Monaghan’s senior hurlers put their National League hopes on the line on Saturday, when there is also action for Patrician High School and the county minor and U-17 teams. This weekend also brings the start of the club Senior, Intermediate and Junior Football Leagues.
Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A
Monaghan v Warwickshire, Saturday, 4.00, Clones
Monaghan will attempt to make it three wins in a row in the NHL and maintain their hopes of qualifying for the Division 3A Final once again when they host Warwickshire in a rescheduled game at St. Tiarnach’s Park on Saturday.
This fixture was due to be played on Sunday, but has been moved, at some inconvenience to Monaghan, after it emerged that Warwickshire had booked flights for the wrong date. Monaghan are back in contention to get into another final after wins over Louth and Fingal got them back on track, following losses to Tyrone and Roscommon. Warwickshire have yet to pick up a point, although they have been involved in some close games to date.
Trevor Hilliard will need Stephen Lambe, Mark and Peter Treanor, Niall Garland and Fergal Rafter to continue their good form for Monaghan, while the availability of the likes of Shane Morrissey, Pauric Crehan, Conor Robbins and James Meagher is key to Warwickshire’s chances.
Ulster Minor Football League Group A
Monaghan v Down, Saturday, 12.00, Inniskeen
Monaghan begin their Ulster MFL campaign against Down at Páirc Grattan on Saturday.
Garrett Coyle’s panel will be depleted due to two Patrician High School teams still being involved in the chase for All-Ireland glory, alongside a few injuries, but they could be able to call on the likes of Aaron Courtney, Pádraig Finnan, Ciarán Burns, Frank Connolly, James Wilson, Pádraig McMahon and Conor Leonard from last year’s minor set-up.
Ulster U-17 Football League Group A
Monaghan v Down, Saturday, 1.30, Inniskeen
The county Under-17s will also play Down. This team is managed by former County Chairman Paul Curran, assisted by Mark Duffy of Scotstown, Conor Fadian, Clontibret and Pádraig Treanor of Truagh. They will be fielding an understrength team as some players at this age are already involved with the minor panel and a further ten are still involved with Patrician High School teams.
All-Ireland Schools B Championship Quarter-Final
Patrician High School, Carrickmacross v Abbey Vocational School, Donegal, Saturday, 3.00, Dromore
Just two days after winning the MacLarnon Cup, Patrician High School, Carrickmacross contest an Ulster play-off against Abbey Vocational School, Donegal to progress in the All-Ireland series.
An impressive win over Holy Trinity College, Cookstown earned Patrician their first MacLarnon title since 1998 and they now take on the Donegal side, who saw off a Fermanagh schools selection to win the Markey Cup earlier this month.
David Garland, Allan Kieran, Stephen Finnegan, Ronan McDonald and Ryan O’Connor should have key roles to play for the High School, while Daniel Brennan, Aaron McCrea, Peadar Mogan and Daniel Gallagher are among the main players for Abbey, who are set to be without Jack Keaney due to suspension.
Scotstown begin their defence of the County Monaghan Group of Credit Unions Senior Football League with a home game against Ballybay, while Clontibret host Magheracloone and Doohamlet and Carrickmacross return to the top flight with away fixtures against Monaghan Harps and Latton respectively.
Ulster Club JFC winners Rockcorry’s first game back in the Monaghan Electrical Intermediate Football League is against Donaghmoyne, who were relegated from senior last year, while the other demoted club, Inniskeen, have home advantage against Emyvale. Killanny make their long-awaited return to the IFL when they entertain Cremartin, while Currin travel to Tyholland and Corduff take on Aughnamullen.
Corduff make their bow in the Eurotech Junior Football League when they host Scotstown on Saturday evening, while Sunday’s JFL schedule features a clash of the relegated teams, Clones and Drumhowan, as well as local derbies between Killeevan and Aghabog and Seán McDermotts and Éire Óg.
There is one game in the Platinum Tanks Reserve Football League Division Three on Sunday, when Monaghan Harps are at home to Truagh.
The Gerry’s Prepared Veg. juvenile competitions continue via the start of the Under-12 Football Spring Leagues on Saturday, with 18 games down for decision.
By cshalvey Sat 19th Mar
