Belleek vs Forkhill
Sat 19th Sept – Athletic Grounds – 5.30pm
South Armagh will be the location for the Sean Quinn Cup this season as both Belleek and Forkhill hope to etch their name on the trophy.
Forkhill have been favourites to do so from the off and will carry that tag into Saturday evenings encounter.
Belleek will not be worried about bookmakers odds and know that they have enough quality to trouble their opponents.
They’ve put up huge scores in all three of their championship games to date, and their full forward line is a match for anyone in the division.
They have recorded 3-19 (vs Clady), 2-15 (vs Dorsey) and 3-15 (vs Newtownhamiliton) in their three championship games this season.
Their experienced full-forward Sean McCreesh is the focal point of a deadly attack and will take some watching this weekend.
Drew McVerry and James McParland complete the inside trio, and both found the net in their last outing.
Captain Callum O’Neill has been in inspiring form for Garreth Thornton’s side and his presence in the centre of the park has been crucial in guiding Belleek to the decider.
He builds up incredible pace with his lung bursting runs and he is well accustomed to finding himself on the scoresheet.
His midfield clash with Forkhill star Stephen Sheridan will make incredible viewing and should be worth the admission fee alone.
Whoever comes out on top of that fascinating duel should go a long way in deciding which side comes out on top.
You can’t talk about Forkhill without mentioning Jemar Hall, who has been the most impressive performer in this year’s championship.
His partner in crime up top is Cormac Toner, another talented attacking threat for his side. Interestingly however, Forkhill have yet to raise a green flag in their two championship games.
Barry Shannon is another star name in the Forkhill ranks and his experience will once again be key for his side.
There are huge question marks over the availability of two players on Sunday however, one in each dugout.
Can Paddy Burns make his first appearance in the red and green this season and strengthen the defence, currently backboned by Tony Canning along with Owen and Connor Donaghy.
Will we see professional boxer Fergus Quinn enter the fray for Belleek, after coming on in the second half against St Michael’s.
Plenty of questions remain but one thing is for sure, these two side should serve up a ding-dong battle.
Prediction: Forkhill should come through a tight contest, but a draw would be no big surprise.
