Armagh Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals: Derrynoose v Middletown Na Fianna (today, Crossmaglen, 5.30pm); Cúchulainn’s v Seán Treacy’s (tomorrow, Ballymacnab, 2.30pm)
HOLDERS Middletown will go into this evening’s semi-final against Derrynoose very much the favourites following their quarter-final rerun of last year’s county final against Keady.
Middletown were too good for Keady in last year’s final and so it proved again in their quarter-final a fortnight ago as the holders came out on top by a margin of four points. The likes of Martin Moan and consummate free-taker David Carvill will again be expected to be to the fore for Middletown in Crossmaglen this evening, while Nathan Curry will marshal the defence.
Derrynoose have performed creditably in the league since the return of competitive hurling and will expect to provide stiff resistance to the champions.
Tomorrow afternoon at Ballymacnab, Cúchullain’s and Seán Treacy’s will battle it out for the right to challenge either the reigning champions or Derrynoose in the county final.
Cúchullain’s warmed up for their last four clash with a 4-31 to 0-8 demolition of St Malachy’s in the Senior Hurling League a week ago, while Seán Treacy’s lost by seven points to Derrynoose back in August. If it comes down to firepower tomorrow, Cúchullain’s may have too much for the Lurgan men to handle.
