The four spaces in the Junior Championship semi-finals are up for grabs and they will be filled this weekend.
Cross II v Middletown – Sat 13 Sept – 3pm – Keady
Crossmaglen IIs topped their group with three wins from three but were awarded one of the toughest draws in the quarters. They take on a Middletown side that will be confident of going all the way.
The Rangers beat Thomas Davis, Killeavy IIs and Mullabrack to earn their spot in the last eight. Johnny Murtagh has been scoring heavily for them, with 2-20 to his name so far, while Bernard Cassidy has also been performing well.
Middletown were impressive in their playoff victory over Eire Og last weekend. Fionnan O’Braonain is the second highest scorer in the Junior Championship, with 3-23, while Sean Og McGuinness has been firing well too.
Redmond O’Hanlon’s v Thomas Davis – Sat 13 Sept – 5.15pm – Shane O’Neill’s
Saturday is a massive opportunity for both teams to reach the last four of the Junior Championship. Thomas Davis were there two years ago while it’s been a long time since Redmond O’Hanlon’s competed at that level.
O’Hanlon’s were impressive in the group stages, beating Ballyhegan and Lissummon either side of a tie against Middletown. They also have the top scorer in the Junior Championship in their ranks with Daragh McNulty having kicked 3-28.
Thomas Davis put up a huge score in their playoff victory in the playoffs and have only lost once in the championship. Adam Loughran has been the go-to man in the forward line and has contributed 1-21 in four matches.
An Port Mor v Ballyhegan – Sun 14 Sept – 1pm – Abbey Park
The top two sides in the league, An Port Mor and Ballyhegan will have their sights set on championship glory. An Port Mor claimed the Division 3A league title while Ballyhegan finished just behind in second place.
Peter McGrane has only featured in one game so far this season for Ballyhegan. James McCormack has lined out in the last two and has performed well, kicking 1-14, while Kevin McCann has also played well.
An Port Mor topped their group with three successive wins and head into the knockout stages in fine form. Ryan Gorman has been the leading light for them up front while Mark Donnelly has been chipping in as well.
Clonmore v St Michael’s – Sun 14 Sept – 3pm – Abbey Park
The final Junior Championship quarter-final clash of the weekend and the main event in Abbey Park on Sunday. Clonmore remain one of the favourites while St Michael’s will look to cause an upset.
Clonmore breezed through the group stages of the competition, rattling off 20-62 across three outings. Attacking half back Sean Quigley has been responsible for 8-3 of that tally while Cahal Cunningham has hit 3-13.
St Michael’s saw off Clady in the playoff round last weekend to advance to the final eight. Aidan Davidson was in fine form that afternoon and finished with 0-8 while Shane Harte grabbed a brace of three-pointers.
