Down to decide final four

EIGHT will become four in Down this weekend as the Senior Championship starts to heat up.

There have been some good storylines already and maybe it’s not a surprise that Division Three side Glenn are still alive.

Last year, Stevie Clarke’s men made it to the last four, and they’ll fancy their chances in what seems a 50-50 game against Bryansford on Sunday evening. Jack McCartan returns from suspension for the clash with Jim Magorrian’s side.

Bredagh also caused a bit of a stir with a one-point win over a strong Loughinisland side after extra-time.

Deaglan Bunting and Kieran McGourty are in charge of the Cherryvale outfit this year while former Fermanagh player Tommy McElroy is a selector.

They face Burren on Sunday, and that will probably be a step too far. The St Mary’s side have had Kevin McKernan in nets previously, but it’s another former Down player with that jersey on these days, Donal O’Hare.

County champions Kilcoo face Mayobridge on Monday evening and although this was previously a great derby game, the Magpies seem a fair bit ahead at present and Karl Lacey’s side will be expected to reach the last four.

The final quarter-final is the Friday night clash between Carryduff and Ballyholland.

Carryduff, who just missed out on retaining the league with a final day round loss to Kilcoo, have so much talent at their disposal, such as the Guinness brothers, James and Daniel, Owen McCabe and Joe Tunney.

Ballyholland picked up a notable win over Warrenpoint and Shane Mulholland’s side will not be an easy touch, especially with such an exciting young attack.