AIB Ulster Club Junior Hurling Championship Final
Castleblayney v Na Magha, Sunday, 2.30, Dungannon
Castleblayney’s senior hurlers will attempt to take silverware back to Monaghan this Sunday when they contest the Ulster Club JHC Final against Derry city side Na Magha in Dungannon.
Blayney, who won this competition back in 2005, regained the Monaghan SHC title from Inniskeen this year and after a facile Ulster quarter-final win over Cootehill, they came through a tough semi-final against Con Magees from Antrim. Na Magha, who were beaten finalists in 2012, have amassed 12-31 in comprehensive defeats of Seán Mac Cumhaill (Donegal) and Strabane Shamrocks (Tyrone), but they will face a much tougher test on Sunday.
Free-scoring Diarmuid Shiels and goalkeeper Barry Robinson were part of the Derry panel this year and Na Magha can also call on the likes of Alan Grant, Brendan Quigley and Declan Foley. A vastly-experienced Blayney team have current and former Nicky Rackard Cup All-Stars Mark and Peter Treanor in their ranks, along with many others with county experience including Brian McGuigan, Hugh Byrne, Fergal Rafter, Deaglán Crowe, Paddy Finnegan, Jim McHugh and Tony Forde.
Clontibret turn their attentions away from their Ulster Club Championship campaign back to the County Monaghan Group of Credit Unions Senior Football League for Friday night’s game against Currin. Scotstown can take a step towards securing a semi-final place if they win at home to Magheracloone on Sunday in their first game since they lost the county final, while league leaders Ballybay host Truagh and Doohamlet end their two-year stint in senior with a local derby against Latton.
There are still three semi-final places up for grabs in an intriguing final round of the Monaghan Electrical Intermediate Football League on Sunday, as well as one effective relegation play-off. The only team through to the semi-finals so far, Corduff, are at home to one of the chasing pack (Clones), while two other teams in the running for the top four clash when Carrickmacross make the short trip to play IFC winners Inniskeen. Championship runners-up Donaghmoyne will expect to claim a semi-final place when they host already-relegated Rockcorry, while north-Monaghan neighbours Tyholland and Emyvale also go head-to-head. Cremartin’s recent return to form means their bid for a late escape from relegation has gone down to the wire and if they win at home to Seán McDermotts, they will overtake the Threemilehouse side, who need at least a draw to stay up.
By cshalvey Sat 25th Oct
