Only three players,   Maura Groogan, Lynette Hughes and Alish Gormley have all nine senior championship medals and who would rule out the “Carmen” girls adding to that haul this year as they enter a new   championship race   at Greencastle on Friday night against Trillick.

The reds though were rocked last week when a registration mix-up saw them drop points against St Macaratns, this could have an affect on their mindsets this weekend. Will they come out shell shocked or indeed will the disappointment spur them on.

Either way they are up   against a sharp looking Carrickmore   who will again start favourites despite injuries and unavailability. Throw in time for the champions first outing is 8pm.

Getting the busy championship weekend action up and running is several interesting WJ Dolan Intermediate championship ties at Killeeshil and Carrickmore, a potential championship winner coming out of one of the Pairc Colmcille ties. Cappagh will take on Loughmacrory and are certainly well capable of securing the win.

The evenings other toe at Carrickmore is Sperrin Og against Kildress.

After a good 2005 many fancied Omagh to put in a good showing this term, but three single point defeats and problems fielding last week leaves the very future survival of the club that contested the first ever senior final in the early 90s, in doubt. Moy are their opponents in the Aodh Ruadh St Macartans senior championship curtain raiser and the East Tyrone club will fancy their chances against a club that seems to have troubles.

Back to that senior tussle and Dungannon will be favourites against Macartans while at Newtownstewart its St Dympnas and Glenelly.

Little between these two “ new faces” in the senior grade, Dromore back after a year out and double winners Glenelly looking for some more silverware.

Finally there’s also several junior ties pencilled, Greencastle’s the venue for the fancied Galbally against An Charraig Mhor B while Moortown face An Charraig.

Saturday features one Intermediate tie at Beragh, Fr Rocks meet Fintona a decent game on the cards here while it’s a history making day for Drumragh Sarsfields who play host to their first senior championship encounter at Clanabogan and it’s a biggy.

Errigal Ciaran with plenty to prove now after last years defeat and the winning of the minor championship recently will want to ease through this opener against Agyharan there’s an 8pm throw in for that one.

A great weekend then of WJ Dolan sponsored championship action on the cards with upsets just waiting to happen