AIB All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling Championship Semi-Final

Castleblayney v Carrick (Leitrim), Sunday, 2.00, Cusack Park, Mullingar

This Sunday sees Castleblayney travel to Mullingar for their AIB All-Ireland Club JHC semi-final against Carrick from Leitrim.

Blayney have reached the All-Ireland series three times, but are seeking their first appearance in the final. Having retained the Monaghan title in commanding style against Inniskeen, Blayney have since had hard-earned wins against Burt (Donegal), Clonduff (Down), Cushendun (Antrim) and John Mitchels (Warwickshire).

Carrick, meanwhile, made a major breakthrough to win the Connacht JHC by seeing off Coolera/Strandhill (Sligo) and notably, Galway junior champions Ballygar. They had previously regained their county title by defeating Cluainín Both these teams have shown ability to win tight games to date.

Fergal Rafter has been in prolific form for Blayney, who can also call on the likes of Mark and Peter Treanor, Paddy Finnegan, Brian Flanagan, Brian McGuigan and Jim McHugh as they look to reach new ground. Carrick’s talisman is veteran Leitrim hurler Clement Cunniffe, while Stephen Goldrick, Colm and Liam Moreton, James Glancy and Declan Molloy (who was the goalkeeper on the 2018 Nicky Rackard/Lory Meagher Champion 15) also have plenty to offer.