PREVIEWS: Tyrone championship weekend at a glance

THERE is a full round of intermediate and junior championship games on in Tyrone this weekend.

TYRONE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST-ROUND

Eglish v Coalisland

Thursday, Dungannon, 7.15pm

The most eagerly anticipated tie of the round as two teams that plyed their trade in Division One last year go head-to-head. Michael McKernan is unavailable for Coalislan. Maybe that’ll swing it Eglish’s way.

Verdict: Eglish

Aghaloo v Fintona

Friday, Omagh, 6.45pm

IN contrast to the previous pairing, both of these teams came up from Junior last year. Aghaloo fared slightly better during the league but you can’t discount Fintona completely.

Verdict: Aghaloo

Stewartstown v Owen Roes

Friday, Omagh, 8.15pm

OWEN Roes have gone about their business to good effect this year and it would be a considerable enough surprise if they don’t reach the last eight.

Verdict: Owen Roes

Killeeshil v Rock

Saturday, Stewartstown, 6.16

Killeeshil have won only a single game all season so it would be a huge upset if they spring an upset against the Rock. Stranger things have happened but the Rock should win.

Verdict: Rock

Beragh v Drumquin

Sunday, Killyclogher, 1pm

BERAGH have had a rather inconsistent season and have a few injury doubts heading into their championship opener against Drumquin. We’ll give the Red Knights a rather hesitant nod.

Verdict: Beragh

Greencastle v Clonoe

Sunday, Killyclogher, 2.45pm

CLONOE have won every single match this season and are big favourites to account for Greencastle. Still, Greencastle reached last year’s semis and have the potential to make it a tricky day out. Clonoe’s firepower should make the difference.

Verdict: Clonoe

Moy v Aghyaran

Sunday, Loughmacrory, 6pm

AGHYARAN have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks but it’s still a big ask to get the better of a Moy side hoping to make amends for Intermediate final defeats in 2023 and 2024.

Verdict: Moy

TYRONE JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND

Clann na nGael v Urney

Saturday, Greencastle, 1pm

URNEY are favourites going into this one on the back of a decent Division 3B campaign, but going by their two league meetings, a shock isn’t beyond the realms of possibIlity.

Verdict: Urney

Brackaville v Brocagh

Saturday, Derrylaughan, 1pm

BRACKAVILLE have been buoyed by their comeback victory over Tattyreagh in the preliminary round. This is an extremely difficult one to call and Brocagh have had some good results this season.

Verdict: Brackaville

Castlederg v Strabane

Saturday, Greencastle, 3pm

STRABANE are big favourites against a Castlederg team that finished bottom of Division 3A.

Verdict: Strabane

Errigal Ciaran Thirdsv Derrytresk

Saturday, Stewartstown, 4.30pm

DERRYTRESK are riding the crest of a wave and if they maintain their good form they should have too much for Errigal.

Verdict: Derrytresk

Drumragh v Glenelly

Sunday, Loughmacrory, 4.15pm

DRUMRAGH are dark horses for the championship while Glenelly can draw upon last year’s experience of reaching the semis. We’ll give Drumragh the nod.

Verdict: Drumragh