Downings set for Ulster semi-final showdown against Eoghan Rua

Downings are back on the Ulster championship trail this Saturday with a home semi-final clash with Eoghan Rua from Derry, in the Ulster Ladies Junior championship. (Throw-in 2pm)

Runaway winners of the Donegal junior championship, the Barney Curran/ Doy McGroddy managed Donegal junior champions came through a stern test last weekend away to Cavan champions, Butlersbridge.

Two goals each from Shannon McGroddy and Denise Doherty and one from Amy McLaughlin paved the way for Downings' 5-4 to 2-10 win over the Cavan champions.

In their five games en route to the Donegal title, Downings posted an impressive 23-66 while they only conceded 5-26 with former Donegal star Shannon McGroddy, Denise Doherty, Lauren McBride, and Amy McLaughlin prominent in the goal-scoring.

READ NEXT: Geraldine McLaughlin content with Ulster progression as Lurgan await in last four

“Butlersbridge was a stiff test. They had a number of former Cavan minors that beat Donegal minors a couple of years ago and they had one or two former Cavan seniors in their team,” said Barney Curran.

“It was a tight game right through and we just happened to get the goals at the right time. We scored two of the goals in the first half and went in level 2-2 to 1-5 at half-time.

“Shannon McGroddy scored two more in the second half and Denise scored her second and our fifth and just got us over the line.

“It was a really tough test and it was a real good welcome to Ulster football. Thankfully we stood up to the test and came through it and learned a good bit about ourselves.

“Shannon McGroddy has a wealth of experience from playing with Donegal and also playing with Termon and winning an All-Ireland club championship with Termon.

“Overall we have a good mix of youth and experience in the team with the likes of Julie Trearty, Amy McLaughlin, Sinead McDaid in the half-forward line.

“We have a solid pairing of Aoibhinn O’Connell and Caoimhe McLaughlin in the middle of the field and Meabh O’Connell, Nadine Gallagher and Michelle Coyle in the half-back line.

“Chloe Hay, Maggie Doherty, and Jessica Roberts make up a tight marking full-back line and we have Charlie Slevin in goals, who is a top-class keeper. “

Eoghan Rua opened their Ulster campaign with a narrow 2-7 to 0-11 win over Tyrone champions, Beragh Red Knights in Coleraine.

The Derry champions came from behind with a late surge to clinch the win and a place in the last four of the championship. Shauna Doherty and Sorcha Duggan Duggan scored the goals and Louise McIntyre top scored with six points, all from frees.