Ulster Club Semi-finals Preview:

Ulster Club Semi-finals Preview:

This Sunday its semi-final action in the Province of Ulster
for the AIB club championships at all grades. In the Junior
championship Rockcorry (Monaghan) entertain Flaughvale (Derry)
in what has all the ingredients of a close encounter. The
Monaghan champions like the Derry girls are appearing on the
Ulster scene for the first time and both will be aiming for
that elusive final spot.

Rockcorry had Edel Hacket on the county senior side while
Linda McKeown, Emma O’Harte, Orla McKeown were on the
junior side. Kerri King was the only Flaughvale county representative
on the Derry side but other player like Julie McLaughlin and
Sharleen O Hara are dangerous in front of goal.

Elsewhere Ballyhaise (Cavan) and Moneyglass (Antrim) meet
in Cavan @ 3pm in the other semi. Ballyhaise seen off Galbally
of Tyrone the last day out but face a tough challenge against
the experienced Antrim girls on Sunday. Moneyglass were beaten
in this final in 2001 and last year lost out at the semi-final
stage to eventual All Ireland champions Tyholland.

In the Intermediate grade a real ding dong tussle looks on
the cards when Glen (Derry) welcome Clan Eireann (Armagh).
Glen have been knocking on the door for a number of years
but have failed to make that break through but this could
be their year. They have a number of county stars at their
disposal. The Armagh girls too are a very strong outfit and
will be confident of toppling the famous Derry club but with
home advantage Glen might just shade it.

Lurgan (Cavan) have O Neill Shamrocks (Monaghan) in Virginia
@1:30pm in the other semi-final. Lurgan fresh from their win
over Belcoo (Fermanagh) face a mighty battle against the 2001
Ulster Junior champions. The Shamrocks have defeated Tyholland
in the county final and then Moville (Donegal on their path
to the last four spot. Key players on both sides are Michelle
Cole, Laura Hanratty (Lurgan) and Rosie Hughes, Kathy McManus
(O Neills)

In the senior championship holders Carrickmore (Tyrone) make
the trip to Letterkenny to face St Eunans for a mouth-watering
tie. Both sides met in last years decider so the Donegal girls
will be out to reverse that result. Fresh from their county
success at the weekend ten of the Donegal panel make up this
St Eunans side which will be a major boost to any club. Debbie
lee Fox missed the victory over Donaghmoyne (Monaghan) the
last day but is back to tackle the Tyrone girls. Carrickmore
too have some wonderfully talented players like Lynette Hughes,
Etaoine O Kane and Connie Fox and this one could go right
to the wire if not a second day to decide.

Castlewellan (Down) and Knockbride (Cavan) meet in the other
game at St Malachys park in Down. Castlewellan back on the
big stage for the first time since 97 will look to Lisa Morgan
on the 40, Aine Keary, Claire Drummy and Kelly Higgins for
big matches. The Cavan girls Ulster Intermediate champions
last year are the first Cavan club ever to play at senior
level. They are a very young talented side backboned by a
number of young county stars that helped cavan reach the U16
all Ireland final this year. Key players for them are Carmel
McCabe, Elaine Costin, Aisling Treanor and Emma Clarke.

Alan Gunn