- Kevin Kelly (Granemore)
Kelly made a crucial penalty save before the break in his sides’ victory over Armagh Harps on Saturday evening. The game was tied at the time and Kelly’s save allowed Granemore to go in at the break one up rather than trailing. A pivotal moment in the game.
2. Kieran Grimley (Madden)
Madden provided the shock of the weekend with a six point victory over league champions Maghery and Grimley was part of a solid full back line that didn’t yield an inch all evening. Cancelled out the threat of Maghery’s Brian McIllmurray.
3. Conor Mone (Madden)
Continued his brilliant league form into the championship and held his position well throughout the contest. His strength in the tackle and his appetite to turn the ball over where the highlights of his display.
4. Liam Gilsenan (Pearse Ogs)
With the Ogs flooding men behind the ball Gilsenan was often the man bursting forward at pace on the counter attack. He was involved in many attacks for his team while his work rate off the ball was key to their victory.
5. Aaron Kernan (Crossmaglen)
Kernan was his usual self in Crossmaglen’s 18 point victory over Clann Eireann on Saturday evening. His constant work rate as well as his passing ability is unwavering while he got up to score on four occasions.
6. Peter Lappin (Madden)
Lappin was the heart beat of the Madden defensive unit on Saturday night and his heroic block at the end of the contest to deny Maghery a scoring opportunity summed up his performance.
7. Cathal O’Hare (Granemore)
Kicked three points from his half back position and constantly put Armagh Harps on the back foot with his foraging runs forward. O’Hare was also brilliant in winning break balls around the middle for his team.
8. Aaron McKay (Dromintee)
McKay gave a powerful performance in the centre of the park throughout Dromintee’s three point win over Annaghmore and also got on the score sheet.
9. Niall Grimley (Madden)
His first half free kick which was doing the rounds on social media on Monday was worth the admission fee alone. Grimley went on to raise another four white flags and was brilliant in the midfield for his side.
10. James Freeman (Pearse Ogs)
Work tirelessly all over the field during his sides contest with Killeavy on Monday evening and also got forward to kick two super scores, one in each half.
11. Tom O’Kane (Armagh Harps)
Started the game at centre half back but moved forward to good effect for Armagh Harps as his presence as a link man in the half forward line was needed. Finished the game with five points, all from play.
12. Ryan Watters (Ballymacnab)
Ballymacnab got their championship campaign up and running against a tough Sarsfields side and Watters’ two second half points turned the tide back in Ballymacnab’s favour when their opponents were getting on top.
13. Gareth Swift (Armagh Harps)
Was the target man on the edge of the square for Armagh Harps and kept the Granemore full back line on its toes. Should have raised a green flag in the first half as well as missing a penalty but did get his goal in the second period and finished with 1-3.
14. Kieran Toner (Granemore)
The ex Armagh midfielder was stationed at full forward for his side. He may have only contributed one point but was involved in a lot of Granemore attacks as they used his height and strength to their advantage.
15. Mel Boyce (Crossmaglen)
The big corner forward was a thorn in the Clann Eireann defence all evening long and he grabbed himself two goals, one in each half, to reinforce Crossmaglen’s title intentions this season.
