Intriguing championship duels to whet the appetite

firepower for a Finbarrs side who don’t seem to pose the same threat going forward as in previous years.

There are two Intermediate Relegation Play-off semi-finals in Dunleer early on Sunday, with Clan na Gael fancied to overcome Glyde Rangers in the second match. However, there’s nothing to choose between Oliver Plunkett’s and Na Piarsaigh and the outcome of that game could go down to the wire.

Sunday’s main attraction, however, will be the two Junior semi-finals in Castlebellingham.

Having easily disposed of favourites Roche Emmets in the last eight, Glen Emmets are now hot favourites to go all the way and despite a good showing from their opponents Sean McDermott’s in the league - the Mountrush men just missed out on the play-offs - it would be a big shock if the Tullyallen side fall at the penultimate hurdle.

The second of the semi-finals is a mid Louth derby between St Kevin’s and Lannleire which could go either way. The Kevin’s performed marginally better in the league, reaching the playoffs, but Lannleire pulled off the biggest surprise in the Junior Championship so far when defeating Glen Emmets in their opening group game.

That ability to raise their game on the big occasion might just tip the balance in favour of John O’Connor’s team.

Meanwhile, the clash of Knockbridge v St Fechin’s in the Senior Hurling Championship, which was part of a Darver double-header on Thursday night with Pearse Og against Naomh Monnine, has now been brought forward to Wednesday at the same venue (8.15pm). Monnine need to defeat Pearse Og, or at least hope that St Fechin’s can do them a favour against Knockbridge, to keep their hopes alive of making the final.