Mannok Fermanagh SFC quarter-finals
Kinawley v Belnaleck (Saturday, Kinawley, 4.30pm)
Belleek v Ederney (Sunday, Belleek, 4pm)
THE line-up for the Mannok Fermanagh SFC semi-finals will be finalised this weekend following the conclusion of the two quarter final ties.
Having topped their respective groups, Derrygonnelly and Enniskillen have already secured their places in the last four and by Sunday evening they will know who they will play in next weekend’s semi-finals.
First up is the derby meeting of Kinawley and Belnaleck on Saturday (4.30pm).
Having finished second in their group, Dom Corrigan’s Kinawley side will have home advantage against an Art McMurrough outfit who took third place in the other group.
The Boru's showed plenty of character to edge out Ederney in their final group game with Tomás Corrigan landing two points in added time to seal a one-point win.
That performance saw an improvement on their previous two outings and Kinawley will take great encouragement from that.
Belnaleck also produced their best display so far in shading their contest against Roslea last weekend to qualify for the knock-out stages.
Nigel Seaney’s side struggled in losing to both Erne Gaels and Derrygonnelly but they dug deep to win by the minimum last Sunday.
They will know, though, that they will have to raise their game again if they are to make it to the last four.
Key man Darragh McGurn has yet to feature in the championship for Belnaleck but he was togged out last week and they will be hoping that he will be fit to play some part against Kinawley.
His presence would also take some of the scoring burden off Garvan Quigley, who has been his side’s biggest threat in attack.
Kinawley, who will be fancied to edge it, will look to Tomás Corrigan and Sean McManus as their main scoring sources, in what has the makings of a competitive contest.
The action then moves to Belleek on Sunday (4pm), where last year’s beaten finalists Erne Gaels will host Ederney in what promises to be an intriguing tie.
Erne Gaels lost their final group game against Derrygonnelly as they took second spot in the group, but they remain among the favourites for the title.
Prior to the Derrygonnelly game, which was played in difficult conditions, Erne Gaels had chalked up impressive wins over Belnaleck and Roslea, with Ultan Kelm and Ryan Lyons to the fore for Seamus Ryder’s side.
They have pace and power throughout and carry a scoring threat from all areas of the pitch.
However, 2020 champions Ederney have more than enough quality and experience in their ranks to give Erne Gaels plenty to think about.
Forward Sean Cassidy has had an outstanding championship and is one player that Erne Gaels will be earmarking for attention, while the likes of Conor McGee and Paul McCusker will also be expected to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Ederney.
On home soil Erne Gaels will be tipped to progress but there might not be much between the sides.
