Mullabrack came desperately close to cliaming their first Championship win since reforming last season.
They pushed Thomas Davis right to the very end. Although they just couldn’t do enough to get over the line and earn a famous win.
That wait is likely to continue this weekend. They are huge underdogs heading into their opening round clash with Belleek.
Belleek back for more
The 2020 Junior Championship finalists are one of the pre tournament favourites and should get through to the semis with relative ease.
Belleek failed to get their hands on the Sean Quinn Cup last year, but certainly died with their boots on.
A replay couldn’t separate the sides, but Forkhill eventually won after extra time.
Callum O’Neill is their star player and has settled this year into a centre half back role, but the former captain could play anywhere.
Stephen Finnegan is the skipper for the season and he forms a solid midfield pairing with Lorcan Quinn.
Up front, Belleek will look to the attacking threats of James McParland, Drew McVerry and Sean McCreesh.
Fergus Quinn started both county finals last year and made a second half cameo against Newtown in the semi final.
The professional boxer is unlikely to feature this early in the championship, but could be called upon in a few weeks time.
Mullaghbrack attack
Mullabrack head into this encounter with only four league wins and aren’t expected to offer much of a threat.
The attacking power of Phillip McGeown, Tiernan Kelly and Lochlainn Mallon may cause some problems in the oppositions rear guard.
Belleek should get through this one with the minimum of fuss and push on for another tilt at the title.
