Fireworks expected in Ulster opener weekend

CLONDUFF will go into Saturday’s Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship clash against Edendork with more than a fortnight to recover from their final exploits compared to the eight days their opponents will have.

But in a game where momentum is critical, will it be of any advantage for the Yellas to have more time to prepare, or will a team that will be riding on a high from Niall Morgan’s magnificent winning kick against Errigal Ciaran in the Tyrone Final replay be better placed?

The game takes place in Newry’s Pairc Esler on Halloween night, with 6.15pm throw-in, preceded by Rostrevor v the Rock in Burren at 3pm.

Clonduff’s discipline will have to be on point as Morgan’s weaponised kicking will punish as he has shown for club and county and they will have to have a plan to keep Tyrone forward Darren McCurry quiet. The Yellas are still sweating on the availability of former Down captain Darren O’Hagan who came off in the final against Burren with a twinge in the leg.

Ben Cullen, Joe McLernon, Caolan Kilpatrick and Cormac Bell will take a bit of watching too, while Fionn Devlin and Fiachra Nelis will likely be tasked with trying to keep Down duo Eamon Brown and Barry O’Hagan quiet.

However, Clonduff has strength throughout the field, Charlie Carr was magnificent against Burren and has gotten better each game in the Championship this season. His brother Ross and cousin Senan have been exceptional this year. Young Senan has settled into his role around the middle compared to the edge of square threat he posed last season.

Big Arthur McConville remains a stellar target man, but he offers so much and his understanding with brother Stephen, who is another key player, is a joy to watch.

Jamie O’Hagan, Dan Rafferty, Shane Close have all stood up and impressed in recent games and with Down’s Tom Close and Ben McConville giving manager Gearoid Adams options, this is a Clonduff team with strength in depth.

Conor Murray, Patrick O’Hagan and Conor Ward would start in most teams and are likely to see some action on Saturday night (Halloween) in Newry’s Pairc Esler.

Beforehand though, Rostrevor face the Rock of Tyrone in the Ulster Intermediate Club Championship in Burren. It has been a magnificent year for the Reds as they completed the league and championship double, also securing promotion back to Division One in the process.

Forwards Drew Grant, Conor Rocks, Finn Morgan-Longfield, midfielders Piaras Kane, Eoin Murdock and defender Conall Gordon have been standout performers with the evergreen Shaun Parr helping knit it all together.

The Reds will have their work cutout to kerb in influence of Rock St Patrick’s star forwards Liam Nugent and Shane Murphy, while Aidan McGarrity is a player for the big occasion. Diarmaid Carroll is the engine, while Thomas Mackle takes no nonsense in defence. It’s sure to be a thrilling contest in Burren.

Also on Saturday, Killeavy hurlers make the trip to Owenbeg to face Swatragh in the Ulster Junior Championship, while on Sunday, Newry Shamrocks take on Armagh’s Keady in the Intermediate Ulster competition, that’s in Newry’s Pairc Esler, with a 3.30pm throw in.

Crossmaglen Rangers will face Derry champions Gowna on Saturday, November 7, in Kingspan Breffni, Cavan, at 7.15pm.