St Paul’s vs Tullysaran Preview

After their superb display in taking out title contenders Sarsfields, Tullysaran have replaced the High Moss men as one of the favourites for Championship glory.

They gave the complete performance to see off their opponents, 2-17 to 1-9, and in truth never looked like losing the game.

They now face another Lurgan side as they aim to book their place in the 2020 Intermediate Championship Final.

St Paul’s stand in their way this weekend and both sides will see this as a massive opportunity to reach the showpiece.

St Paul’s impressed the last day out as well, in different circumstances, as they came from behind to defeat an inexperienced Carrickcruppen side.

Turlough Lardner was in incredible form for Tullysaran against Sarsfields.

Although they were second best for a lot of that game, credit must go to Ciaran Nash’s team as they showed serious hunger to come out on top.

At the forefront of that victory was Andrew Murnin, the top quality full forward showing all his class to help his side get over the line.

Murnin hit three points throughout the sixty minutes, including the first and last scores of the day, but more importantly set up two of his sides three goals.

Ryan Lawless was on the end of both those Andrew Murnin moves to finish to the net, all three of their goals coming in the second period.

Eoin McConville rounded off the treble of three-pointers and he’s another star forward that Tullysaran will be keen to limit.

Check out our thoughts on both the semi finals taking place this weekend with our dedicated Intermediate Championship Podcast!

The O’Connell’s club contain a strong attacking line up themselves and displayed that talent in the quarter finals.

Eddie Mallon was in fantastic form the last day out and is the main man in the Tullysaran ranks, but he has plenty of assistance.

Gavin Conlon excelled against Sarsfields and his accurate left foot makes him a player worth watching from a St Paul’s perspective.

Patrick Comiskey and Mark McKeever are the main threats on the inside line while James Madden and Turlough Lardner love to break forward from the back.

Both defences will have to be on top of their games to try and limit the oppositions forward lines and whatever rear-guard can cope better will give their side a great chance of success.

Andrew Murnin is the main man in the St Paul’s ranks.

Aidan Conlon may go toe-to-toe with Andrew Murnin on the edge of the square but denying early ball in will be key for Tullysaran.

Match ups will be key all over the field and another that could decide the game is the line ups around the middle of the field.

Niall McCrory impressed against Carrickcruppen and it could be Matthew Mallon chosen to shadow him in midfield, while Peadar Nash loves to attack from centre half back for St Paul’s.

If Tullysaran can carry on their fantastic form from the last day out, then then should find themselves in the final.

They won’t have it as easy, but they should still have enough to get through and if they can limit Murnin’s impact they will book their spot in the decider.

Prediction: Tullysaran