Saturday 23 Sept – BOX-IT Athletic Grounds – 3pm
It could turn out to be a magical weekend for Clann Eireann, but Clonmore will have something to say about that.
The clash between the two is the curtain raiser for Clann Eireann against Carrickcruppen in the senior showpiece.
But first up it’s all about Clann Eireann IIs and their clash with Clonmore as the pair battle it out for the Junior crown.
Clonmore were so close to capturing the throne last season, but just lost out to Derrynoose in the decider.
They had been nine-points in front had one stage and looked to be cruising, but Derrynoose mounted an impressive comeback.
Four was the difference between the sides in the end and that hurt could spur Clonmore on this weekend.
Sarsh Quigley, Niamh Forker and Aoife Forker all rattled the net in last years final as the lost 3-13 to 3-8.
Captain Emma Conlon remains one of the best players for Ryan O’Hagan’s side, as is Riona Cunningham.
Clonmore proved much too strong for Pearse Og in the semi-final, winning with 13 to spare in the end.
They didn’t have it as easy during the quarter-final however as they eventually edged past Sarsfields 1-13 to 2-5.
Similarly, Clann Eireann’s last eight clash with Clady provided a tougher challenge than their semi-final.
Clann Eireann scraped past Clady, 1-13 to 2-7, before easing past Wolfe Tones with 20-points the margin.
Una McConville is the captain for the Lurgan ladies, who overturned this weekend’s opponents in the league.
That was back in June and a lot has happened since then. But that game could give an indication of what to expect on Saturday.
Clonmore netted at will in the league and hit the net four times against Clann Eireann and still it wasn’t enough.
David Kelly’s side edged a fascinating encounter, with three-points to spare in the end, winning 1-17 to 4-5.
