Mixed success in Inter-Pro Semi Finals

It was a weekend of mixed success for Ulster in the weekend’s Inter-Provincial Championships semi finals. Ulster’s footballers qualified to meet Munster in the final following a superb victory over Connacht in Sligo, however Ulster’s hurlers were beaten by the same opposition in Ballinasloe.

M Donnelly GAA Football Interprovincial Championships Semi-Final:
Ulster 3-16 Connacht 0-11

Ulster cruised to a final meeting with Leinster after a 14-point win over Connacht at Markievicz Park, Sligo on Sunday.

Joe Kernan’s charges were in complete control of the game from the opening stages as Tyrone’s Peter Harte and Mourne man Mark Poland netted early goals.

Although Conor Mortimer kicked five first-half points for Fergal O’Donnell’s side, they still trailed by 0-11 at the change of ends.

Connacht showed brief resistance in the second half but that was completely shattered when Tyrone’s Martin Penrose scored Ulster’s third goal.

The final between Ulster and Munster will take place on Sunday 26th February in the Morgan Athletic Grounds, Armagh at 2pm.

M Donnelly GAA Hurling Interprovincial Championships Semi-Final:
Connacht 3-19 Ulster 1-15

Connacht manager Anthony Cunningham rounded off a weekend to remember by steering the western province into the final of the M Donnelly GAA Hurling Interprovincial Championship following a 10-point win over Ulster at Ballinasloe on Sunday.

Cunningham, who led Garrycastle to a first-ever appearance in an AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Club final on Saturday, watched on as his side took control of the game in the second half.

Galway’s Iarla Tannian scored a goal to help the Connacht men to a 1-8 to 0-8 lead at the break.

Ulster were in serious trouble when one of their top performers, Antrim’s Neil McManus, was shown a second yellow card.

However, they managed to level the score after 45 minutes, but their numerical disadvantage soon told as Davy Glennon’s goal put Connacht back in the driving seat.

Antrim’s Cormac Donnelly drove home a penalty that offered Ulster s glimmer of hope, but that was soon extinguished when Éanna Ryan scored Connacht’s third and decisive three-pointer.