KEY BATTLES

Aaron Morgan (Kilcoo) v Ryan Lyons (Erne Gaels)

Midfield is an area that Kilcoo’s sometimes like to bypass with their style of play but this year they have found joy with Aaron Morgan and younger brother Anthony comfortable under the high ball and making telling deliveries. Anthony has been given more of a licence to attack and pick off scores, which gives Aaron the role of restricting Lyons from making too much of an impact.

County man Lyons is strong ball player that has a knack of peeling away from markers and getting into dangerous positions, something Kilcoo will want to limit.

Odhrán Johnston (Erne Gaels ) v Niall Branagan (Kilcoo)

Niall Branagan has been at the peak of his powers over the past two years. The new rules may have exposed some in defence but for Branagan it has only highlighted what talented one-on-marker he is. A pest at times but intelligent in the tackle and positional awareness that comes with experience. Johnston is a player who possesses bags of pace, which could give him an advantage in this dual, but he has to get the ball first. Like last week, Celium Doherty or Miceal Rooney may be tasked to take over duties in the latter stages, but this could be open combat between attacker and defender. Get the popcorn out.

Oisín Kelm (Erne Gaels) v Darryl Branagan (Kilcoo)

Darryl Branagan is moving like a player on a mission this season and he keeps getting better. The Ulster Championship is the arena that seems to bring the best out of him and the rule enhancements only amplifies what he brings to the table. He is captain this season and when needed to, he is the player that gives his side a shake with his actions, whether its sparking the transition from defence and being at the finishing end of the attack, grabbing a needed score or picking out a pass no-one else expects, Darryl is the player that makes things happen.

Oisín Kelm isn’t someone that likes to stick with one role and he will plan on spending time in Kilcoo’s half, picking off or setting up scores and it could be up to Darryl to try and stop him.

Oisín can’t be permitted to implement is own way of playing and likewise Erne Gaels will have a plan for the Kilcoo playmaker.