By Michael Conway

Under 14 Hurling Championship Previews

It will be a case of city versus country at Annsboro next Saturday as the Under 14 hurlers of Bredagh and Liatroim meet in the Under 14 ‘B’ Championship final. Bredagh have been making great strides in recent years and will be hoping to build on their Feile success earlier this year. Their defence, led by Paddy Woods and Donal Mc Kegney at full and centre half back respectively, will need to be on top form to withstand a strong Fontenoy forward unit featuring Mark Cunningham, Gavin Mc Crickard and Niall Cunningham. Elsewhere, Liatroim have potential match winners in midfielders Ciarán Doyle and Ryan Mc Aleenan while Bredagh’s Donal Hughes and Michael Guerin are skilful free scoring players who could hold the key to a Bredagh victory.

In the Shield final, also at Annsboro on Saturday, East and South Down clash as Carryduff take on Warrenpoint. Again, both Clubs have been making huge efforts to promote underage hurling recently and while the Point will be strong favourites, the Carryduff side will be looking to cause an upset. The midfield battle promises to be vital with Carryduff’s Gary Morris and Darragh Goodwin up against the Warrenpoint combination of Matthew Teague and Miceal Cunningham. Carryduff’s Conor Turner, Robbie Mc Loughlin and Conor Mc Cullagh are also players to watch while the Warrenpoint half forward line of Owen Donnelly, Blaine Murphy and Conor Mulherne are all players who could swing the game in favour of the South Down team.

Both matches should provide a feast of good hurling and an opportunity to see the progress being made in promoting the game in mainland Down.