John McGovern
BBC Sport NI at St Tiernach's Park

The grey skies that hovered earlier in Clones are beginning to lift, setting the stage nicely for this eagerly anticipated Ulster semi-final between Armagh and an in-form Down side.

It’s been a rapid turnaround for both teams after last weekend’s quarter-finals, but confidence will be flowing—particularly in the Mourne camp after their stunning dismantling of Donegal. Conor Laverty’s men arrive looking to upset the odds once again.

Standing in their way are an Armagh side with designs on another Ulster final, with Monaghan already lying in wait after Rory Beggan’s dramatic, last-gasp winner against Derry yesterday.

If the championship so far is anything to go by, more drama feels inevitable here at St Tiernach’s Park this afternoon.

BBC Two

We have a stacked line-up today for our coverage which begins now on BBC Two NI and BBC iPlayer.

Sarah Mulkerrins will be in studio alongside Oisin McConville, Philly McMahon and Kevin McKernan.

Orla Bannon will be pitch side with Brendan Devenney and Owen Mulligan.

Thomas Niblock is joined on commentary by Conor McManus.

David Mohan
BBC Sport NI

It was supposed to be the low-key Ulster Senior Football Championship semi-final, but Monaghan's extra-time win over Derry produced drama that will be hard to surpass for the rest of the championship.

It came down to a two-point free by Rory Beggan to settle what was a remarkable game which the Oak Leafs thought they had won as the hooter sounded in normal time, only for the fans who had come onto the Athletic Grounds' pitch to be ushered off as there was still a sideline kick to be taken with Monaghan two behind.

Jack McCarron held his nerve amid the chaos to split the posts with a wonder strike and send it to extra-time where, with 40 seconds left, Derry edged ahead.

There was still a slight gimmer of hope for Monaghan and a superb kick downfield by Dylan Byrne found Conor McCarthy, who was fouled 50 metres from goal. Up stepped Beggan to stroke over the winning two-pointer and send them into the final on 17 May.

"You're involved in sport for days like this and for moments like this," said Monaghan manager Gabriel Bannigan as he tried to make sense of it all.

"There's plenty of days when you're coming on the wrong side of it, but we came out on the right side this time.

"It was an absolutely incredible game of football. It's fair to say it could have gone either way.

"Hard luck to Derry but credit to them for their part in it. I don't think any team deserve to lose that game."

Image source, Inpho

Rory Beggan's last-gasp two-point free in extra-time saw Monaghan break Derry hearts with a 1-30 to 3-23 win and reach the Ulster Senior Football final for the first time since 2021.

The Farney men fought back from 10 points down in normal time, forcing the extra period as Jack McCarron slung over a two-pointer from a sideline with the last kick after the hooter sounded and Derry fans already celebrating.

It was a game that had it all, as the drama kept coming as both sides emptied the tank.

Derry will look back with regrets as a tally of 14 wides in normal time came back to bite them, while Monaghan's ability to hit two-pointers kept them afloat, energised them, rescued the situation and ultimately won the game.

Indeed, they would land eight shots from outside the arc to Derry's one, with Beggan again producing the heroics as he held his nerve at the last.

It was cruel on Derry, who more than played their part in a thrilling game, but just couldn't see it out when in winning positions in normal time and extra time.

In the end, the Athletic Grounds was a see of white and blue at the end. Gabriel Bannigan's men can now look ahead to the final on 17 May, where the winners of the semi-final between Down and Armagh.

Image source, Inpho

If qualifying for a provincial final isn't reward enough, there is a lot more on the line in this weekend's Ulster and Leinster football semi-finals.

Both Down and Westmeath will enter with high hopes of building on their shock victories over Donegal and Meath respectively, but defeat for either could bring much greater ramifications.

During Monday's Tailteann Cup draw, 'Team 16' was plucked from the hat and given home advantage against Leitrim in the opening round, set for the weekend of 16/17 May.

But who will be said team? By Sunday evening, it will be either Down, Westmeath or perhaps even Cavan, so this is how that particular permutation will work out.

Read more on the potential permutations and each side's chances here.

Image source, Inpho

Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI senior journalist at St Tiernach's Park

Image source, Inpho

Clones town was heaving as early as 1pm as I waded through a sea of red, black and orange to get a bite to eat.

Big numbers expected today, possibly a touch under 30,000.

Armagh are favourites, but sure what does that really mean? Donegal were favourites last week and Derry yesterday. It's meant little in this championship.

Armagh, of course, are well road tested at this stage of the championship in recent years. They're hoping to reach their fourth straight final, having lost the past three.

The challenge for Down is matching the emotional intensity of last week's shock defeat of Donegal. Down haven't been to an Ulster final since 2017, so this could be another momentous day for Conor Laverty and co.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of today's second Ulster Championship semi-final between Armagh and Down at Clones.

Down will ride into Clones to face their neighbours with an added spring in their step following their impressive win over Donegal in their opener.

It's another huge test against the Orchard today, but Down ought to believe that if they can reach the same heights as Letterkenny, they have every chance of moving into an Ulster final and sealing their place in the All-Ireland series.

Monaghan await the winner in the decider following their thrilling victory over Derry on Saturday.

You can watch the game live on BBC Two NI, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website with coverage starting at 15:45 BST while we will also have live text commentary and in-play clips so you won't miss any of the action.

Hopefully it lives up to the drama of yesterday's first semi-final!