Preview: This weekend’s AIB Club Championship matches:
AIB Ulster Club SFC Semi-Finals
Saturday 25th November
Glen v Naomh Conaill, O’Neill’s Healy Park, 5.30pm
Sunday 26th November
Trillick v Scotstown, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 1pm
Four clubs remain in the AIB Ulster Club SFC and all of them involved can be classed as serious contenders.
Holders Glen start as warm favourites against Naomh Conaill, but Martin Regan’s well organised outfit will believe that a provincial final berth can be attained.
That is why so much intrigue surrounds the weekend’s action in the north with Trillick’s encounter against Scotstown expected to be a similarly hard fought encounter.
With Conor Glass and Ethan Doherty providing plenty of craft, Glen delivered in Derry once more.
Now, on the Ulster stage, Naomh Conaill, prompted by the Thompson’s will be intent on taking a prized scalp.
Significant underage work was carried out in Glen for many years which is now being reflected at senior level.
Naomh Conaill, though, have been consistent in Donegal, claiming five county titles since 2015.
Earning an Ulster crown is now the mission for the Glenties club, who were beaten in the 2010 and 2019 finals by Crossmaglen Rangers and Kilcoo.
Sunday’s tussle in Omagh features Trillick, managed by Jody Gormley, and four times winners, Scotstown.
Scotstown haven’t triumphed in Ulster since 1989 and the star studded Monaghan standard bearers are striving to ink another chapter in their history.
Jack McCarron’s displays augur well with Rory Beggan, Conor McCarthy, and Darren Hughes also contributing handsomely.
Trillick were resilient and resourceful winning an ultra competitive Tyrone Championship without Mattie Donnelly.
Against Crossmaglen Rangers James Garrity, Lee Brennan, Ryan Gray and Richie Donnelly landed vital points.
Similar industry will be required in the Scotstown game.
AIB Munster Club SFC Semi-Finals
Sunday 26th November
Clonmel Commercials v Dingle, FBD Semple Stadium, 1.30pm
Rathgormack v Castlehaven, Fraher Field, 1.30pm
It has been an action packed year for Dingle, who won the Kerry Club Championship.
Dingle embarked on a good run before losing at the penultimate stage in the County Championship, but they head for Thurles heartened with an accomplished panel.
The Geaneys will be central players for Dingle, who also include All-Star Tom O’Sullivan.
Clonmel Commercials have been grabbing goals in recent weeks with Seánie O’Connor a potent attacking threat.
The Kennedys and Michael Quinlivan are others capable of causing Dingle bother.
On Sunday at Fraher Field Rathgormack will be hoping to cause an upset against Castlehaven.
Following three County Final defeats in a row, Rathgormack returned to the Waterford summit.
Kenny Hassett’s charges feature Jason Curry and Jason Gleeson in attack.
Castlehaven were seriously tested by Cratloe already with Brian Hurley’s excellence steering the Cork champions over the line.
Rory Maguire, the Cahalanes, and Mark Collins remain hugely relevant for James McCarthy’s team.
AIB Leinster Club SHC Semi-Finals
Saturday 25th November
Kilcormac-Killoughey v O’Loughlin Gaels, Glenisk O’Connor Park, 1.30pm
Naas v Na Fianna, Laois Hire O’Moore Park, 1.30pm
No shortage of interesting storylines exist in the AIB Leinster Club SHC.
Kilcormac-Killoughey’s considerable investment in the underage ranks ensures an exciting and emerging team has been constructed.
Last month evidence of that sterling effort was available at St Brendan’s Park as Kilcormac-Killoughey cruised to a surprisingly emphatic win over Shinrone.
Charlie Mitchell, Adam Screeney, Conor Mahon, and the Kiely’s were influential figures for Kilcormac-Killoughey, who will be aware of O’Loughlin Gaels’ ability.
Former Kilkenny centre back Brian Hogan has carried out very impressive coaching work with O’Loughlin’s, who won a thrilling Kilkenny decider against Ballyhale Shamrocks.
That stirring victory, achieved courtesy of Paddy Deegan’s last gasp point, has injected O’Loughlin’s with real belief.
Mark Bergin remains sharp in attack, while Huw Lawlor and the versatile Deegan supply defensive expertise.
Naas’ journey has been well documented, but these are truly exciting times for the progressive Kildare club.
Five Kildare SHC titles on the spin illustrates their dominance, but they have also enjoyed good days in Leinster too.
Jack Sheridan’s 1-10 haul helped Naas to a noteworthy victory over Camross, while Brian Byrne and Cian Boran also struck important scores in that success.
Following an encouraging success in the capital, Na Fianna survived a tricky Leinster assignment in Mullingar, fending off Raharney’s spirited challenge.
Colin Currie drilled the frees over in admirable fashion, while Brian Ryan, AJ Murphy and Sean Currie were other instrumental figures in the win for the Glasnevin side.