Latest news from Ulster

NUACHT ULADH

The Marshes, Newry will be the venue for tomorrow’s TG4
Ulster junior semi finals. The round robin series is over
so from here on its knockout.

In the first of the deciders red hot favourites Armagh
will take on Derry. The Orchard girls had a training camp
last weekend at Loughrey College and have developed a real
professional approach to this year’s competition. Goalkeeper
Finnoula Mc Atamney is definitely out and corner forward
Aoife Lennon will be given a late fitness test to check
an ankle injury. In their last outing against Cavan, Armagh
where cruising until they lost Alma O Donnell to the sin
bin. In the ten minutes she was off, the Breffni side hit
an unanswered 2-4. They should be too strong for the Derry
challenge however their discipline could be also cause them
problems.
Derry go into the game on the back of a comprehensive win
over Antrim. Manager Pearse Mc Callum would rather have
had a much sterner test ahead of Sunday’s game. Throw in
time is 1pm.

In the second semi final neighbours Cavan and Monaghan
(B side) meet at 2-30pm. Cavan manager Ciaran Brady is the
first to admit that his side need to improve immensely if
they are to progress to the final. Last Sunday against Fermanagh
they struggled for long periods. His side were very hot
and cold and in the end he was very relieved to have won.
Last years Ulster young player of the year, Aisling Doonan
is a major doubt for the tie. She had her thigh heavily
strapped last weekend and was taken off with 15 minutes
to go. This game is a real banana skin for Cavan. Monaghan
have been the surprise package of the championship so far.
They have beaten both Antrim and Derry en route to the semi’s.
Forward Sinead Mc Cooey has a groin strain and defender
Orla Mc Keown is also doubtful with a back injury, otherwise
Mary B Hamill has a fully fit squad to pick from.

Monaghan’s Mary Foy will take charge of the All-Ireland
U14 final replay between Dublin and Mayo later today. In
the first game Dublin led throughout, however in the dying
minutes Marie Jordan sent over to level the game. The game
is fixed for Tarmonbarry at 2pm.

Ulster Council have organised two competitions for the next
couple of Saturday’s. Carrickmore will be the venue next
Saturday (August 7th) for the Ulster U14 blitz and Truagh
will host the Trudi Kierans cup (U16 tournament) on Saturday
14th. All counties should let Fixtures Secretary Paddy Donnelly
(028 80757015) know of their interest in the competitions
asap.

Congratulations to Bryansford U16 team. In the Down County
final they overwhelmed Castlewellan to win 2-11 to 1-3.

This years Armagh County final will be contested by Kilcarrick
and Crossmaglen. Kilcarrick beat Derrynoose in a hard fought
semi final. In the other decider Crossmaglen overcame holders
Clann Eireann. The date for the final will be fixed at the
August County Board meeting, which will be held in the Ceanarass
Building, Armagh on Tuesday next 3rd August. The junior
semi finals are planned for 7th August. Eire Og will play
Lissumon and Ballyhegan will meet Whitecross.

The first of the Tyrone club championship semi finals were
played last night. In the senior competition Aodh Ruadh
met Trillick while Kildress and Glenelly played in the intermediate
tournament. The competition continues tonight with the remaining
four semi finals down for decision. Healy Park will host
the remaining senior decider between Errigal Ciaran and
holders Carrickmore (7-45pm). Curtain raiser to that game
will be the intermediate semi final between Badoney and
Aghyaran (6-30pm). Both junior semi finals will be played
in Galbally. Cill Iseal play Cappagh at 6-30pm and Loughmacrory
meet Moy at 7-45pm.

And finally best wishes to Siobhan Mc Garvey for a speedy
recovery. The versatile player was stretchered off in last
weekends Tyrone/Monaghan game. The Errigal Ciaran player
damaged her medial ligament and will be out for some time.

Paul Swift – Ulster PRO – pswift5@eircom.net / 07703594984