On Saturday evening we will know our line-ups for both the Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Intermediate and Premier Junior Championships Finals. Who will make it there? We preview all four Semi-Final matches taking place this weekend!
Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Intermediate Championship Semi-Finals
Antrim v Laois, Inniskeen Grattans GAA, Co. Monaghan, 3.15pm, Justin Heffernan (Wexford)
The Ulster side were impressive in their first two rounds of matches and as a result qualified directly to the Semi-Final stages. They defeated Carlow on a scoreline of 5-10 to 4-9 in their opening match on home soil in a high scoring affair in October before securing another positive result against Meath, winning by 1-16 to 2-9 to book their Semi-Final place.
Laois also had a high scoring victory in their opening round fixture when they overcame the challenge of Kildare by 4-14 to 1-7 in Hawkfield. A second-round defeat to Down meant the Leinster side entered the Quarter-Final stages where an enthralling fixture against Kerry was played out. After extra-time Laois prevailed by 1-10 to 1-6 to earn their Semi-Final berth.
Down v Meath, St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones, Co. Monaghan, 1.30pm, Philip McDonald (Cavan)
The Mourne ladies were once again impressive in Championship action as they have been over the last number of seasons. Their campaign started with a 1-15 to 0-9 victory over their Ulster counterparts Derry in the opening round and they followed that good form up with another impressive victory, this time over Laois by 2-13 to 1-8 to secure straight passage into the Semi-Final stages, a place they have been familiar with in recent seasons.
The Royal County are back in the Intermediate Semi-Final stages after relegation from the Senior ranks in 2019. They started their campaign with a solid victory away to Kerry by a scoreline of 1-12 to 1-5. They fell to a disappointing defeat in the second round of fixtures being outscored by Antrim by 1-16 to 2-9 to enter the Quarter-Final stages. The defeat in Round 2 didn’t linger too long and was put to bed by a 1-13 to 0-8 victory in the Quarter-Final fixture ensuring their place in the last four.
Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Premier Junior Championship Semi-Finals
Armagh v Tyrone, Crossmaglen Rangers GAA, Co. Armagh, 2.30pm, Barry Nea (Westmeath)
Armagh were comprehensive victors in their Premier Junior fixture against Roscommon, putting the Connacht side to the sword on a scoreline of 3-18 to 0-4 in the Athletic Grounds. As a result they have now earned themselves a Semi-Final place against the Nancy Murray Cup runners-up Tyrone, who will be entering the Premier-Junior Championship for the first time.
For Tyrone the Nancy Murray Cup competition ended in disappointment after Cavan took home the honours but they have another chance to make their second All-Ireland Final in only a few weeks’ time this weekend. They will face a stern challenge against their Ulster counterparts Armagh who have previous Premier Junior experience, while Tyrone are looking to put their disappointment of the Nancy Murray Cup Final behind them as soon as possible.
Roscommon v Cavan, Athleague GAA, Co. Roscommon, 1.30pm, Mike Ryan (Tipperary)
The Rossies were defeated heavily in their opening round match to Armagh, so they will be looking for a better performance this weekend to showcase their ability when they take on Cavan in Athleague on Saturday. Having only scored 0-4 in their opening fixture they will be required to be more clinical if they are to progress to the All-Ireland Final in a few weeks’ time.
Cavan were impressive in the Nancy Murray Cup Final to claim the first All-Ireland honours on offer last weekend. As a result, they have a chance to make another All-Ireland Final and after winning 2-14 to 1-3 in the Final in dreadful conditions. The momentum is with the Ulster side who will provide a strong test to their Premier Junior opponents.
For details of how to watch all of this weekend’s Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Championship fixtures click HERE
