Ulster Intermediate Hurling Championship quarter-finals
Castleblayney v Creggan Kickhams
(tomorrow, Castleblayney, 3.30pm)
THIS is a meeting of the last two Ulster junior champions with 2013 winners Creggan facing possible fatigue with a large portion of their panel involved in last night’s Antrim football semi-final against Cargin. Paul Casey’s Castleblayney side have been far and away the best side in Monaghan this season, but they will struggle here.
Keady, Lamh Dhearg v Eire Og, Carrickmore
(tomorrow, Keady, 3.30pm)
CARRICKMORE will need key men Aidy Kelly, Sean Og Grogan and Justin Kelly to be at their best if they are to spring a surprise against Keady. Manager Geoffrey McGonigle will also be looking for the same level of efficiency that they showed in the county final win against Dungannon. Keady will be without a number of key players, such as Stephen Reneghan and Liam McKee, but should march on.
Na Magha v Carryduff
(tomorrow, Owenbeg, 3.30pm)
HAVING played junior last year, Na Magha move back to the intermediate ranks as the rotation system with Coleraine continues. Players like Brendan Quigley, Brendan Douban and Alan Grant ensure they should be competitive. Carryduff will look to their county contingent – Conor Cassidy and Conall Earley – to inspire, but an away win is unlikely.
Ulster Junior Hurling Championship quarter-finals
Truagh Gaels v Sean MacCumhaill’s
(tomorrow, Castleblayney, 1.45pm)
TRUAGH are an improving side in Monaghan, but joint-managers Niall McCarron and Prionsia McKenna know they will need to be at their best to survive in Castleblayney. Sean MacCumhaill’s nearly ended Burt’s dominance in Donegal, but they should soften the blow by advancing here with Lee Henderson their main threat.
Ballela v St Mary’s, Rasharkin
(tomorrow, Ballela, 3.30pm)
MARTIN McCusker’s Ballela side needed two games to see off Newry Shamrocks in the Down final, but with county man and team captain Johnny McCusker leading the line, they got there in the end. Rasharkin looked very strong in their 1-12 to 0-12 Antrim final win over St Teresa’s with full-forward Enda McFerran grabbing the crucial goal.
Cootehill Celtic v Sean Treacy’s
(tomorrow, Cootehill, 3.30pm)
IT took Cootehill two games to get past Mullahoran in Cavan, Caoimhin Carney the main man in their low-scoring 0-7 to 0-4 replay win on Wednesday. Sean Treacy’s lost the last two Armagh finals to Killeavy and Craobh Rua, but they had three points to spare against Derrynoose this time.
