Keady and Middletown share a unique rivalry that sees the two foes clash for the fourth time this season.
Both sides compete in hurling and football, sharing several of the same personal across the two codes.
Already this year, Keady and Middletown have crossed swords three time, twice in football and once in the hurling.
The record currently stands 3-0 in favour of Keady, having completed a hattrick of victories over their enemies in a matter of weeks.
The footballers knocked Middletown out of the Intermediate Championship in round one, after defeating them in the league.
The Lamh Dhearg club also came out on top when these sides clashed in round three of the hurling league.
Seven points was the difference in the end as Keady saw out the league undefeated to claim the Division One title.
Middletown on the other hand head into tomorrow’s encounter as the current Senior Championship title holders.
They claimed their fourth title in five seasons, defeating who in the final? You guessed it, Keady.
The two clubs have dominated the hurling club scene in Armagh for a long time now, so it’s no surprise they have shared the decider four times in the last five years.
Fate has drawn them against each earlier than expected as they meet in the Senior preliminary round tomorrow in the Athletic Grounds at 1.30pm.
Middletown were by far the better side when they met in the showpiece twelve months ago, as they earned a seven-point win, 2-17 to 1-13.
Their physicality was something Keady failed to match but it’s sure that this won’t be an issue tomorrow.
Both sides don’t lack motivation heading into this one, with the winner becoming the favourites to land the title.
Martin Moan was the star of the show last year as he claimed both of the Middletown goals while the Gaffney brothers cause serious threats.
Paudie Lappin received the 2019 Hurler of the Year and will look for another big season while Odhran and Nathan Curry play crucial roles in defence.
Odhran Fullerton is a tricky inside forward for Keady while Stephen Renaghan is the main man around the centre of the park.
This is a huge game for both sides and whoever comes out on top will meet the challenge of Derrynoose is the semi-final.
