Just four teams will remain standing in the race for the Padraig McNamee Cup after this weekend as the quarter-finals of the Antrim SFC takes centre stage.
The pick of the games, arguably, is up first tonight’s with Lámh Dhearg and Cargin going head-to-head at Dunsilly (7.30pm).
The fierce rivals have played out some memorable games in recent seasons including the 2019 county final, which Cargin won after a replay and extra-time.
The Toome men also edged a tense 2020 semi-final meeting at Hightown, but Erin’s Own were stopped in their pursuit of a fourth county title last season when Creggan knocked them out at the semi-final stage before succeeding their neighbours as champions.
Ronan Devlin took over from Damian Cassidy as Cargin manager for 2022 and they remain the outright favourites for the Antrim Championship.
They retain a wealth of experience with the McCann siblings Mick and Tomás continuing to pull the strings while Kevin O’Boyle, Justin Crozier and James Laverty remain at the heart of their defence.
Cargin suffered a narrow loss to Rossa in the final group game as the West Belfast men took top spot in Group Four.
That result will give Lámh Dhearg cause for optimism, despite their dismal recent Championship record against Cargin.
Antrim stars Conor and Ryan Murray, Marc Jordan and Declan Lynch remain the key figures for Lámh Dhearg, who are managed by Deaglan Bunting.
There is also speculation that Declan Dunne might be available to feature for the Hannahstown men after Dugannon’s Irish League game against Larne was postponed after the death of the Queen on Thursday.
Lámh Dhearg are overdue a Championship win over Cargin and they might not get a better chance than Friday night.
On Saturday, Portglenone are overwhelming favourites to progress to the last four of the Championship for the fourth successive season when they face Gort na Móna at Dunsilly (5pm).
John McKeever’s men won three from three in Group Two and it would be a huge shock if they slipped up against the Turf Lodge men, who finished second behind Aghagallon in Group Three.
Last year’s beaten county finalists are in action on Sunday when they take on St Brigid’s at Lámh Dhearg (1pm).
Now managed by Audi Kelly, St Mary’s struggled in Division One this term, but have been boosted by the return of former Antrim panellist Adam Loughran from America as well as Jack Lenehan, although Goalkeeper Luke Mulholland remains unavailable for selection for the rest of the season.
St Brigid’s finished second in Group Two behind Portglenone and are backboned by a host of players who won back-to-back Antrim U21 titles.
Anthony McGrath is now in his second season in charge of the Musgrave men and they’ll see this fixture as a great opportunity to reach the last four, although extra-time is a distinct possibility.
The fourth and final quarter-final tie sees defending champions Creggan clash with Rossa at St Enda’s (3.30pm).
In their last outing, Gerard McNulty’s side fought out a draw with St John’s and the Kickhams boss was frustrated with his team’s performance in Corrigan Park.
The loss of dual star Conor McCann is a huge loss for them to absorb and they meet a Rossa side on a high from topping Group Four at Cargin’s expense.
Hugh McGettigan will be content to see his side come into the knock-out stages under the radar and they’ll relish the prospect of taking the scalp of the county champions.
Dominic McEnhill hit 0-7 against Cargin, including 0-5 from play while Cormac McGettigan scored a first half goal for the Shaws Road side.
Rossa will push Creggan all the way, but the Kickhams might just have a bit more know-how to edge a close encounter.
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