Electric Ireland Ulster MFC quarter-finalAntrim v Monaghan (Corrigan Park, Sunday, 1pm) ANTRIM minors will finally get the chance to lock horns with defending provincial champions Monaghan after the Ulster Minor Championship got the green light to proceed. Corrigan Park will host Sunday’s rematch between the sides after the Farney County survived an almighty scare at the Whiterock Road venue in last year’s Championship.The sides were set to clash back in October before a second Covid-19 lockdown forced the postponement of all ‘non-elite’ sport. Although the Ulster Council were adamant that the minor competition was only on hold, Antrim manager Paddy Kelly said he feared the worst. “I never thought we’d get playing and I didn’t think they’d get this competition back up and running again - especially with it being so close to Christmas,” said Kelly. “The staging of next year’s league and Championships will have to be factored in too, but fair play to the GAA for getting it going again. It is strange to be out on the training pitch in December, but we are glad to be back. “It will be a very quick turnaround for the guys who will also be in next year’s minors. “The minor management for next year can’t even hold trails up they will be under a bit of pressure.” Back in April 2019, Monaghan travelled to Corrigan Park fresh off the back of a preliminary round win over Down having reached the All-Ireland Minor final in 2018. However, gale-force winds made a mockery of the game with both teams struggling to make any headway. A late goal from midfielder Joe McNally left Antrim trailing by just a single point (1-2 to 0-6) after Monaghan had been reduced to 13 players, but the hosts couldn’t muster a late equaliser. The Saffrons exited the Championship a week later when they suffered a five-point defeat to Armagh in the Athletic Grounds. Only a handful of players from the 2019 squad remain, but they aren’t lacking in confidence heading into Sunday’s quarter-final. When the game was set for October, Monaghan looked to have a distinct advantage over the Saffrons as they came through a preliminary round thriller against rivals Cavan. Some nine weeks later, Kelly feels that advantage has diminished and says his side must believe an upset is possible this weekend.
