Many pundits reckon that this year's Bank of Ireland MacRory Cup is one of the most open competitions in years.

Holders St Michael's Enniskillen, last year's finalists Omagh and St Colman's Newry were unbeaten before Christmas but it's possible this year's champions may come from elsewhere.

All four quarter-finals are scheduled to take place on Saturday and the shape of this year's competition should be somewhat clearer following the matches.

On paper, tie of the round should be Omagh's clash with St Pat's Maghera at Casement Park.

Omagh, beaten finalists last year, are managed by former Tyrone star Ciaran McBride this season.

The Tyrone school shared the title with St Michael's Enniskillen in 2001 after foot and mouth intervened but Omagh are determined to win the title outright for the first time in 29 years.

Dermot McNicholl: Maghera boss

Omagh will go into Saturday's match as favourites but Maghera, managed by ex-Derry hero Dermot McNicholl will be equally keen to re-establish their MacRory credentials.

Maghera dominated the MacRory Cup in the 1980s and early '90s but the south Derry school have failed to win the title since 1996.

Meanwhile, St Mary's Magherafelt, managed by John McElholm, face a tough task against St Colman's Newry at Sarsfield's.

Ray Morgan and Peter McGrath are again in charge of the Newry school and their team will be fancied to secure a place in the last four.

St Michael's Enniskillen, managed by Peter McGinnity this season, take on St Macartan's Monaghan are Clones with the Fermanagh school expected to secure victory.

The remaining last eight clash sees Abbey CBS taking on Patrician Carrickmacross at Dundalk.

Abbey joint-manager John Rath reckons his team will face a stiff examination but the Newry school should claim a semi-final place.

As of Wednesday evening, all four games were still set to go ahead at the scheduled venues.

Quarter-Finals 8 February:
Clones (1100):St Michael's Enniskillen v St MacCartan's Monaghan (Ref: B Crowe)
Sarsfield's (1045): St Mary's Magherafelt v St Colman's Newry (B Gorman)
Dundalk (1100): Abbey CBS Newry v Patrician High Carrickmacross
Casement Park (1230): Omagh CBS v St Patrick's Maghera