Ulster Ladies’ Club SFC
The final group games take place on Sunday and while Donaghmoyne and Knockbride are already preparing for a semi‑final showdown, two places are still up for grabs.
It would be unfair to rule out Kinawley, but even at home they face a stern test against Moneyglass, who already have a win and a strong score difference in their favour.
Newcomers Shane O’Neill’s welcome Steelstown, who slipped to defeat against Knockbride.
The Armagh side also lost to the Cavan champions, so points difference may decide this one, with the best runner‑up spot still in play.
Kinawley Brian Boru’s v Moneyglass (Sunday, 2pm)
Moneyglass are well-placed to claim top spot in Group Two.
Ulster champions, All‑Ireland runners‑up and six‑in‑a‑row Antrim title holders, they head west to face Kinawley — but the Brian Boru’s are ready.
Still stung by the late Alisa Tobin penalty that won St Eunan’s the game last weekend, Kinawley feel they were hard done by.
Yet Garrett Bannon’s side can take plenty of positives into Sunday’s clash.
The hosts will lean on the experience of Joanne Doonan, Roisin O’Reilly and Lisa Maguire to give them a foothold. St Ergnat’s, however, will not take anything for granted, says captain Bronagh Devlin.
“We know we’re in a good position to progress in Ulster, but we’re not taking anything for granted.”
The Antrim skipper is fully aware of what the Erne side can bring.
“Kinawley are a strong side, especially at home, and we know we’ll have to be at our best.
“Our focus is on preparing well, sticking to our game plan and bringing the right attitude and intensity on Sunday.”
Manager Maxi Curran will have done his homework on the Boru’s ahead of this weekend’s tie.
St Ergnat’s are favourites, Devlin admits, and while there is no external pressure, there is internal expectation.
“Definitely an expectation within ourselves. We know what we’re capable of and we want to go out and show that.”
Moneyglass are right to be confident, but remain cautious, aware that two heavy hitters — Knockbride and Donaghmoyne — are already safely through.
“You can see the quality in the competition this year. Donaghmoyne have a great history in Ulster and Knockbride are a strong side looking to make their mark at senior.
“It’s shaping up to be a very competitive championship.”
Yet the 26‑year‑old insists Sunday is about focusing on themselves.
“We know we have to take care of our own business first. We’ve worked hard to get ourselves into this position, so it’s about embracing the challenge, enjoying it and taking each game as it comes.”
Shane O’Neill’s v Steelstown (Sunday, 2pm)
Aimee Mackin hit 1‑6 for Shane O’Neill’s in their narrow loss to a well‑drilled Knockbride side spearheaded by Abby Reilly.
Three points separated the teams at the break, Reilly’s goal keeping the Cavan champions ahead, and they held off several raids to seal the win.
Sean O’Kane’s side have Ulster experience, and that could be crucial on Sunday as the Derry champions travel to Camlough.
A big win for Steelstown could change the narrative around the best runner‑up spot. As it stands, that three‑point defeat keeps Shane O’Neill’s in pole position — provided they win at home.
O’Kane reports no injury concerns, while Steelstown have had a week to regroup after their four‑point loss in Derry. Ulster has not been easy for them, but Megan Devine — a veteran of all their campaigns — remains positive.
“We know how difficult Ulster is, but we’ve had consistency and stability around the squad with Thomas Cusack managing us. He’s taken us through our Ulster success and club titles. That’s important, although senior Ulster really is a step up.”
Bredagh v Errigal Ciaran (Sunday, 2pm)
This may appear a dead rubber after both sides suffered chastening defeats to Donaghmoyne. While Anne Marie Burns’ Monaghan champions focus on a league final in the Farney — a repeat of the county final against Magheracloone — Sunday’s clash in Belfast could still take a dramatic swing if either team finds form.
The Down champions had the chance to watch Errigal last weekend but will have learned little beyond the fact that Donaghmoyne continue to improve — worryingly so for the rest of Ulster. Moneyglass manager Maxi Curran was also in Dunmoyle, perhaps planning ahead.
It is difficult to judge who will be more motivated for this one — if anyone.
ULSTER JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin v Mayobridge (Saturday, 2pm)
The winners of Saturday’s clash will face Ederney in the Ulster junior semi‑final.
Whatever happens, it will be new territory for both the Donegal hosts and the Down visitors. Mayobridge are only four years at senior level; Naomh Padraig have existed for seven years and are making their first Ulster appearance.
Mayobridge travel north after their Down championship win over Loughinisland.
Orla Crimmons says they have a strong blend:
“Lots of youth and experience. The minors won their title just before us and that really gave us a big lift.”
The Down club are involved in several other youth finals, and Saturday will be a major test despite their quality.
“We have great players. In midfield Ali Carr and Cara Crimmons were real workhorses in the Down final. Ciara Magee has come into defence and does a lot of work and talking. Then we have younger girls like Ella McCoy and Gracy McManus,” smiled Crimmons — the older sister by just 11 months. Irish twins, and family ties run deep in this squad.
Naomh Padraig are similar. Based on the shores of Lough Foyle, the Muff side beat Sean Mac Cumhaills in stunning fashion to claim the Donegal title and have a genuinely experienced group.
Manager Bernadette McKinney says: “We’re still only seven years as a senior ladies team.
“We didn’t have one for years before that, so it’s progressing in the right direction and we want to keep going that way.”
Rhiana McColgan and Ava Walsh played for Donegal this year, Chloe Costello and Emer McFadden featured at U20 level, while Niamh Harkin has returned from America and could play a major role at Maurice McMenamin Memorial Park.