Despite the Donegal lock-down from last night, the Ulster GUI AIG Senior Cup semi-finals and final are scheduled to proceed today at Murvagh with a new winner to be crowned to represent the northern province on the All-Ireland stage next month, writes Tony McGee.
“Because this is an All-Ireland competition, the GUI have permission to go ahead with the Ulster matches at Donegal Golf Club. Because it’s a national competition the GUI have an exception to travel into the county,” explains Senior Cup co-ordinator Tony Cassidy.
However, strict rules are laid down about those who can attend the matches which, of course, will be played behind closed doors.
The semi-final pairings are Belvoir Park v Greenacres (8.30) and Warrenpoint against Slieve Russell (9.20).
The final is due to be played in the afternoon.
Greenacres are not regulars to this position but will, no doubt, provide stiff opposition to the more regular Belvoir Park who have such players as Gareth Lappin and Scott Jones in
their fighting five. William Beattie and Ben Crawford are the top two in the Greenacres side but Belvoir must be fancied to progress to the afternoon action.
The club has been three times All-Ireland winners, the last occasion being in 1957.
Warrenpoint, who tackle Slieve Russell, have tasted All-Ireland Senior Cup success three times, also, and have some experienced players in their present team.
Players such as Colm Campbell, junior, Paul Reavey and Stephen Coulter have played at the highest level but look out for an interesting clash between Campbell and young Odhran Maguire, brother of Leona and Lisa Maguire, both now playing professionally.
Slieve Russell is bidding to win its first Ulster pennant.
Along with Maguire will be the likes of Seamus Cullen and Theo Coffey aiming to win the honour for the Ballyconnell club.
The favourites for the final would be Belvoir Park and Warrenpoint but nothing is ever certain in golf.
Teams
Belvoir Park v Greenacres (Belvoir names first) – G Lappin v W Beattie; D Shaw v B Crawford; S Jones v N Sproule; E Roe v R Campbell; S Ward v K Morrison.
Slieve Russell v Warrenpoint (Slieve Russell Names first) – S Cullen v P Reavey; S McDermott v R Carvill; O Maguire v C Campbell; D Donohoe v S Coulter; T Coffey v R Gribben.
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