Ulster games previewed

“

It will be an all Ulster affair in the Gala Junior Nancy Murray Cup Championship semi-final as Tyrone and Armagh battle it out for a spot in the final.

Tyrone defeated Armagh when the two sides went head to head in the group stages and Armagh manager Pasty MaGee admits that his side faces an immense challenge later today.

“”Obviously Tyrone will be the favourite, they topped the table and are unbeaten in the competition so far but it’s a one off game, whoever performs the best and to their potential will come away with the win,”” said Magee.

Over the past weeks Armagh have been preparing to meet their neighbours by inviting former Queen’s University and Ulster coach Chris Clarke to take some training sessions.

“”We’ve prepared well over the last couple of weeks we had Chris (Clarke) come in and take two training sessions and that has helped to keep the girls focused on where we want to go and what we want to achieve. It’s good to get a different coach in because it’s good to get different views and ideas about the team and also gives the girls a chance to have someone else assess their skills and give them some tips,”” MaGee said.

Once again goalkeeper Bronagh Keenan is the only injury worry for MaGee: “”Bronagh is not a million miles away from playing, she’s improving and getting stronger everyday. If we come through today she should be fit for the final. Other than that we have a full panel to choose from and everyone is ready to go.””

Tyrone manager Brenainn Brunton has played down the notion that his side will be favourites saying: “”It will be a tough test for us, Armagh are a good side with some excellent players. We know that they will make it difficult for us; it’s just a matter of us staying focused on what we have to do. We beat them in the group stages but they are a different side from then and they will be boosted by their win over Westmeath to make the semi, we just have to go out and concentrate on our game and hope that’s enough.””

Meanwhile in the Gala Intermediate McGrath Cup Championship Derry will face Galway in their final group game. Derry have already booked a place in the semi-final stages with an impressive win over Wexford and picking up the points when Clare failed to field but manager Danny McGrellis is going out for the win.

“”We want to finish the campaign the way we started it with a win. We know that Galway will be tough opposition and that’s what we need at this stage of the competition. It will give us a chance to possibly rest some players and give an opportunity to other players on the panel. I’ve always stressed that it’s the strength of the panel that will get us through and today will give a few others the chance to stake a claim for a starting position,”” McGrellis added.

Fixtures:

Gala Intermediate McGrath Cup Championship: Derry vs Galway, Ballinasole 2pm

Gala Junior Nancy Murray Cup Championship: Tyrone vs Armagh, Casement Park 6:30pm

“