Intermediate Team of the Year – Defenders

Ruairi Grimes (St Paul’s)

Missed out in the early rounds of the championship but was drafted in to tighten up the Lurgan sides defence.

Grimes performed brilliantly in their semi-final win over Tullysaran, earning himself a spot on The Sideline Eye Team of the Week.

He limited the influence of Tullysaran dangerman Gavin Conlon and played a huge part in St Paul’s reaching the decider.

Turlough Lardner (Tullysaran)

An attack-minded corner back that will burst forward on the break at each and every opportunity and knows where the posts are.

Lardner hit top form with many of his teammates in his sides impressive victory over Sarsfields in the quarter final.

The defender was included in The Sideline Eye Team of the Week having scored two points and assisted a goal.

Jamie Brady (Clan na Gael)

A real unsung hero of the Clan na Gael team, Brady was a consistent performer in the blue and white this season.

Was part of a strong defence that kept a clean sheet in all four of the championship ties against Shane O’Neill’s, Clonmore, Keady and St Paul’s.

Brady saved his best performance for the big day as he excelled in the all-Lurgan championship final.

Shea Harvey (Keady)

The 18-year-old was excellent during Keady’s run to the last four of the Intermediate Championship.

Although wearing number 12, Harvey played in defence and showed his quality throughout, mainly against Ballyhegan.

When moved out to the half back line, Harvey attacked relentlessly and ended up with 1-2 to his name.

James Grimley (Clonmore)

Clonmore have their veteran James Grimley to thank for reaching the last eight of the Intermediate Championship.

When the chips were down in the opening round, Grimley sprang into action and got his side over the line against Wolfe Tones.

Grimley drove forward to rattle the net on two occasion, the first one a cracker while he also showed a cool head to slot home a penalty.

Peadar Nash (St Paul’s)

Nash was one of the best performers in the Intermediate Championship this season and the main man in the St Paul’s side.

He constantly drove his men froward from his centre half back position and was an endless threat to the opposition.

Always broke forward for scores and was a reliable free taker, with a result guaranteed every time he stood over the placed ball.

Brian Kelly (Tullysaran)

Kelly was the rock that the Tullysaran defence has been built on through 2020 and he led his side from the front.

Their centre half back was a real driving force throughout the Intermediate Championship and one of their best performers.

His leadership helped Tullysaran make the semi final spot when they overcame both An Port Mor and Sarsfields.

Photo Credit: Diarmuid McGurk

Aaron McCreanor (Clan na Gael)

The Clan na Gael defender manned the square for his side throughout the championship and showed well throughout.

He was part of a strong defence that kept four clean sheets from their four games, the only county finalists to do so.

McCreanor was given the task of marking Andrew Murnin in the championship final and came out on top of the duel.

Conor Corvan (Keady)

Keady were hugely impressive in getting to the Intermediate semi-final with big wins over Middletown and Ballyhegan.

Corvan was in superb form all season and done serious graft around the centre of the park for his side.

Was brilliant in both their championship wins and would often be seen breaking up the field and setting up attacks.

James Madden (Tullysaran)

A modern-day wing half back, Madden breaks forward and looks to get on the scoresheet at every opportunity.

He did so quite often for Tullysaran and like a lot of his teammates, shone in their win over Sarsfields in the quarter finals.

Madden didn’t forget about his defensive tasks either and his work rate in his back line and around the middle was key for Tullysaran.

Photo Credit: Diarmuid McGurk

Sean Farren (Clan na Gael)

Farren was a crucial member of the Clan na Gael defence and was impressive throughout the entire championship.

He often played in a free role in the Clan na Gael backline and swept up any lose ball coming in his direction, starting counter attacks.

Farren was superb in his sides final victory over neighbours St Paul’s and constantly turned the ball over in defence.

Vote for your selection below! – Voting closes at 5pm on Sunday!

The Intermediate Team of the Year will be revealed on The Sideline Eye Podcast next week!!