Nicky Rackard Cup Semi-Finals

Donegal v Monaghan, Saturday, 3.00, Letterkenny

Monaghan travel to Letterkenny for the second time this year to take on Donegal in a Nicky Rackard Cup semi-final.

Monaghan recovered from a disappointing Allianz League campaign to beat Tyrone in the Division 3A relegation play-off and although they lost out to the Red Hand County in their Nicky Rackard opener, they bounced back last Saturday with a comprehensive win over Sligo. Donegal enjoyed a much better league campaign, reaching the final where they lost narrowly to Fingal, and they had a good win over Roscommon to reach this stage.

Monaghan have been boosted for this competition by the returns of some experienced campaigners, as well as the addition of goal-poacher Tadhg Campbell. Joey Morris’s team will be looking for big performances from Peter Treanor, Mickey McHugh, Seán Leonard, Trevor Hilliard and Brian McGuigan. Donegal are sweating on the fitness of Lee Henderson, but they will definitely be able to call on hurlers of the calibre of Ciarán Matthewson, Seán McVeigh and Jamesie Donnelly and it will be a tall order for Monaghan to defeat them.

Electric Ireland Ulster Minor Football Championship Quarter-Final        

Monaghan v Antrim, Sunday, 7.00, Newry

Monaghan’s minor footballers will bid to follow up their Ulster MFL success with another win when they take on Antrim in the championship opener at Páirc Esler on Sunday evening.

Monaghan recovered from losing their first league game to Down to beat Armagh, Cavan, Tyrone and Donegal and win the pre-championship tournament for the first time since 1989, sending them into this one on a positive note. Antrim, who were no match for Monaghan at the same stage last year, also had a progressive league, where they won three games on their way to the shield final, so Frank Brady’s side know they have to bring their best form on Sunday.

Monaghan have an impressive set of forwards, including Conor McCarthy, Fearghal McMahon, Ryan McAnespie and Adam Treanor, as well as the likes of Kevin Loughran and David McAlister, although Mark Magee is out with a serious injury. Conor Johnston and Jude McCurdy are likely to lead the Antrim challenge.