Ulster teams target semi-finals

GLENAVY’S reward for their high-scoring preliminary round win over Donegal’s Naomh Muire is a home tie with Down champions Rostrevor on Saturday in the Ulster Ladies Intermediate Championship quarter-final.

The St Joseph’s side travelled up to The Banks and recorded a thrilling 5-9 to 4-10 win over the hosts.

Ana Mulholland, one of their goal-scorers on the day, was immense while Grainne McLaughlin helped herself to a healthy 2-6. The concession tally will be a concern for the Saffron outfit, however.

Their opponents claimed the Down IFC crown after defeating St John’s in Liatroim on a 2-16 to 2-8 scoreline and Paul Gannon’s side will present a stern test on Saturday at 2pm.

Granemore have registered their unhappiness at having to play Ulster club ladies and camogie fixtures at the weekend with a dozen players involved in both panels.

It’s a brutal situation with the St Mary’s club saying that the situation has “muted any enthusiasm” about the games, but they do intend to field.

Their football game has been pushed back to 2pm on Sunday with Monaghan outfit Castleblayney making the short trip to Armagh.

The final two quarter-finals have 2pm throw-ins on Saturday with Aughadrumess of Fermanagh welcoming Cavan’s Ballyhaise and Derry’s Steelstown travelling to Red Hand champions Omagh.

The Junior Football Championship also reaches the quarter-final stage this weekend with four games across the province.

Down champions Carryduff already have a provincial game under their belt following a 2-10 to 1-9 win over Fermanagh’s Belcoo.

Cara Duffy grabbed their first goal in the opening half with Cara Donnelly punching home the crucial second late on, Meabh Napier and Sian O’Neill tagging on scores to secure their passage.

They make the short trip to St John’s on Sunday to face the hosts.

Naomh Eoin are at this juncture courtesy of a 5-12 to 2-4 hammering of Rossa in the Antrim final – Cora Magee doing most of the damage.

Armagh champions Clonmore have home advantage against Derry outfit Lavey.

The Orchard side lost last year’s county final but have responded in fine style with a comprehensive win over Clann Eireann IIs this time around – Sarah Quigley, Maighread Cunningham and Tara Conlon with their goals.

Lavey won their title last weekend against Claudy, Carla Collins with four goals so no need to work out who is the one to watch.

Monaghan’s Tyholland travel to Cavan to face Cuchulainn’s who won their first Breffni title in 25 years thanks to a surprise final win over Cavan Gaels.

The final quarter-final will see Donegal’s Dungloe meet Tyrone champions Coalisland in what should be a real battle.

All junior games throw in at 2pm on Sunday.