ALL IRELAND MINOR SEMI-FINAL

Martina Dillons young charges secured the Ulster crown in a thrilling final at Clones, a one point win for Tyrone on that occasion but there was nothing between the teams throughout this encounter. Sundays all Ireland tie has really all he hall marks of being one of the best in years then with both teams sealing a last four meeting after beating the fancied Munster sides, Kerry and Cork respectively.

Back to Clones and the performance of both teams had the Ulster football world buzzing, but it was no surprise that both teams produced the goods at St Tiernachs Park. On route to winning the 2007 Ulster title both teams served up a superb semi-final, Tyrone coming back from a big deficit to clinch the win.

At Clones Clodagh Poyntz struck 1-3 while Ellie McCarron top scored for Monaghan with a hat-trick as the game ended 3-16 to 4-12, what a game, Tyrone boss Dillon was almost speechless,

“That was unbelievable, both teams served up a real threat there, that’s what ladies football is all about, but I am happy we took our chances”

Next up for both Ulster teams were the pick of Munster, Kerry met Tyrone and two goals separated the teams at the end , Hegarty and O’kane on target for the champions. Monaghan were stunning in the second half against Cork and eased themselves home to this long awaited rematch.

The added spice, if any was needed was added to this one as Monaghan thumped Tyrone in the Ulster senior decider and there’s some left overs from the Brewster Park picnic for the Farney. Minor captain Shannon Quinn, Clodagh Poyntz and Angie McShane will all line out on Sunday still with the pain of losing in the senior tie while a constant torture for Tyrone both at Clones and at Brewster, Ciara McAnespie will once again lead the Monaghan attack.

McAnespie had a great performance at Enniskillen with Mc Shane struggling at times after she was drafted in to stop the Emyvale attacker, a real battle on the cards there. Quinn has a proven track record at midfield while Poyntz is certainly one to watch. Monaghan too have their quality too, McCarren, McKenna and Fahy as well as McAnespie leave Monaghan with a real chance.

There’s nothing between these two and for fans of ladies football Kinawley is the place to be this Sunday evening.

Both teams have a couple of injury worries ahead of team selection, Tyrone have been haunted by three broken arms in the run up through the Ulster and all Ireland series yet they remain focused and confident.

CLUB FOOTBALL

The WJ Dolan senior championship finals have been re-arranged for next weekend, junior and Intermediate finals have been refixed for August.