MacLarnon Cup semi-finals down for decision

MacLarnon Cup semi-finals

By Michael McMullan

Rathmore v Loreto Milford
Friday, Owenbeg, 2pm
THERE will be familiarity at Owenbeg in Friday with a repeat of group stages clash won by Rathmore.

Relative newcomers to the competition, Milford had wins over St Patrick’s Downpatrick and semi-finalists St Louis Ballymena during the group stages.

The Donegal side had a 3-9 to 2-9 win over St Pius X Magherafelt in the last eight, a side who beat then in the 2020 semi-final.

Rathmore were 0-8 to 0-6 winners over Aquinas in their quarter-final thanks to late points from inside forward Fiontan O’Boyle.

St Louis Ballymena v St Joseph’s Donaghmore
Saturday, Sleacht Néill, 2pm
ST Louis Ballymena’s prize for their win over St Paul’s Bessbrook is a semi-final with St Joseph’s Donaghmore.

Points from Cal O’Brien and Shea O’Broin saw Ballymena peg Bessbrook back in the latter stages before one last throw of the dice with Conan McAuley latching on a high ball to bag a late goal in a 1-13 to 1-11 win.

They take on a Donaghmore team who were comfortable winners over St Mary’s Belfast (3-12 to 0-8) with Mattie McNally hitting three goals.

Ronan Molloy and Noah Grimes, Ulster minor winners with Tyrone, hit 0-8 between them, giving St Louis plenty to ponder this weekend.