THE tie of the round as the race for the provincial intermediate honours hots up sees Tyrone champions Omagh, St Enda’s welcome their Derry counterparts Steelstown Brian Ogs to O’Neill’s Healy Park.
These two would be the early favourites for the title so for one this quarter-final exit will certainly be a disappointment.
Omagh won their first Tyrone title since 2014 with a hard-fought victory over neighbours Cappagh in the final, while Steelstown have had little time to prepare for this game having won their fourth successive Derry senior title just last weekend.
Steelstown reached the final of this competition in 2021, losing to Kinawley, while last year, again as one of competition favourites, their campaign ended prematurely after they failed to field in their semi-final because of footwear issues. They will be keen to give this year real go.
Antrim champions Glenavy host Rostrevor and hope to make home advantage count and use the bit of momentum they have gathered after their preliminary-round win over Donegal side Naomh Muire.
Rostrevor defeated St John’s 2-16 to 2-8 in the county final and will look to Mourne county stars Niamh Scullion and Clara Mulvenna.
There is also home advantage for Fermanagh side Aghadrumsee against Cavan champions Ballyhaise, who make the short journey cross-country.
Aghadrumsee had a one point extra-time, 2-12 to 2-11, win over Tempo in the Fermanagh final.
Erne county players Sarah McCarville, Laura Grew and Aoife McCabe are key players for their side.
Ballyhaise defeated Mullahoran 2-5 to 1-6 in the Cavan final to win their first-ever intermediate title. Elaine Brady scored 1-2 for the winners that day with Lucy Jane Grant hitting 1-1.
Ballyhaise also have Ruby Gilmartin and Clodagh Clarke, two members of the Cavan U16A All-Ireland winning team.
The last of the quarter-final games takes place on Sunday between Armagh champions Granemore and Castleblayney Faughs.
The Monaghan champions are also a team to watch, having followed up their junior county and provincial success from last year with an intermediate county title this year.
They have county player Jodie McQuillan as well as teenager Hazel Hughes who are two players to keep an eye on.
Granemore defeated Clan na Gael in the Armagh final, played a month ago, winning 2-13 to 3-8. Ciara Carr hit 1-6 that day with Corinna Doyle adding 1-3 and captain Edel Hegney grabbing four points.
Ulster Club Ladies’ IFC quarter-finals (2pm, first-named at home)
Saturday
Aughadrumsee (Fermanagh) v Ballyhaise (Cavan)
Glenavy (Antrim) v Rostrevor (Down)
Omagh (Tyrone) v Steelstown (Derry)
Sunday
Granemore (Armagh) v Castleblayney (Monaghan)
