Clonard and Carnaross to advance

The race for the JFC and the Peter McDermott Cup is now down to the last four with the semi-finals scheduled for this weekend.

Clonard made the most of their reprieve from relegation to the Junior B after an administrative blip in the grading process at Co Board level and they are now just two steaps away from elevation to the intermediate grade. They should be capable of negotiating Moylagh.

Former senior side Carnaross are in a similar position and will be expected to handle Meath Hill at the penultimate hurdle.

PREDICTIONS

Moylagh v Clonard: Few would have predicted at the start of the summer that these two sides would be meeting in game where the prize is a place in the final. Clonard have been really impressive, recording one victory after another, on their way to Saturday's showdown at Kildalkey, 5pm. 

They were particularly impressive in defeating Dunboyne 3-8 to 2-9 in the quarter-finals with Gary Raleigh scoring from a penalty in the last, drama-filled moments of that game.

They have players such as Adam Flanagan, Mikey Mullen, Jason Moore and Eoin Treacy who are well capable of making chances and taking them.

Moylagh have also raised eyebrows in the way they have progressed through the championship. 

They have talented performers such as Sean Reilly and Tomas O'Reilly and in their 0-10 to 0-7 quarter-final win over Wolfe Tones they once again displayed a gritty, determination to get to job done in what was, according to all reports, a dour, fractious encounter.

This game would have tested Moylagh's resolve, a real test, but they were not found wanting. 

Despite all that's in their favour Clonard have the forward power to shade this one. Verdict - Clonard.

Meath Hill v Carnaross: Encounters between north Meath sides can contain an extra little edge and this is unlikely to be any different with a big crowd sure to show up at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday, 2.15pm.

Meath Hill did extreamely well to get the better of Summerhill in the quarter-final displaying real spirit in eventually getting over the line on a 0-9 to 0-8 scoreline. Ian Malone's last point was enough go put some daylight between the teams in that game.

This contest is also likely to be very close. Meath Hill manager Davy Cahill has, no doubt, been greatly pleased with the real grit and determination that his team has displayed so far in their bid for the title.

Carnaross, however, have yet to taste defeat in this year's championship. They went through the group phase with three wins and two draws before they got the better of Drumconrath 0-14 to 0-8 in the quarter-finals in a game that was blighted by an unsightly melee.

Frank O'Reilly is the kind of free-taker who can make opponents pay for a lack of discipline anywhere near the posts. They also have the experienced John L McGee who, unusually, for him didn't get on the scoresheet against Drumconrath. 

He's always capable of bagging a goal or two. Meath Hill will battle hard but Carnaross should win. Verdict - Carnaross.