Ryan Kearney (Pearse Ogs)
Pearse Ogs incredible retained 92% of their kickouts in Saturday evenings clash, losing just one across the 80 plus minutes of action. Madden may have hit the net twice, but Kearney pulled off a huge save to keep his side in the hunt near the end of normal time.
James McAtarsney (Ballyhegan)
Was the star of the defence in Ballyhegan’s unexpected win over Whitecross in the first round of the Intermediate Championship. Made several turnovers when the game was in the melting pot and had a big say in his sides win.
Barry McCambridge (Clann Eireann)
Detailed with the man-marking duty of shadowing Aidan Forker, McCambridge relished the battle and was able to adopt his game when dragged further out the field. The full back even got forward to hit a crucial point in extra time.
David Markey (Killeavy)
Several times in Killeavy’s win over Armagh Harps the city side would be on the attack, get turned over and it would be Markey bursting out of defence with possession. Excelled in his defensive role.
Niall Smith (Madden)
The back of his jersey may read ‘number 15’ but Smith covered every blade of grass in the Athletic Grounds on Saturday evening. Assisted for his sides second goal and the crossbar denied Smith his chance to raise a green flag.
Niall Rowland (Culloville)
Was harshly red carded in his side first round loss to Sarsfields but Rowland had done enough to earn a spot on the team. His work-rate always helps him stand-out and his inclusion was a huge reason why Culloville came so close to getting over the line.
James Grimley (Clonmore)
With 15 minutes remaining, Clonmore looked dead and buried as Wolfe Tones were comfortably ahead by five points. Then came Grimley and his goal from 15 yards spark a comeback before his penalty kick guaranteed Clonmore entry to the next round.
Mel Courtney (Ballyhegan)
Courtney partnered his brother Paul in centre-field for Ballyhegan and picked up Whitecross danger-man Mark Shields. The Ballyhegan captain go the better of the duel and even got forward to hit a noteworthy point in the opening half.
Oisin O’Neill (Crossmaglen)
It was O’Neill’s first half goal that ended the game as a competition, but the Crossmaglen star was for stopping. His power and link-play matched the 1-4 he hit himself and, in this form, O’Neill look unmarkable.
Conor Grimley (Madden)
Arguably the best player on the pitch on Saturday evening, Conor Grimley was on of the reasons Madden got so close to a semi final spot. Hit three points himself while having a hand in both of the Madden goals.
Cian McConville (Crossmaglen)
Deserves an inclusion for his wonderful, individual score picked up in the first half. Having chased away from his marker, McConville chipped the ball into his hands without breaking stride and fired the ball over the bar. A fantastic piece of skill.
Joe Sheridan (Madden)
It would be unfortunate if Sheridan’s evening is remembered for his penalty miss, as he done so much for Madden to get to that stage. Grabbed the two goals for his side, the first one a superb effort, while adding a point just before the break.
Gary Mackin (Dorsey)
When Dorsey needed someone to call upon, Mackin answered the call and helped drag his side into the Junior Championship Quarter Finals. Was involved in all of his sides second half scores (1-5) and won the penalty that resulted in the match-winning score.
Conor Clarke (Pearse Ogs)
May have only been introduced in the second half of normal time, but without Clarke’s influence, the Ogs would be out of the championship. The veteran came off the bench to kick five points, including the equaliser in both normal time and extra time.
James McCormack (Ballyhegan)
McCormack was the main man in Ballyhegan’s terrific win over Whitecross. Finished with an outstanding 2-5 to his name, his two goals coming inside the opening two minutes of the game.
