Semi-final action for three Monaghan club teams is on the agenda this Sunday.
AIB Ulster Club Intermediate Football Championship Semi-Final
Truagh v Foreglen, Sunday, 12.45, Omagh
Truagh take Derry champions Foreglen in their Ulster Club IFC semi-final at Healy Park. The Gaels were shocked by Donaghmoyne in the Monaghan preliminary round, but five straight wins over Corduff, Drumhowan, Clones, Currin and Tyholland saw them lift the title and secure a quick return to senior football. The north-Monaghan men then saw off Down champions Drumgath in their Ulster opener.
Foreglen are unbeaten to this point in the 2013 championship, with seven wins and a draw under their belts. They beat Lissan, Greenlough (after a replay), Ballymaguigan, Slaughtmanus and Glen in the Derry IFC and they have already won two Ulster championship games at the expense of Madden (Armagh) and Naomh Mhuire (Donegal).
Foreglen have scored 12-102, which is an average of 17.25 points per game, with their 5-84 conceded working out ar 12.4 points on average. Truagh’s total in seven championship games now stands at 13-91, giving them an average of 18.6 points per game, and they have also leaked less than their opponents: 2-69, working out at 10.7 points per game.
Adam Treanor and Christopher and Daniel McKenna are the key figures up front for Truagh, with Niall Coyle (another goal threat) and Paudie McKenna regularly chipping in from the half-back line. Barry Cuddy, Neil McRory and Pauric Treanor will do the spadework around midfield, with the defence backboned by Niall Feely and Rory Treanor.
The strong running of Niall McFeely (near-namesake of the Truagh full-back) and the aerial ability of Kevin O’Connor are the main threats posed by Foreglen, who will also be looking for big performances from Mark McCormack, John Duffy and Nigel Bradley.
These teams have very impressive and similar records this year. Truagh have lost just three of their 26 matches, with Foreglen losing three in 25. Both teams maintained their winning momentum last Sunday, as Truagh finished strongly to win their Monaghan IFL semi-final against Donaghmoyne and Foreglen did likewise to edge a low-scoring Derry Division Two Final against Greenlough.
AIB Ulster Club Junior Football Championship Semi-Final
Emyvale v Annaghmore, Sunday, 12.45, Armagh
Emyvale are within touching distance of a return to the Ulster JFC Final, with Armagh’s Annaghmore standing in their way at the Athletic Grounds.
Emyvale got a bye through the first round of the Monaghan championship and wins over Blackhill and Oram saw them through to a second consecutive final. They needed a Martin McAree point deep into added time to earn a draw against Blackhill, but they made no mistake in the replay, with two early goals by Daniel McMahon setting the tone. Derry’s Ardmore were no match for the 2009 Ulster JFC winners two weeks ago in Clones.
Annaghmore beat Pearse Óg seconds, Lissummon, Ballyhegan, Forkhill and Clonmore to win the Armagh JFC, before battling past Cavan champions Kill in the Ulster quarter-finals. John McCormack, Jamie McDonald, Stephen and Michael McConville, Daniel McQuade and former Armagh minor Oisín Mac Íomhair are among the main men for the Pearses, who are based near Lurgan.
Even if Ryan McAnespie and David McAlister don’t win their race to be fit, Emyvale still have firepower in the likes of Daniel McMahon, Daithí Colton and Martin McAree. James Bellew, Seán McMeel, John and Michael Flannery and Mervyn Brown are others with big parts to play for Declan Brennan’s side.
Emyvale’s 10-68 in five championship games gives them an impressive average score of 19.6 points and they have conceded 5-44, which is 11.8 points per game. Annaghmore have hit 12-69 in six championship matches (17.5 points on average), while conceding 1-51 or just nine points per match.
Emyvale are bidding for a sixth unbeaten game in this competition and it should be within their reach.
All-Ireland Ladies Club Senior Football Championship Semi-Final
Donaghmoyne v The Banner, Sunday 1.30, Corofin
All-Ireland ladies champions Donaghmoyne will attempt to qualify for another final when they take on The Banner from Clare on Sunday.
Having continued their dominance of the Monaghan championship by beating Emyvale in the final, Donaghmoyne went on to cruise through to another Ulster final with wins over Carrickmore and St. Paul’s. Donegal side Termon took them to a replay in the provincial decider, but the Fontenoys were ruthless at the second attempt. The Banner defeat West Clare Gaels in their county final, before taking the scalps of Ballymacarbry (Waterford) and St. Val’s (Cork) in the Munster championship.
Donaghmoyne have a vastly experienced team, with many of their players having won three All-Ireland club titles as well as leading Monaghan to a couple of finals. Among those stars are Cathriona McConnell, Sharon and Cora Courtney, Amanda Casey, Eileen McElroy and in-form team captain Majella Woods, while a couple of newcomers have added youth to the side. Niamh O’Dea is the main scoring threat from the Banner, who will also be looking for big performances from Laura Ryan, Louise Woods, Louise Hency and Niamh Keane. Despite having to travel all the way to Co Galway, Donaghmoyne’s big-game experience should stand to them once again.
By cshalvey Fri 15th Nov
