This weekend’s championship fixtures across Ulster

HERE are this weekend’s championship fixtures taking place across all nine counties in Ulster.

Check out Monday’s review podcast and all our coverage at GaelicLife.com

NB – Double check any fixture before making your journey in case of a change from times available at the time of writing.

ANTRIM SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

Lámh Dhearg v Portglenone

Saturday, Cargin, 4pm

A TALKED about fixture for different reasons following Creggan’s appeals over their defeat to Lámh Dhearg. For both teams, they’ll have to get their game faces on as there is little time for a turnaround. They’ve met in crunch games before and there will be little in it again.

Verdict: Portglenone

Cargin v St Brigid’s

Sunday, Dunsilly, 4pm

IT’S a repeat of last season and the recent league final won by St Brigid’s. Cargin were ruthless in their win over Ahoghill with Dunloy asking plenty of St Brigid’s. The Erin’s Own men are bidding for an eighth title in a decade and will be a tough nut to crack.

Verdict: Cargin

ANTRIM SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RELEGATION FINAL

Glenravel v Naomh Éanna

Sunday, Tír na nÓg, 1.3pm

AFTER getting back among the big boys in Antrim, Glenravel find themselves with one last chance to avoid the drop to intermediate. There is a big prize for the winner here.

VERDICT: Glenravel

ANTRIM INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

St Paul’s v All Saints

Saturday, St Enda’s, 2pm

BOOM. This is the meeting of Division Two champions St Paul’s against the Ballymena men who finish close to the top of Division One. It’s the pick of the two semi-finals and very difficult to call. Maybe Liam ‘Baker’ Bradley’s men to nick it.

Verdict: All Saints

St Teresa’s v Sarsfields

Saturday, Davitt Park, 4pm

ANOTHER tight one in prospect. The Paddies lost to Glenavy in the group stages whereas St Teresa’s went through having won all their games. Two goals did the trick when St Terea’s nicked a tight league game and there will be the kick of a ball in it again.

Verdict: St Teresa’s

ANTRIM JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

St Agnes v St Malachy’s

Saturday, St Agnes, 3pm

THE Aggies were top of their section and will be the fancied horse to take a step further. St Malachy’s have been in tight games all the way through so will be battle-hardened.

Verdict: St Agnes

St Comghall’s v Pearses

Friday, Dunsilly, 7pm

PEARSES lost two of their group games before winning a semi-final against Éire Óg. St Comghall’s have won all of their league and championship games. They’re the title favourites.

Verdict: St Comghall’s

ARMAGH JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

FORKHILL V COLLEGELAND

Saturday, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 6.00pm

THESE are the two favourites for the competition and the winner of the Junior Championship could well come from this clash. Collegeland will pose plenty of questions, but league champions Forkhill should have all the answers.

Verdict: ForkhilL

ARMAGH SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

MIDDLETOWN V KEADY

Sunday, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 4.00pm

MIDDLETOWN are aiming to secure a historic six in a row of senior titles, and they’ve defeated their old rivals Keady in the previous three deciders. Keady haven’t won the competition since 2018, and it doesn’t look like the tide is turning just yet.

Verdict: Middletown

ARMAGH JUNIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

SEAN TREACY’S V CUCHULAINNS

Sunday, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 2.00pm

BOTH teams had comprehensive victories in their respective semi-finals and are undoubtedly the two best teams at this grade. Sean Treacy’s probably have the edge in terms of experience and that could see them over the line.

Verdict: Sean Treacy’s

ARMAGH LGFA SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

CLANN ÉIREANN V CARRICKCRUPPEN

Sunday, Silverbridge, 4.00pm

CLANN Éireann are the reigning Ulster champions and are hoping to bag their third consecutive county title on Sunday afternoon. Carrickcruppen have reached the last two senior finals but have yet to get over the Lurgan side.

Verdict: Clann Éireann

ARMAGH LGFA INTERMEDIATE
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

CLAN NA GAEL V DERRYNOOSE

Sunday, Silverbridge, 2.00pm

THESE two sides have been racking up impressive tallies so far in the championship so Sunday’s showdown could become a real shootout. Derrynoose may just have the edge in the end of what should be a fascinating duel.

Verdict: Derrynoose

ARMAGH LGFA JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

CLANN ÉIREANN II V PEARSE OG

Sunday, Silverbridge, 12.00pm

IN terms of goal scoring ability, Clann Éireann II have been totally unmatched throughout the championship. They’ve kicked ten majors, while in comparison, the Ogs have raised just one green flag, so Clann Éireann II are the favourites here.

Verdict: Clann Éireann II

CAVAN INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP
SEMI-FINALS

CUCHULAINN’S V ARVA

Friday, Kingspan Breffni, 8pm

ARVA sauntered through the group stages but they certainly didn’t have it all their own way in a hard-fought quarter-final victory over Bailieborough. Their semi-final opponents Cuchulainn’s claimed a 2-10 to 0-9 win over Cootehill in their last-eight clash, and they’ll be quietly confident of booking a final berth. A tough one to call.

Verdict: Cuchulainn’s

BUTLERSBRIDGE V DENN

Sunday, Kingspan Breffni, 4pm

BOTH these teams have had excellent championship campaigns. Butlersbridge finished second in the table and Denn third and they did enough in the quarters to reach the last four. A toss of the coin.

Verdict: Butlersbridge

CAVAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

KILL SHAMROCKS V BELTURBET

Sunday, Kingspani Breffni, 12.30pm

BELTURBET finished seventh in the group stages but produced a stirring performance in the last eight against an in-form Shannon Gaels. This is a tough one to call and Kill Shamrocks were in top form against Drumalee.

Verdict: Kill Shamrocks

REDHILLS V KNOCKBRIDE

Sunday, Kingspan Breffni, 2.15pm

KNOCKBRIDE have been tagged by many as Junior Champions in waiting and they took another step towards the title with their quarter-final win over Munterconnaught. Redhills have had a very good campaign themselves so this could be close.

Verdict: Knockbride

DERRY SENIOR/INTERMEDATE HURLING PLAY-OFFS

Banagher v Swatragh

Sunday, Owenbeg, 1pm

SWATRAGH were the last winners of the Fr Collins, in 2012, before the Sleacht Néill bandwagon took over. They have added to their squad this season and have put in some impressive performances. Banagher were beaten by the Emmet’s in the group stages but will fancy themselves of a final spot. So will Swatragh. A tough call here.

Verdict: Swatragh

Kevin Lynch’s v Sleacht Néill

Sunday, Owenbeg, 3pm

IN what has been the final in recent seasons, score difference has left the big two meeting in the semi-final with Swatragh topping their group. Kevin Lynch’s are unbeaten thanks to a late score against Swatragh but this is the toughest test of all. It’s hard to bet against the champions taking another step towards a 12th successive title.

Verdict: Sleacht Néill

DERRY JUNIOR HURLING SEMI-FINALS

Coleraine v Ballinascreen

Saturday, Owenbeg, 3pm

BALLINASCREEN’S only points came from a draw with Lavey in the group stages with Paul Cleary on song. They’ll be fancied to come through this one. Eoghan Rua have advanced well on the occasions they’ve made it into Ulster but injuries to Niall Holly, Leo Passmore and Colm McGoldrick have hampered them.

Verdict: Ballinascreen

Lavey v Na Magha

Saturday, Owenbeg, 5pm

LAVEY were very close to making it into the semi-finals of the senior grade but find themselves missing out again. They’ve three minor titles to their name and could well use a junior run to blood some of them into the adult game. Na Magha lost all their games in the group stages and will find Lavey a tough nut to crack.

Verdict: Lavey

DERRY JUNIOR LADIES FOOTBALL FINAL

Coleraine v Desertmartin

Saturday, Ballerin, 4.30pm

COLERAINE were in control against Claudy in the semi-finals before floodlight failure. Derry CCC awarded them the game. They’ll take on a Desertmartin side who hit two goals to beat them in the group stages. A tight game in prospect.

Verdict: Desertmartin

DONEGAL SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

Gaoth Dobhair v St Eunan’s

Saturday, MacCumhaill Park,7.30pm

IT was a goal from Eoin de Búrca that saw Gaoth Dobhair through when they met in the league stages. This is a totally different ball game. St Eunan’s have since knocked out Naomh Conaill and are the title favourites. Gaoth Dobhair lost last year’s final and will have other ideas.

VERDICT: St Eunan’s

St Michael’s v Dungloe

Sunday, MacCumhaill Park, 3pm

THERE was just a point between the teams when St Michael’s won the group game. Both teams found the net twice to turn the tables on Kilcar and Glenswilly last weekend. The prize of getting to a final is huge. A tight one to call.

VERDICT: St Michael’s

DONEGAL SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RELEGATION FINAL

St Naul’s v Cloughaneely

Saturday, Naomh Columba, 3pm

NOT the place either side would want to be this weekend but their senior status comes down to this. Jason McGee and Brendan McCole have been huge losses for their respective teams. If Peadar Mogan can break loose, it could be the difference.

VERDICT: St Naul’s

DONEGAL INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RELEGATION FINAL

Letterkenny Gaels v Burt

Saturday, Convoy, 6pm

THE trapdoor to the junior ranks will open for one of the sides as their survival enters the last chance saloon. The Gaels have marginally the better form but it’s the next 60 minutes that really matter.

VERDICT: Letterkenny Gaels

DONEGAL SENIOR LADIES FOOTBALL FINAL

Termon v Moville

Sunday, O’Donnell Park, 3.45pm

NIAMH Hegarty’s 1-3 booked Moville’s ticket to this weekend’s final against Termon who advance via a semi-final win over Naomh Conaill. Ciara McGarvey hit four goals with Geraldine McLaughlin also working her magic for Termon.

VERDICT: Termon
DONEGAL INTERMEDIATE LADIES FOOTBALL FINAL

Ardara v Dunlgloe

Sunday, O’Donnell Park, 11.45am

MIA Bennett’s goal was the difference in Ardara’s semi-final with Fanad and they now have Dungloe who went all the way to last year’s junior final. Dungloe are up a grade and have grown through their underage ranks.

VERDICT: Dungloe

DONEGAL JUNIOR LADIES FOOTBALL FINAL

Downings v Muff

Sunday, O’Donnell Park, 1.45pm

DOWNINGS hit the net three times to see off Naomh Columba in their semi-final. Muff were 3-10 t 3-7 winners over Glenswilly in a classic. There’s sure to be entertainment and free-flowing play in this decider.

VERDICT: Downings

DOWN SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

GLENN V KILCOO

Saturday, Pairc Esler, 6.30pm

KILCOO remain the dominant force in Down football, but Glenn have been building nicely over the past number of seasons. This is a major step up in class for Stevie Clarke’s side and it looks to be a step too far.

Verdict: Kilcoo

CARRYDUFF V BURREN

Sunday, Pairc Esler, 6.00pm

THE leaders of the chasing back, trying to capture the crown, this is undoubtedly the biggest game of the weekend. Carryduff haven’t reached the final since 2020 while Burren have been there twice since and Sunday promises to be a huge
battle.

Verdict: Carryduff

DOWN INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

DARRAGH CROSS V DRUMGATH

Friday, Liatroim, 7.30pm

AFTER losing their opening round tie, Darragh Cross have bounced back impressively to reach the final four.
Drumgath have been trucking along nicely throughout the campaign and they’ll be eyeing up their first
county final appearance since
2020.

Verdict: Drumgath

ROSTREVOR V CLANN NA BANNA

Saturday, Mayobridge, 4.00pm

ROSTREVOR have reached the last two Intermediate finals but have yet to get over the line and their gearing up for a third consecutive appearance. Clann Na Banna will offer serious resistance, but Rostrevor are now the team to
beat.

Verdict: Rostrevor

DOWN INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO

WARRENPOINT V NEWRY
SHAMROCKS

Sunday, Ballela, 2.00pm

BOTH these two teams are currently unbeaten after the opening two rounds of fixtures, and someone will take a big step towards top spot this weekend. The Shamrocks may just have enough to shade what should be an intense clash.

Verdict: Newry Shamrocks

KILCLIEF V CLONDUFF

Sunday, Castlewellan, 2.00pm

NEITHER team will be too pleased with how they have started the campaign and after two games, they are currently pointless. Both teams will be eager to get their first wins of the competition and that could make for an interesting spectacle.

Verdict: Kilclief

FERMANAGH SENIOR FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

ERNE GAELS V TEEMORE

Saturday, Belleek, 15.30pm

ERNE Gaels will count themselves very unfortunate to miss out on a straight pass to the semi-finals having been undone by a late Derrygonnelly goal in their third and final group stage match. Teemore have been competitive and it wouldn’t be a total shock if they overcome last year’s beaten finalists.

Verdict: Erne Gaels

KINAWLEY V EDERNEY

Sunday, Kinawley, 1pm

MARTIN McGrath’s late call up at full forward for his first appearance of the year against Devenish paid massive dividends as he fisted a late goal that sent Ederney into the quarters.
Kinawley finished second in their group so have home advantage for this one, but the outcome is no gimme.

Verdict: Kinawley

FERMANAGH INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL

IRVINESTOWN V ROSLEA

Saturday, Irvinestown, 5.30pm

ROSLEA fell to defeat against Belcoo and couldn’t call upon the injured Sean Quigley so they have to be content with missing out on the direct route to the semis. Irvinestown’s form has been a tad stronger and they had a fine league campaign so they might take this one.

Verdict: Irvinestown

TEMPO V DERRYLIN

Sunday, Tempo, 4pm

DERRYLIN suffered a thumping defeat at the hands of Irvinestown that will have bruised them heading into the knock-outs. Tempo have been more consistent and should advance.

Verdict: Tempo

FERMANAGH JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

AGHADRUMEE V COA

Sunday, Lisnaskea, 4pm

AGHADRUMSEE lost their championship opener against Newtownbutler but kept themselves in contention with a win over Brookeborough.
Coa struggled big time against Newtownbutler so it’s hard to see them winning this one.

Verdict: Coa

MONAGHAN SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RELEGATION ROUND ONE

KILLANNY V AUGHNAMULLEN

Sunday, Killany, 1.00pm

AUGHNAMULLEN suffered four consecutive defeats in the group stages but were competitive in every outings. Killanny arguably had an easier group and earned two wins, which will leave their confidence high ahead of Sunday.

Verdict: Killanny

DONAGHMOYNE V CREMARTIN

Sunday, Donaghmoyne, 1.00pm

DONAGHMOYNE were anchored at the bottom of the group with zero wins from four games and took a few hefty beatings along the way. Cremartin only lost twice, to Scotstown and Corduff, and should have the upper hand here.

VERDICT: CREMARTIN

MONAGHAN INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

DOOHAMLET V TRUAGH

Saturday, Scotstown, 4.30pm

TRUAGH very nearly could have been gone from the championship but for a late Gary Mohan goal the last day. Doohamlet won all but one of their group games and there looks to be very little between these two teams.

Verdict: Doohamlet

CASTLEBLAYNEY V TYHOLLAND

Sunday, Monaghan, 4.30pm

LAST year’s beaten finalists Tyholland only picked up one victory in the group stage, but it was enough to qualify for the knockout stages. Castleblayney were unlucky not to top their group so they should be favourites for this one.

Verdict: Castleblayney

MONAGHAN INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RELEGATION ROUND ONE

EMYVALE V MONAGHAN HARPS

Saturday, Emyvale, 2.00pm

IT’S just two weeks since these sides last met in the final round of the group stages, with Monaghan Harps just edging that contest. This weekend’s game is sure to be just as tight with the Harps perhaps getting over the line in a similar fashion.

Verdict: Monaghan Harps

BLACKHILL V CLONES

Saturday, Blackhill, 2.00pm

CLONES and Blackhill just missed out on a place in the knockout stage of the competition, but those are the final margins of championship football. Blackhill edged this encounter in the first round and will be eager to repeat the result.

Verdict: Blackhill

MONAGHAN JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

DRUMHOWAN V KILLEEVAN

Saturday, Latton, 2.00pm

DRUMHOWAN look to be the team to beat in Monaghan as the only side in the Junior Championship yet to have won all their games. It would be a major surprise is Killeevan were to strike the first blow, so Drumhowan should safely pass this test.

Verdict: Drumhowan

ORAM V AGHABOG

Saturday, Cremartin, 4.30pm

ORAM topped their group with three wins from four, with a draw in the final round the only blot on their otherwise perfect record. Aghabog haven’t won a game yet, but two draws in the group stage was enough to see them through to the quarters.

Verdict: Oram

EIRE OG V CURRIN

Sunday, Scotstown 1.30pm

EIRE OG finished up in second place in their group with just one defeat in their four encounters while Currin have only won once in the championship so far. That should make Eire Og the favourites.

Verdict: Eire Og

TOOME V SCOTSTOWN II

Sunday, Doohamlet, 4.30pm

A three-point defeat to Oram in their last outing saw Toome knocked off top spot, but they’ll still have a big say in the remainder of the championship. Scotstown II had some decent showings in the group stages and could cause an upset here.

Verdict: Scotstown II

MONAGHAN LGFA SENIOR FINAL

EMYVALE V MAGHERACLOONE

FOR the first time in 22 years, there will be a new champion in Monaghan following Magheracloone’s semi-final win over Donaghmoyne. They’ll have to back that up now with a performance in the final and they’ll hope to collect the cup.

Verdict: Magheracloone

MONAGHAN LGFA INTERMEDIATE FINAL

BRIGID/O’NEILL V CARRICKMACROSS

Sunday, Clones, 4.15pm

BOTH these sides have good eyes for goal as they displayed in their respective semi-finals, so this could ultimately be decided by who’s defence performs better. Carrickmacross may just shade it but it’s sure to go down to the wire.

Verdict: Carrickmacross

MONAGHAN LGFA JUNIOR FINAL

AUGHNAMULLEN V KILLEEVAN

Saturday, Ballybay, 4.45pm

THE semi-final clashes these two sides went through were tough affairs, meaning both will be battle-hardened come the final. Both sides will be keen to get their hands on the trophy, but Aughnamullen may just have the edge.

Verdict: Aughnamullen

TYRONE SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL REPLAY

KILLYCLOGHER V CARRICKMORE

ERRIGAL CIARAN V CLONOE

Saturday, Dungannon, 7pm

CLONOE produced a hugely spirited and committed performance to hold Errigal Ciaran to a draw on Sunday evening. It was no more than they deserved, and they could even have won the game considering they spurned two late goal chances. It’s a bit of a cliché, but the favourites usually get it right second time around.

Verdict: Errigal Ciaran

TYRONE JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

KILLEESHIL V STRABANE

Friday, Omagh, 7pm

IS Killeeshil’s name on the cup? They overcame league champions Drumquin in style on their last day out, but Strabane and the other semi-finals may have something to say about that.
Both Strabane and Killeeshil have recent experience of playing at Intermediate level and this could be tighter than people imagine. Still, the safer money is on Killeeshil.

Verdict: Killeeshil

AGHALOO V GLENELLY

Friday, Omagh, 7.30pm

AGHALOO narrowly missed out on league honours but they’re right in the championship hunt and are favourites to account for
Glenelly.
Their opponents put in a strong performance against Errigal Ciaran Thirds in the quarters, and it isn’t beyond them to spring another shock.
Aghaloo have had a few near-misses in recent seasons so we’ll see whether they rise to the
challenge.

Verdict: Aghaloo