By Michael McMullan

WITH reigning champions Cargin already guaranteed of top spot, the rest of the quarter-final lineup will be finalised with the final round of games across four groups.

While Cargin have nothing to gain only winning momentum, neighbours Tír na nÓg are all but destined for a relegation battle unless an unlikely combination of results occurs, including a sway in score difference.

Also in the group, St John’s will take the second quarter-final spot if they avoid defeat at the hands of city rivals Rossa. There won’t be much in it with Dominic McEnhill’s input a key factor for Rossa.

Group One is already decided with last year’s finalists Dunloy and 2017 champions Lámh Dhearg already through. Their meeting this weekend will decide top spot. Given this group is twinned with the group of death involving St Brigid’s. Creggan or Aghagallon, finishing top holds no real value here.

In Group Three, Portglenone are also guaranteed to finish top of the table ahead of Sunday’s clash with relegation threatened Glenravel.

The Con Magees – who will have Ryan McQuillan and Cathal Hynds back after a summer in Boston – are managed by Greenlough man Paul Downey. Ironically he will face former clubmates Kevin Mullan and Enda Lynn who made the switch across the Bann.

Glenravel will know by that point what exactly they need after Friday’s derby between Ahoghill and Moneyglass in Portglenone. There is little to chose between them with Moneyglass in better form. A win will see either through to the last eight.

The final group has the most at stake. A draw for league champions St Brigid’s would be enough against Pete McGrath’s Aghagallon in Corrigan Park on Sunday.

Before that, Creggan and St Gall’s lock horns on Saturday in Hannahstown. Joe Cassidy’s Kickhams side – champions in 2021 – need a win to book a last-eight spot.

For St Gall’s they’ve lost both games so far. They need a win, for St Brigid’s to do likewise and they take out the calculator.