Universal Graphics Junior Football Championship Round 2A
Oram v Seán McDermotts, Friday, 7.30, Clontibret
The first JFC semi-final place is up for grabs when Seán McDermotts and Oram clash in Clontibret on Friday.
After losing both league and championship finals last year, Seán McDermotts got off to a flying start to 2017 and they have sustained that. The Seáns have won all nine of their JFL games so far, as well as beating Scotstown in their JFC opener and claiming reserve silverware in the Crawley Cup.
Oram are in a share of fourth place in the league, while they saw off Aghabog in the first round of the championship. These sides met just last Sunday, when the Threemilehouse side ran out five-point winners.
The Seáns can call on the likes of Niall Kearns, Adam O’Driscoll, Brian McQuaid and Páraic McGuirk, while Oram will need big performances from Pauric Graham, Ryan McGuinness, Jason McDonald and Chris McGeough.
Universal Graphics Junior Football Championship Round 2B
Aghabog v Rockcorry, Sunday, 5.30, Monaghan
It’s last-chance-saloon time for neighbours Aghabog and Rockcorry in Round 2B at Gavan Duffy Park on Sunday.
Aghabog lost to Oram in the first round, but they came from eight points down to knock Scotstown out. They have recovered from a slow start to sit just two points outside the top four in the league, with their four wins including a derby in Rockcorry, where they only managed ten scores to the hosts’ 15, yet managed to claim the spoils (5-5 to 1-14), thanks to hitting the net five times. 2015 Ulster JFC winners Rock have kept their best form for championship in recent years and even though they lost their opener to Éire Óg in extra-time, they stayed in the hunt by defeating Killeevan.
Seán O’Brien, Tyler O’Hanlon and Dermot and Damian Smyth are key players for Aghabog, who are set to welcome Gary McBride back from suspension. Niall McKeown, Mark McGuirk and Mark Thornton are among the main men for Rock, who are set to be without Noel Carroll due to his red card against Killeevan.
Just two days after a notable win over Inniskeen, Toome host second-placed Corduff (who are chasing an eighth consecutive win) in the Monaghan Electrical Intermediate Football League on Friday. Third-placed Cremartin make the short trip to Blackhill on Sunday, while Aughnamullen host Inniskeen.
Drumhowan and Scotstown meet in the Eurotech Junior Football League on Sunday.
Castleblayney and Aughnamullen contest the Platinum Tanks Reserve Football League Division 1B semi-final on Friday, while Killanny and Doohamlet meet at the same stage of the RFL Division 2A. Clones and Carrickmacross go head-to-head in the Division 2B semi-final on Sunday.
The second Under-21 Division One semi-final takes place on Sunday, with Clann na nGael and Donaghmoyne battling for the right to take on Clones. Sunday’s Under-21 Division Two semi-final is between Latton and Corduff.
The Connolly Meats Minor Football League Division One semi-finals are down for decision, starting with Monday’s Cup semi between Inniskeen and Killanny. Aughnamullen and Magheracloone contest the second Cup semi-final on Tuesday, while the Shield semi-final fixtures are: Carrickmacross v Donaghduff Gaels; and Truagh v Scotstown. The last round in Division Two sees Castleblayney and St. Tiarnach Sarsfields host Emyvale and Latton, respectively.
The juvenile football and hurling competitions continue with games at Under-16, Under-14 and Under-12 levels. Topping the bill is the Silver Hill Farm U-14 Hurling League Final on Sunday in Carrickmacross at 12 noon, with Castleblayney aiming to complete the double when they take on East Cavan Gaels.
By cshalvey Fri 28th Jul
