Celtic Park at night
It's a busy night in the Ulster U21 Football Championship, with four quarter-finals taking place across the province.
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Wednesday, March 16
EirGrid Ulster U21 Football Championship Quarter-Finals**
Donegal v Derry, Ballybofey, 8pm
Having impressed at minor and colleges levels in recent years, Derry's collection of talented youngsters are optimistic about launching a bid for Ulster honours at U21 level, but Donegal will provide formidable opposition.
Fergal McCusker, part of Derry's All Ireland winning team in 1993, is emerging as a shrewd sideline operator offering further hope for the Oaf Leafers.
Derry defeated Antrim in the preliminary round by 0-16 to 0-11 at Celtic Park with Niall Loughlin and Peter Hagan delivering dynamic displays.
Donegal boss Declan Bonner is being forced to deal with an injury crisis with Lorcan Connor, Darach O'Connor, and Tony McClenaghan expected to miss out, while a doubt surrounds Jack O'Brien's participation.
Eoin Ban Gallagher, Stephen McBrearty, and Danny Rogers are key performers for a strong Donegal outfit, who have lost three provincial finals in a row.
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Down v Armagh, Páirc Esler, Newry, 8pm
Eager to generate momentum Down and Armagh will be completely aware of the value a morale boosting victory brings.
Surprisingly Down haven't tasted Ulster U21 glory since an accomplished 2009 side prevailed; Armagh's last triumph occurred in 2007.
Armagh produced a gutsy display in last year's semi-final against eventual winners Tyrone, but this will be a defining encounter.
At the end of January Down won the Peter McNulty Shield final defeating Tipperary by 0-18 to 1-14 after extra-time.
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Inniskeen
Monaghan v Fermanagh, Inniskeen, 8pm
Both counties have endured plenty of Ulster U21 heartbreak during the past two decades, but a win tonight will guide one of them into a provincial semi-final.
Monaghan's last title at this level was gathered in 1999, while Fermanagh haven't been victorious since 1994.
Senior manager Pete McGrath is in charge of Fermanagh with James Allen, Jack McCann, Sean Keenan, and David Teague important players.
Despite all of the progress in senior football Monaghan, who lost the Shamrock Cup final to Tyrone in February, haven't contested an Ulster U21 final in nine years.
Conor McCarthy is rated as a footballer with potential for Moanaghan, who did claim an Ulster minor title in 2013 and with a sprinkling of that panel involved they are keen to be serious challengers again.
FERMANAGH: Jack Kelly (Derrygonnelly Harps); Shane O’Hara (Lisnaskea Emmetts), James Allen (Kinawley Brian Borus), Michael Jordan (Roslea Shamrocks); Daniel Leonard (Derrylan O’Connells), Ciaran Corrigan (Maguiresbridge St Mary’s), Cian McManus (Teemore Shamrocks); Eoin McManus (Teemore Shamrocks), Patrick Rehill (Enniskillen Gaels); Jack McCann (Erne Gaels Belleek), Conor McAuley (Belnaleck Art McMurroughs), Conor Carney (Enniskillen Gaels); Jason Flanagan (Newtownbutler First Fermanaghs), Sean Keenan (Lisnaskea Emmetts), David Teague (St Mary’s).
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Cavan v Tyrone, Kingspan Breffni Park, 8pm
Reigning provincial and All Ireland champions Tyrone will face a difficult test against Cavan, who previously claimed four Ulster titles in a row between 2011 and 2014.
All those recent successes ensure a healthy crowd will flock to Kingspan Breffni Park for a match that carries intrigue.
Tyrone, who won the Shamrock U21 Cup last month, will include several of the team that were beaten in the 2013 All Ireland minor final by Mayo.
Cathal McShane, David Mulgrew, and Lee Brennan are solid contributors for Tyrone, but a lively hour is anticipated against the Breffni boys.
There are also U21 games in Leinster and Munster tonight
