Aaron McNeilly (5) and Anton McGrath (7) will be hoping to play their part as St. Louis bid for a place in the MacLarnon semi-final.

On Friday St. Louis, Ballymena take on Our Lady and St. Patricks, Knock in the Quarter Final of this year’s MacLarnon Cup. Despite being without two of their top players, Seann Elliott and Eoghan Daly with long term cruciate ligament injuries the Ballymena side have turned in another impressive MacLarnon campaign.

St. Louis opened their campaign with a hard fought win over Virginia College Cavan back in October. They were left with it all to do in the group two weeks later when The Red High, Downpatrick inflicted defeat on the team, however great resolve was shown to top the group with tenacious wins over St Eunan’s Letterkenny and Enis Eoghain.

Due to a pre-arranged draw being already made prior to the competition commencing, St. Louis soon realised that their opponents in the quarter final would be the Belfast school. Knock is managed by former Antrim footballer, Frankie Wilson. They accounted for a strong Virginia team in the play off to gain a spot in the last 8. Players from Bredagh and Carryduff backbone the team that will provide a stern test for the Ballymena lads on Friday.

St. Louis are bidding to reach their 4th semi-final in 4 years. Dual stars Ryan McGarry, Eamon Elliott, Liam McCann and Aaron McNeilly have been in good form throughout the league section, and the Ballymena school will be hoping that their form continues on from their strong finish to the group pre-Christmas.

Dual stars: Ryan McGarry (left) and Liam McCann will need to turn in good performances if St. Louis are to overcome Our Lady & St. Patrick’s Knock in Friday’s MacLarnon quarter-final.