Provincial championships heat up
February 09, 2010In Connacht, top seed, Mayo's Dessie Keegan goes to battle with Galway's Ollie Conway in Williamstown tomorrow (Thursday), while Ballaghaderreen clubmates, Joe McCann and Vinny Moran fight it out in the first semi-final tonight (Wednesday) in their home court.
Moran and McCann have never clashed in the senior championship previously, but the new provincial format allows fellow county men to do battle and an exciting game is in store at the western venue.
"Going back to the provinces is a great thing for the game because it brings it back to grassroots where people can see it," said Moran.
"I'll have to be on top of my game against Joe, and I'm sure it's going to be a tight one."
McCann collected his first All-Ireland senior title in 2009, where he partnered Dessie Keegan, to take the doubles crown back to Connacht for the first time since 1981. Moran is another of Ballaghaderreen's top players and has been a pivotal member of the Interclub All-Ireland Club winning side.
In the second semi-final, Keegan and Conway renew rivalries on Thursday night and Conway will be hoping to put in a better showing that the county's footballers when he takes to the court. Keegan is noted for his power, but home advantage will add an extra element of confidence to Conway's performance.
Meanwhile, there is also semi-final action in Munster and Leinster this weekend. Dublin's Eoin Kennedy faces Wexford's Gavin Buggy, while Westmeath's Robbie McCarthy will take on Wicklow's Michael Gregan in the Leinster semi-finals. In Munster, Clare's Diarmaid Nash is pitted against top seed, Dominick Lynch (Kerry), with Cork's Brendan Fleming up against fellow Rebel, Colm Jordon.
There are five Round of 16 games up for decision in Ulster tonight (Wednesday) and top of the billing is the meeting of Cavan's Michael Finnegan and Tyrone's Niall Kerr. Finnegan is third seed in the championship and should have enough to overcome the O'Neill county man. Tweet
