The JFL Final and Ulster Club action dominates this weekend’s schedule.
Eurotech Junior Football League Cup Final
Seán McDermotts v Toome, Sunday, 2.30, Gavan Duffy Park
Promotion will be on the line when Seán McDermotts and Toome contest the Eurotech JFL Final at Gavan Duffy Park, Monaghan on Sunday.
Both teams won dramatic semi-finals last Sunday, with Seán McDermotts repeating their championship defeat of Clones thanks to a goal deep into added time, while Toome reversed their loss to neighbours Blackhill. The Seáns ran out ten-point winners at Toome in the JFL back in April, but they had the tables turned on them in Threemilehouse at the end of August. Toome ended up topping the Cup section of the league and their extra-time championship exit at the hands of the eventual JFC winners is their only defeat in eight games.
Toome will be looking to James Wilson. Frank Connolly, Seán McMahon, Jason Murphy and Gary Wilson to lead the way, while the Seáns will need Damien Larkin, Niall Kearns, Paddy Kieran, Brian McQuaid and James Treanor on form.
AIB Ulster Club Intermediate Football Championship Quarter-Final
Donaghmoyne v Bredagh, Sunday, 12.45, Newry
Donaghmoyne travel to Páirc Esler, Newry on Sunday to launch their first Ulster Club IFC campaign with a quarter-final tie against Down side Bredagh.
Donaghmoyne bounced back from losing to Inniskeen to win their first championship title in 20 years; turning the tables on local rivals the Grattans at the semi-final stage, before edging a tense final against Rockcorry. South-Belfast club Bredagh won their first Down IFC title in impressive fashion, crushing a fancied An Ríocht in the decider. Bredagh already have an Ulster win to their name, against Burt, who had just won the Donegal final on the same weekend.
County Under-21 Mikey Murnaghan anchors the Donaghmoyne defence along with the likes of Bernard Kelly and Christopher Deery, while Frank Markey is another leader from midfield in the battle to supply David Garland, Ronan McDonald and Pádraig Donaghy in attack. Prolific duo Alan Davidson and Dónal Hughes are the main marksmen for Bredagh, who will also be looking for big performances from players such as Owen Costello, Conor Francis and Bryan Rice.
AIB Ulster Club Junior Football Championship Quarter-Final
Blackhill v Clonmore, Sunday, 2.30, Clones
Blackhill are up against Armagh junior champions Clonmore in Clones.
Having taken the direct route to a fourth consecutive Monaghan JFC Final, Blackhill turned on in the style in the second half to see off Seán McDermotts and win the title for the first time since 1952. Clonmore (who, like Blackhill, had fallen just short in the last few years) needed a replay to win their county final against St. Patrick’s, Cullyhanna.
Clonmore are captained by experienced county player Brendan Donaghy, while James Grimley, Cathal Cunningham and Raymond McBennett are other key men. Philip Donnelly, the Geehan brothers and Darren and Colin Woods are all capable of contributing up front for Blackhill. Dermot and James Daly and Ryan, Dónal and Anthony Courtney should all play important roles.
Ulster Club Ladies Junior Football Championship Final
Donaghmoyne v St. Macartan’s, Saturday, 3.00, Galbally
Donaghmoyne ladies go in search of their 10th Ulster SFC title when they play Tyrone side St. Macartan’s in Galbally on Saturday.
After winning a 14th consecutive Monaghan championship in typically dominant fashion, All-Ireland holders Donaghmoyne go into another provincial final on the back of a comprehensive defeat of Armagh’s Clann Éireann. Trillick club St. Macartan’s have come through a testing Ulster campaign with wins over Bredagh (Down) and Moville (Donegal). They can call on the likes of Cathy and Joline Donnelly, Chloe McCaffrey and Maura McMenamin, but Donaghmoyne’s hugely experienced side features the talents of Sharon, Cora, Fiona, Rosemary and Joanne Courtney, Cathriona McConnell, Eileen McElroy and Louise Kerley.
Ulster Club Ladies Junior Football Championship Final
Latton v Kingscourt, Saturday, 1.00, Galbally
Latton’s ladies are also in Galbally on Saturday, when they contest the Ulster Club JFC Final against Cavan’s Kingscourt.
Latton cruised through their delayed quarter-final against Granemore from Armagh, before battling past Donegal side St. Naul’s last time out, while Kingscourt have seen off Saval from Down – after extra-time – and Coalisland (Tyrone). Latton will be looking for big performances from Shauna Coyle, Joanne Culleton and Katie Duffy, while Amy Rooney, Nicole Fleming and Rachel Gargan are key to Kingscourt’s chances.
By cshalvey Fri 28th Oct
