GAA: Ulster SFC reaches semi-finals

Armagh vs Monaghan, 4pm Saturday 17th July, Pairc Esler

Armagh strolled through the quarter finals as they overpowered Antrim 4-15 to 0-14 in a display that made clear the great gulf between the two counties.

However, the Orchardmen will be aware a much more difficult task awaits in the semis in the form of Monaghan.

The two counties met recently in Division One North of the National Football League, but Armagh’s 4-point victory on the day will count for little when there’s a provincial final on the line.

Both counties also head into this semi after showing great resolve to win their respective relegation playoffs and retain top tier status.

Monaghan reached Ulster’s last four by outclassing Fermanagh in the quarter finals, but it came at a cost. There are still lingering injury doubts over Conor McManus and Darren Hughes.

Donegal vs Tyrone, 1:45pm Sunday 18th July

When these 2 counties met in Division One North of the National Football League, Donegal edged it by just 2 points.

Both of them also made it to the Finals, but Tyrone were hammered by a ruthless Kerry side, with Donegal being narrowly beaten by Dublin.

The Red Hands pushed past that disappointment to beat the holders Cavan in a confident performance in the provincial quarter finals, while Donegal had to come through a preliminary round, where they swept aside Down.

In the quarter finals though, they only beat Derry by a single point.

Both counties will be confident of progressing to the finals, as both of them have been crowned provincial champions in recent seasons.