BT MacLarnon Cup Semi Final
Thursday 23rd February 7pm
QUB Dub Arena
St Patrick's Downpatrick v St Columb's Derry

The Red High take on Columb's Derry in a finely balanced semi final clash at the superb Dub Arena.
Derry have shown fine form to date having defeated Kilkeel, Keady and Ballyshannon in the group stages. A strong performance in the last 16 stage saw them defeat Rathmore by 3 points and then take out a very strong St Pat's Cavan team in the quarter final. They have strong performers in Brennan and Sweeney at midfield and livewire forward Ruari Moore. They are further boosted by the coaching of All Ireland winner Eamonn Burns.

DOWN GAA OFFICIAL

The Red High have made it this far after a sluggish start to the competition. Injuries to key players during the group stages saw defeats to Castleblayney, Knock and Bessbrook, but a win against St Pius X, Magherafelt was enough to get through the group stages. A commanding victory against Letterkenny ensured a Quarter Final tie with Holy Cross, Strabane. The East Down men certainly brought their shooting boots to this tie and notched up an impressive 15 points in a 4 point win. The Red High will be looking for big performances from Decky Turley and Paul Gilchrist in defence to keep Derry at bay. At midfield the Saul duo of Rory Mullen and captain and current All Star Cathail Arnold will seek to impose themselves on the Derry men. Up front Shane Murray, Sean O'Reilly, Connor McGrady and Matthew Hardy will be tasked with gaining the vital scores needed.
A tie too close to call is on the cards and it may just boil down to who wants it more on the night.