enough ball to Dominic McEnhill, they could repeat the dose.

Verdict: Rossa

MONEYGLASS V AHOGHILL

Friday, Portglenone, 6.45pm

THEIR neighbours Portglenone are already guaranteed top spot. This is a battle to see who joins them. Ahoghill have a poorer score difference and need to win. Moneyglass have the better form. Will it be enough?

Verdict: Moneyglass

GLENRAVEL V PORTGLENONE

Sunday, Slemish Park, 3pm

GLENRAVEL will have Ryan McQuillan and Cathal Hynes available again. The Con Magees face an uphill battle and could be resigned to a relegation battle. Portglenone will be keen to keep their momentum going and head into the knock-out stages on the back of a third win.

Verdict: Portglenone

CREGGAN V ST GALL’S

Saturday, Hannahstown, 3pm

ST Gall’s won the league encounter in Creggan but there is more at stake. Joe Cassidy’s side need a win to book a last-eight spot. For St Gall’s they’ve lost both games so far. They need a win, for St Brigid’s to do likewise and then they take out the calculator.

Verdict: Creggan

ST BRIGID’S V AGHGAGALLON

Sunday, Corrigan Park, 3pm

AFTER winning their first two games, league champions St Brigid’s are still not guaranteed a quarter-final spot from this group of death. They need at least a draw. Aghagallon can also make the quarter-finals. As can all the teams. It will be an interesting hour.

Verdict: St Brigid’s

ANTRIM INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR

GLENAVY V SARSFIELDS

Sunday, Glenavy, 2pm

AFTER an indifferent league, the Paddies have found their form with some wins and they’d be expected to make it a third to cement top spot. For Glenavy, they’ll hope home advantage will help them change their inconsistent campaign.

Verdict: Sarsfields

ALL SAINTS V DAVITTS

Sunday, Slemish Park, 5pm

THE Ballymena men more than held their own in Division One. Liam Bradley’s side were pipped by Sarsfields but will be favourites against Davitt’s and home advantage will help them further.

Verdict: All Saints

ST PAUL’S V ARDOYNE

Saturday, St Paul’s, 2pm

ST Paul’s were promoted from Division Two and backed it up with back-to-back championship wins, giving away little in defence. They host Ardoyne who have yet to win a game in the campaign. It’s hard to see past a home win.

Verdict: St Paul’s

LISBURN V ST TERESA’S

Saturday, Kirkwood Park, 2pm

ST Teresa’s won both league games between the sides and would book their semi-final with a win in Lisburn this weekend. The home side have two games left to convert their league progress into an extended championship run. But they’ll need something here.

Verdict: St Teresa’s

ANTRIM JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE

ST AGNES V O’DONNELLS

Friday, Páirc Naomh Una, 6.45pm

BOTH teams were bogged in the middle of Division Three but the Aggies have won both championship games. They need just a draw to secure top spot and semi-final berth. The O’D’s beat them twice already. Home advantage might sway it.

Verdict: St Agnes

LAOCHRA LOCH LAO V PEARSES

Friday, Coláiste Feirste, 6.45pm

LAOCHRA Loch Lao hit four goals to beat Pearses in the league. Both teams finished well up the table. A tight game with but the Gaeilgeoirs might get the win the gives them a chance of a quarter-final spot. Score difference may be a factor.

Verdict: Laochra Loch Lao

WOLFE TONES V ST COMGHALL’S

Friday, Dunsilly, 6.45pm

THE Antrim town side have won all their league and championship games to date and already in the semi-finals. The Tones have just a league win over the Aggies to show for the season and will be underdogs this weekend.

Verdict: St Comghall’s

ST MALACHY’S V ÉIRE ÓG

Friday, Cherryvale, 6.45pm

THERE is little between the sides in every way. They are level in the table, were level in the league with a win each from the two meetings. Both teams are already in the quarter-finals.

Verdict: Draw

ARMAGH SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE GROUP A

SILVERBRIDGE V KILLEAVY

Sunday, Silverbridge, 6.15pm

DEPENDING on how the other game goes in this group, both these sides can still top the table. Silverbridge probably have the upper hand here, but under the new management of Steven McDonnell, Killeavy certainly have a spring in their step. Lee Rice is hoping to have his red card against Culloville rescinded.

Verdict: Silverbridge

CULLOVILLE V CULLYHANNA

Sunday, Silverbridge, 6.15pm

CULLOVILLE have already crashed out of the championship after just two rounds of action. Even a win here wouldn’t allow them to catch any of the other three, while Cullyhanna are chasing top spot and an automatic place in the last eight.

Verdict: Cullyhanna

GROUP B

SARSFIELDS v CROSSMAGLEN

Sunday, Sarsfields, 3pm

AFTER their first-round defeat to Clan na Gael, Crossmaglen will be eager to bounce back as they head to Sarsfields. Sarsfields is a difficult ground to go to usually, but Cross should be too strong for them this weekend.

Verdict: Crossmaglen

GROUP C

CLANN EIREANN V MADDEN

Friday, Clann Eireann, 6.45pm

FOLLOWING last week’s shock defeat to Maghery, Clann Eireann must win here if they want to top the group. They will have to do it without the suspended Conor Turbitt, so the ball is certainly in Madden’s court.

Verdict: Madden

ST PETER’S V MAGHERY

Friday, St Peter’s, 6.45pm

ST PETER’S have been second best against Clann Eireann and Madden so far in the championship and Maghery look to have too much. Maghery can still top the group, so they’ll be going all out for the win.

Verdict: Maghery

GROUP D

MULLAGHBAWN V BALLYMACNAB

Saturday, Mullaghbawn, 5.00pm

THE winner of this one will determine who finishes second in the group and who finishes third. Only one point separated the sides the last time they met and the ‘Nab will be confident heading to Mullaghbawn.

Verdict: Ballymacnab

ARMAGH HARPS V DROMINTEE

Saturday, Armagh Harps, 5pm

ARMAGH Harps have been in flying form so far in the championship and look like a side that could go all the way. Dromintee have lost both their outings and taking on the Harps is a real uphill battle.

Verdict: Armagh Harps

ARMAGH INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE
GROUP A

ST PAUL’S V SHANE O’NEILL’S

Friday, St Paul’s, 6.45pm

FOLLOWING the shock defeat to Whitecross last weekend, Shane O’Neill’s will be eager to get back to winning ways immediately. They are the underdogs heading to Lurgan however as St Paul’s look to make it three wins from three.

Verdict: St Paul’s

WHITECROSS V TIR NA NOG

Friday, Whitecross, 6.45pm

WHITECROSS’ win over Shane O’Neill’s was one of the stories of round two and sees them carry plenty of momentum into round two. While Tir na nOg won this same fixture last year, they could be up against it.

Verdict: Whitecross

GROUP B

KEADY V GRANGE

Sunday, Keady, 1pm

KEADY are still missing a few regulars from the side that reached the last four of the IFC last year. Grange could be buoyed by the return of Daire Mallon and Justin Kieran so they should have enough.

Verdict: Grange

WOLFE TONES V CROSSMAGLEN II

Sunday, Wolfe Tones, 1pm

ANOTHER win on the board for Wolfe Tones would see them advance straight to the quarter-finals. Crossmaglen IIs will pose plenty of questions for their hosts, but the Tones should have all the answers.

Verdict: Wolfe Tones

GROUP C

PEARSE OG V ANNAGHMORE

Saturday, Pearse Og, 3.30pm

DIVISION 2A league winners Pearse Og are probably the favourites for Intermediate glory, and they’ve shown that with two wins from two outings. Annaghmore certainly won’t be a walk over, but it should be another win for the Ogs.

Verdict: Pearse Og

DERRYNOOSE V CLONMORE#

Saturday, Derrynoose, 3.30pm

CLONMORE have to win this one to remain in the competition, but they’ve already suffered hefty back-to-back defeats in the group stages. Derrynoose are targeting second place and should secure that spot.

Verdict: Derrynoose

GROUP D

CARRICKCRUPPEN V TULLYSARAN

Sunday, Carrickcruppen, 2.15pm

HOME advantage could be key when these two evenly sides meet and the main thing for Carrickcruppen is stopping the huge attacking threat of Mark McKeever, who is currently the top scorer in the Intermediate Championship.

Verdict: Tullysaran

BELLEEK V CLANN EIREANN II

Sunday, Belleek, 2.15pm

THE winner of this encounter will reach the playoff stage of the competition while the loser will crash out. Belleek seem to have the upper hand on last year’s JFC winners and should make it count.

Verdict: Belleek

ARMAGH JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE
GROUP A

ST PETER’S II V MADDEN II

Sunday, St Peter’s, 1pm

BOTH these sides need to win this contest to confirm their place in the playoff stages of the championship. St Peter’s II have the better forwards when it comes down to it and that’ll see them over the line.

Verdict: St Peter’s II

FORKHILL V AN PORT MOR

Sunday, Forkhill, 1pm

FORKHILL are the favourites for this top of the table clash and home advantage should only help them. An Port Mor carry a huge scoring threat, but Forkhill look to have a better all round team and should finish top of the pile.

Verdict: Forkhill

CAVAN SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE

Castlerahan v Ballyhaise

Thursday, Kingspan Breffni, 8pm

BALLYHAISE will be bouncing coming into this following their shock win over holders Gowna last time out, David Brady, Michael Brady and Martin Conaty with their goals. Castlerahan also caused a stir with a five-point win over Lavey with Oisin O’Connell and Stephen Cooney starring – and this could be tight.

Verdict: Draw

Killygarry v Ramor United

Saturday, Lavey, 6.30pm

RAMOR remain one of four unbeaten sides left in the competition, and that’s mostly been down to a mean defence with only Crosserlough and Mullahoran conceding less. Killygarry narrowly lost to in-form Kingscourt last time out, so there’s no panic yet.

Verdict: Killygarry

Crosserlough v Ballinagh

Saturday, Lacken, 6.30pm

CROSSERLOUGH destroyed Lavey and Laragh and although they won’t get it near as easy here, they really are in a good place. Ballinagh were edged out by Cavan Gaels last weekend and could be in trouble again here.

Verdict: Crosserlough

Gowna v Cavan Gaels

Saturday, Kingspan Breffni, 6.45pm

HOLDERS Gowna will need to get a bit of a wriggle on because defeat here and elimination before the knock-out stages would become a real possibility. They’ve conceded five goals in the draw with Kingscourt and loss to Ballyhaise, so need to tighten up. Cavan Gaels edged Ballinagh last weekend, Luke Molloy with the crucial goal in a tense affair.

Verdict: Gowna

Mullahoran v Kingscourt Stars

Sunday, Ramor, 3pm

BOTH these sides have made fine starts to their championship campaign by claiming three points from four, and the winner here will be guaranteed a high finish. Mullahoran are giving very little away at the back and that may prove decisive here.

Verdict: Mullahoran

Laragh United v Lavey

Sunday, Kingspan Breffni, 5pm

BOTH these sides are sitting on zero points after two rounds, so the need for points goes without saying. This should be a tight encounter that will go all the way.

Verdict: Lavey

CAVAN JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR

Killeshandra v Shannon Gaels

Saturday, Corlough, 5pm

KILLESHANDRA can’t make the knockout stages and their fortunes are unlikely to improve here.

Verdict: Shannon Gaels

Kildallan v Mountnugent

Saturday, Pairc Naomh Padraig Armhach, 5pm

IT would take an unusual set of results, but Kildallan still have a bit of oxygen left and that may see them earn a win here.

Verdict: Kildallan

Drung v Redhills

Saturday, Kingspan Breffni, 5pm

DRUNG suffered their first defeat last week, and in strange fashion too as they only managed 1-1 against Mountnugent – Declan Magee and Stephen Jackson with those scores in the first 20 minutes. Redhills are motoring nicely and should be too strong here.

Verdict: Redhills

Munterconnaught v Drumalee

Saturday, Stradone, 5pm

THESE sides sit sixth and seventh in the table so very little between, and it should be the same on the scoreboard here too.

Verdict: Draw

Swanlinbar v Knockbride

Saturday, Butlersbridge, 5pm

BOTH sides are sitting pretty on five points from six, and this is a chance for someone to lay down a marker. Free-scoring Knockbride might just manage that.

Verdict: Knockbride

Belturbet v Kill Shamrocks

Saturday, Ballyhaise, 5pm

BELTURBET really need the win, but Kill just seem so impressive this season, particularly in front of the posts.

Verdict: Kill Shamrocks

DERRY SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE

LAVEY V BALLINASCREEN

Friday, Owenbeg, 8.30pm

LAVEY can scratch their heads and wonder why they’re bottom of the table with no points. They’ll look at the second-half showing against Magherafelt and ‘Screen will point to a disallowed goal. One of the more important group games.

Verdict: Lavey

KILREA V SLEACHT NÉILL

Saturday, Pearse Park, 2.30pm

MARK Doran is getting a tune out of the Emmet’s who have started well. They travel to league champions Kilrea who have lost both games to date, but fixtures they could’ve got something from. It’s hard to see the visitors slipping up here.

Verdict: Sleacht Néill

LOUP V STEELSTOWN

Saturday, Owenbeg, 5.30pm

LIKE Friday’s game at Owenbeg, this one has implications in Group B. Steelstown come on the back of a win over Ballinascreen whereas Loup need to recover from a humbling at the hands of Newbridge. A tight game here.

Verdict: Steelstown

MAGHERAFELT V NEWBRIDGE

Saturday, Owenbeg, 7.15pm

BOTH teams have a 100 per cent record to show for their opening two rounds. Magherafelt may have Odhrán Lynch and Shea McGuckin back available. Both teams will see this as a valuable test ahead of the knock-out stages. Not a lot at stake but Rossa might just maintain their winning run.

Verdict: Magherafelt

DUNGIVEN V BELLAGHY

Sunday, O’Cahan Park, 3.30pm

WITH Glen and Sleacht Néill tipped to take two quarter-final spots, this game will be vital in how the rest of the group pans out. Bellaghy have been slightly more consistent than Dungiven so far. There won’t be much in it. The kick of a ball maybe.

Verdict: Bellaghy

SWATRAGH V GLEN

Sunday, Davitt Park, 5.30pm

SWATRAGH were given a lesson at Emmet Park and now face the All-Ireland champions who are looking to find a bit of form themselves. Ciaran McFaul may not be in the Glen side after going off against Bellaghy.

Verdict: Glen

DERRY INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE

BALLINDERRY V CASTLEDAWSON

Saturday, Shamrock Park, 2.30pm

THE Shamrocks dropped down from senior last season and have two wins to show for their campaign. Castledawson will be buoyed by their win over Banagher. Both teams will be in the shake up.

Verdict: Ballinderry

LIMAVADY V BANAGHER

Saturday, Limavady, 2.30pm

BANAGHER lost to Castledawson from a position of strength in their last outing. Eamon Óg Feeney and Ciaran Lynch are the men Limavady need to keep a handle on. Banagher likewise on Cormac Quigley.

Verdict: Banagher

GLENULLIN V GREENLOUGH

Saturday, Páirc Seán Ó Maolain, 3.30pm

THE ‘Lough have nothing to show for their games to date but now have Niall Loughlin back. They’ll need an improved performance against the back-to-back champions who have maintained their winning habit.

Verdict: Glenullin

DRUMSURN V CLAUDY

Sunday, Drumsurn, 5.30pm

BOTH teams have lost finals in recent times and have little to show for their campaign. Claudy have recovered from a hammering against Banagher while Drumsurn had Ballinderry on the ropes.

Verdict: Drumsurn

FAUGHANVALE V COLERAINE

Sunday, John McLaughlin Park, 2.30pm

THE ‘Vale had a consistent run in the league and will be hoping to show a bit more championship promise this season. Kevin Martin’s 1-5 helped them to a draw with Desertmartin. Eoghan Rua are down from senior but have key players Niall Holly and Colm McGoldrick out injured.

Verdict: Draw

DESERTMARTIN V FOREGLEN

Sunday, Longfield, 3.30pm

FORGLEN have two wins to their name and will welcome Desertmartin with the confidence of making it three. The visitors have had a tough time off the field with the passing of Kate Breen, mother of players Dermot and Martin. Lachlan Murray kicked six points in last week’s draw with Faughanvale.

Verdict: Foreglen

DERRY JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR/SIX

SLAUGHTMANUS V CRAIGBANE

Friday, Celtic Park, 8.15pm

KEVIN Moore’s Craigbane eventually showed a ruthless side in their win over Drum and are among the title favourites. Slaughtmanus will be fancied too. They might meet again when there is more at stake.

Verdict: Craigbane

MAGILLIGAN V GLACK

Sunday, Celtic Park, 1pm

MAGILLIGAN had a strong start to the campaign but were surprisingly held by Doire Colcmille. Glack have lost two tight games since seeing off Drum. This is game of the weekend at junior level.

Verdict: Magilligan

DRUM V DOIRE COLMCILLE

Sunday, Celtic Park, 2.45pm

BOTH teams have yet to win a game and need a huge turnaround of they are to make the quarter-finals. Drum have been struggling in all of their games whereas Doire Colmcille have been more competitive and could edge it.

Verdict: Doire Colmcille

BALLERIN V BALLYMAGUIGAN

Sunday, Ballerin, 5.30pm

BALLYMAGUIGAN are the reigning champions and held off Ballerin in the semi-final. They’ve been flying do far with Ciaran McIvor banging in the goals. Ballerin had a strong league form and will push them all the way.

Verdict: Ballymaguigan

SEAN DOLAN’S V LISSAN

Saturday, Piggery Ridge, 3.30pm

LISSAN face the longest spin possible from the Tyrone border to the Creggan. They’ve had some notable results and this will be a tough test even though Dolan’s have lost Odhrán McKane to Buncrana.

Verdict: Lissan

DOIRE TRASNA V MONEYMORE

Saturday, Corrody Road, 2.30pm

TIERNAN O’Neill’s 5-18 is the top tally across all grades in Derry and Moneymore are motoring well. Like Lissan, they’ve a trip to the city. Trasna haven’t been consistent and we could see an away win.

Verdict: Moneymore

DONEGAL INTERMEDIATE HURLING
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

CARNDONAGH V BUNCRANA

Saturday, O’Donnell Park, 3pm

CARNDONAGH were winners in the group stages and saw off Dungloe to book their final spot thanks to Luke White and Cian Doherty sharing 0-15. Caolan O’Neill and Jack O’Loughlin have scored well for Buncrana who go in as underdogs.

Verdict: Carndonagh

DONEGAL JUNIOR HURLING
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

FOUR MASTERS v ST EUNAN’S

Saturday, O’Donnell Park, 1pm

FOUR Masters have been the form team of the competition and scored well in the group stages. They’ll face a side on home soil but if they maintain their form, a title is within their reach.

Verdict: Four Masters

DONEGAL SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE

ST NAUL’S V KILLYBEGS

Saturday, Páirc Gearóid Ó Gallachóir, 1.30pm

THIS game was postponed last weekend due to an unplayable pitch and both are among four clubs at the bottom of the table with no points from their opening two games. On results so far, Killybegs have the better form and might make it an away win.

Verdict: Killybegs

DONEGAL JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE

NAOMH BRÍD V CONVOY

Saturday, Pairc Naomh Brid, 6pm

ANOTHER victim of the weather, this refixed game will have a significant say at the top of the group. Carndonagh have three wins from three with these sides having won their opening games. They are odds on to make the knock-out stages with Convoy fancied to come through this one.

Verdict: Convoy

DONEGAL JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR

MUFF V MOVILLE

Saturday, Maurice McMenamin Memorial Park, 6.30pm

THIS is a must win game for Moville if they are to push for the knock-out stages. They were pipped by leaders Naomh Ultan and will go in as underdogs against a Muff team who will be determined to bounce back from defeat against the leaders.

Verdict: Muff

URRIS V LIFFORD

Sunday, Crampsey Park, 3pm

LIFFORD have yet to pick up a point and face a tough trip to Urris who will have been buoyed by their win over Moville thanks to a 1-1 brace from Mark McLaughlin. Lifford were winners over Moville in the league and will need to find their eye for goal again.

Verdict: Urris

DOWN SENIOR FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO

CARRYDUFF V BREDAGH

Thursday, Liatroim, 7.30pm

A DANIEL Guinness goal helped Carryduff through the opening round and while Bredagh hit three majors against Longstone in the first round, Finnen Moriarty’s side will off much stiffer opposition.

Verdict: Carryduff

LIATROIM V RGU DOWNPATRICK

Friday, Kilcoo, 7.30pm

LIATROIM will hope to bounce back from their heavy defeat at the hands of Burren and Downpatrick won’t quite offer the same threat. Downpatrick have plenty of talent however and should come through.

Verdict: Downpatrick

CASTLEWELLAN V GLENN

Friday, Burren, 7.30pm

A RED card in the first round against Carryduff hindered Glenn’s chances but they’ll be confident as they take on Castlewellan. Castlewellan suffered a heavy defeat to Mayobridge and could struggle to bounce back.

Verdict: Glenn

SAUL V LOUGHINISLAND

Saturday, Bryansford, 4.00pm

LOUGHINISLAND ran champions Kilcoo close in the first round but running them close and beating them are two different things. Still, Loughinisland are the favourites to come through this encounter with Saul.

Verdict: Loughinisland

BURREN V MAYOBRIDGE

Saturday, Pairc Esler, 6.30pm

ARGUABLY the biggest game of the weekend, one of the traditional big two will be gone by Saturday evening. Burren had the better league campaign and have been challenging for the title more so than Mayobridge over the past few years.

Verdict: Burren

LONGSTONE V WARRENPOINT

Sunday, An Riocht, 3.00pm

BOTH sides will need to improve on their scoring tallies from the opening day if they want a championship run. Warrenpoint are arguably the stronger team out of these two and should advance to the next round.

Verdict: Warrenpoint

BRYANSFORD V BALLYHOLLAND

Sunday, Castlewellan, 5.15pm

BOTH Bryansford and Ballyholland were accurate in front of goals last week, hitting three goals and two goals respectively. Ballyholland may just hold the upper hand here and make it through to the next round.

Verdict: Ballyholland

KILCOO V CLONDUFF

Monday, Pairc Esler, 7 .30pm

A REPEAT of last year’s feisty semi-final showdown, Kilcoo were too good on the scoreboard that evening. The reigning champions are the team to beat in Down and should advance to the next round.

Verdict: Kilcoo

DOWN INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO

ST JOHN BOSCO V CLANN NA BANNA

Thursday, Clonduff, 7.15pm

CLANN na Banna edged out a close encounter against An Riocht in the first round while St John Bosco were a bit more comfortable against Teconnaught. This one will be closer for Bosco’s and Clann na Banna may prove too strong.

Verdict: Clann na Banna

ROSTREVOR V TECONNAUGHT

Friday,Dundrum, 2pm

ROSTREVOR have been knocking on the Intermediate Championship door for the last few years but suffered a first-round defeat. Teconnaught lost their first game heavily and Rostrevor should comfortably bounce back.

Verdict: Rostrevor

ST JOHN’S V NEWRY SHAMROCKS

Friday,Mayobridge, 2pm

St JOHN’S just missed out on the opening round against Saval, with one point the difference in the end. Shamrocks lost to Tullylish and it’s last chance saloon for both, with St John’s the favourites to come through.

Verdict: St John’s

ATTICAL V AN RIOCHT

Friday, Glasdrumman, 2.00pm

BOTH these teams suffered one-point defeat in their opening round games and are now clinging on to their championship campaign. An Riocht played in a higher grade during the league and should get over the line.

Verdict: An Riocht

TULLYLISH V ST PAUL’S

Sunday, Dromara, 2pm

TULLYLISH were impressive five-point winners over Newry Shamrocks on the opening day while St Paul’s picked up an eight-point win over Drumaness. Tullylish compete in a league above their opponents and that should count for something.

Verdict: Tullylish

DARRAGH CROSS V DRUMANESS

Sunday, Downpatrick, 2pm

BOTH teams suffered large defeats in the first round of the championship so they will both be keen to bounce back. Darragh Cross finished top of the Division Four league table and that momentum may help.

Verdict: Darragh Cross

BALLYMARTIN V DRUMGATH

Monday, Burren, 7.15pm

DRUMGATH finished their league campaign with promotion to Division Two while Ballymartin ended up in midtable. Both sides won their opening round fixtures, but Drumgath should continue that winning form.

Verdict: Drumgath

SAVAL V ANNACLONE

Monday, Tullylish, 7.15pm

2022 IFC winners Saval got up and running with a one-point win over St John’s while Annaclone defeated Darragh Cross. One whole division separated the teams in the league and Saval should come out on top.

Verdict: Saval

DOWN JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO
GROUP 1

AGHADERG V DROMARA

Friday, Aghaderg, 7.15pm

AGHADERG will hope that home advantage helps them on Friday evening but Dromara, who hammered Glasdrumman last week, could prove too strong, and they should make it two wins from two outings.

Verdict: Dromara

GLASDRUMMAN V DUNDRUM

Friday, Glasdrumman, 7.15pm

DUNDRUM are chasing their first victory of the competition as they drew with Aughlisnafin in the opening round. Glasdrumman lost last week but with home advantage, they should come through here.

Verdict: Glasdrumman

GROUP 2

EAST BELFAST V KILCLIEF

Friday, Carryduff, 7.15pm

EEAST Belfast picked up an eye-catching victory away from home against St Michael’s in round one and will hope to back it up. Kilclief in turn lost to St Michael’s last week, making East Belfast the favourites here.

Verdict: East Belfast

ST MICHAEL’S V BRIGHT

Friday, St Michael’s, 7.15pm

ST MICHAEL’S bounced back from their opening-round defeat to overcome Kilclief in round two while Bright lost their first championship fixture to Ardglass and St Michael’s could come out on top here.

Verdict: St Michael’s

DOWN SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE

BALLYGALGET V CARRYDUFF

Saturday, Ballygalget, 5.00pm

BALLYGALGET have won both of their championship outings so far while Carryduff beat Bredagh the last day out so will be eager to back up that victory. It’s a difficult test for them however and may well be a step to far.

Verdict: Ballygalget

BALLYCRAN V BREDAGH

Sunday, Ballycran, 1.00pm

THE two sides that are currently locked at the bottom of the round robin table having lost their opening two rounds. Ballycran’s scoring difference is that wee bit better and they may just have the edge this weekend.

Verdict: Ballycran

LIATROIM V PORTAFERRY
Sunday, Liatroim, 6.00pm

PORTAFERRY have put up two enormous scorelines in their opening two rounds, hitting a combined tally of 6-52. Liatroim head into the game off the back of a defeat and despite playing on home turf, will be up against it.

Verdict: Portaferry

FERMANAGH SENIOR FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE

GROUP A

ENNISKILLEN GAELS V TEEMORE SHAMROCKS

Friday, Brewster Park, 8pm

LEAGUE champions Enniskillen Gaels will be keen to carry that momentum into the championship against Division Two opponents Teemore. Enniskillen should have too much on this occasion and home advantage will aid their case on Friday night.

Verdict: Enniskillen Gaels

KINAWLEY V BELNALECK

Saturday, Kinawley, 6.00pm

THESE two sides finished on the exact same tally of 12 points in the Division One league, giving an insight into how tight this clash could be. Home advantage could just swing it and that would see Dominic Corrigan’s charges prevail.

Verdict: Kinawley

GROUP B

ERNE GAELS V EDERNEY

Sunday, Belleek, 12.45pm

ERNE Gaels have lost the last two championship finals, so they’ll be hoping to make it third time lucky this time around. They face stiff opposition in the form of 2020 champions Ederney but are the favourites to come through.

Verdict: Erne Gaels

DERRYGONNELLY V DEVENISH

Sunday, Derrygonnelly, 3.00pm

REIGNING champions Derrygonnelly have witnessed their stranglehold on the New York Gold Cup waver in recent years, but they remain one of the big hitters. It would be a huge shock if they don’t get their campaign up and running with a win.

Verdict: Derrygonnelly

FERMANAGH INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE
GROUP A

BELCOO V MAGUIRESBRIDGE

Sunday, Belcoo, 12.45pm

A WHOLE division separated these two by the time the league finished up, with Belcoo competing in the top tier. Neither had much form in the league, but Belcoo are the clear favourites to come out on top.

Verdict: Belcoo

ROSLEA V TEMPO

Sunday, Roslea, 6.00pm

ROSLEA picked up just one point in the entire league, finishing bottom of the Division One league table, while Tempo missed out on promotion from Division Two. Roslea will up for an upturn in their fortunes, starting on Sunday evening.

Verdict: Roslea

GROUP B

DERRYLIN V ST PATRICK’S

Saturday, Derrylin, 3.30pm

THE O’Connell’s men competed in Division One of the league, although they won just two of their nine outings. Division Two side St Patrick’s won six of their nine games, but that was in a lower division, so Derrylin look to hold the aces.

Verdict: Derrylin

IRVINESTOWN V LISNASKEA

Saturday, Irvinestown, 6.00pm

IRVINESTOWN finished at the top of the tree in Division Two with an unbeaten run of nine games, and that included a one-point win away to Lisnaskea. But Irvinestown have home advantage this time around which should count for something.

Verdict: Irvinestown

MONAGHAN JUNIOR HURLING
CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

LATTON V TRUAGH

Saturday, Scotstown 6.30pm

THE winner of this clash will take on Clontibret, who are already in the decider. Truagh were victorious in last year’s Junior Championship, beating Monaghan Harps in the final, and will have their eyes on the prize once again.

Verdict: Truagh

MONAGHAN SENIOR HURLING
CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

CASTLEBLAYNEY V MONAGHAN HARPS

Sunday, Truagh, 2pm

CASTLEBLAYNEY are unbeaten right throughout the championship so far and in their most recent group stage tie, they hammered their semi-final opponents by 19 points, so they are the clear favourites to reach the decider.

Verdict: Castleblayney

INNISKEEN V CARRICKMACROSS

Sunday, Truagh, 3.45pm

INNISKEEN broke Castleblayney’s stranglehold on the Monaghan Championship and are hoping to back it up with two in a row this season. Carrickmacross reached the final in 2021 and 2022, so they’ll be keen to get back to that stage.

Verdict: Inniskeen

MONAGHAN INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO

GROUP 2

CARRICKMACROSS V EMYVALE

Saturday, Carrickmacross, 6.30pm

CARRICK drew their one and only fixture to Truagh while Emyvale defeated league leaders Castleblayney. Both teams will have their eyes on top spot and a win here would boost their chances of that.

Verdict: Emyvale

TYRONE JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND

ERRIGAL CIARAN THIRDS V KILLYMAN

Friday, Omagh, 7pm

KILLYMAN only won two games all season whereas Errigal Ciaran finished midtable in Division Three. By that metric alone, Errigal are favourites, and they’ve also done better than their opponents in championship in recent years.

Verdyct: Errigal Ciaran Thirds

ESRKA V AGHALOO

Friday, 8.30pm, Healy Park

AGHALOO are a wounded animal after narrowly missing out on the league title, but the question is can they get over the line and claim silverware after some recent disappoints. Eskra always give it a good rattle so it won’t be easy.

Veerdict: Aghaloo

CASTLEDERG V BROCAGH

Saturday, 1pm, Aghaloo

CASTLEDERG had a much-improved season so will head into the championship in confident form. Brocagh haven’t had a good time of it and it’s hard to see them winning this one without a major improvement.

Verdict: Castlederg

DONAGHMORE THIRDS V STRABANE

Saturday, Fintona, 3pm

STRABANE are back in the Junior ranks this year and they had a flat enough league campaign. They’ve lost some veteran performers so they’ll need to be at their best against Donaghmore’s Thirds team.

Verdict: Strabane

KILLEESHIL V CLANN NA NGAEL

Saturday, 4.45pm, Fintona

KILLEESHIL are one of the favourites for the Junior title and it would be a huge shock if they fail to get the beat Clann na nGael this weekend.

Verdict: Killeeshil

GLENELLY V URNEY

Sunday, 1pm, Strabane

YOU have to fancy Glenelly here. They’d had a strong season and reached last year’s semis, whereas Urney’s only points arrived due to a concession. Urney will have a better team out they did during the league but this will probably be a bridge too far.

Verdict: Glenelly

TATTYREAGH V DERRYRESK

Sunday, Killyclogher, 3pm

TATTYREAGH won historic Junior and Intermediate Championship titles not so long ago, but they’ve lost key players to retirement. Derrytresk had an okay league but it’s the Tatts for us.

Verdict: Tattyreagh