Minor hurling championship swings into action this weekend

BALLINASCREEN will against host the cream of Ulster minor hurling when their annual tournament gets underway this weekend.

Both shield semi-finals will take place on Sunday with the winners then joining the Derry, Antrim and Down champions in the cup competition.

Of the teams in action this year, the competition’s 28th season, only Lavey and Keady have won the title.

Keady are in action in the opening game this year when they take on Tyrone champions Eoghan Ruadh on Sunday.

It will be followed by Séan MacCumhaill’s versus Carrickmacross.

The winners will be play in the shield final with the winners then advancing to the cup during the Christmas holidays.

The competition – sponsored by Leadon Timber Frame – began in 1995 with Portaferry taking the first title and current Ulster senior champions Sleacht Néill lead the roll of honour on four titles, ahead of three-time winners St John’s and Kevin Lynch’s.

FIXTURES
Shield semi-finals – Sunday, December 8
Eoghan Ruadh v Keady 12noon
Carrickmacross v Séan MacCumhaills 2pm

Shield final – December 14/15 1pm

Cup semi-finals – Friday, December 27
Lavey v Shield Winners 12non
Glenravel/Glenariffe v Bredagh 2pm

Cup final – January 4/5 1pm