Blaine Hughes (Carrickcruppen)
The Armagh number one took his ‘sweeper keeper’ role to a new level at the weekend, pushing up on the Collegeland kick outs and playing more or less as an outfield player. Also kicked three huge frees to help his side through to the next round.
Ruairi Garvey (Culloville)
Garvey played his part in Culloville causing an upset at the weekend when they turned over Shane O’Neill’s. The Blues full back was one of the key members of a strong defensive unit that kept the Camlough attack quiet.
Connor Donaghy (Forkhill)
Although 18 points ahead at half time, Donaghy defended the Forkhill square as if the game was in the balance throughout the second half. Caught or broke most of the balls that came near the goalmouth as An Port Mor played route one football after the turnaround.
James Madden (Tullysaran)
Mostly caught the eye with his soaring pace breaking forward and creating overlaps as Tullysaran went on the attack. Madden also completed his defensive duties and displayed his ability to defend in one-on-one situations.
Greg McCabe (Shane O’Neill’s)
Had an inspirational first half for Shane O’Neill’s when things were going against them. Was all over the field, winning turnovers, breaking forward and getting on the scoresheet. His influence was diminished once he moved up to the forward line.
Fergal Rowland (Culloville)
Rowland was instrumental for Culloville in their win over Shane O’Neill’s and commanded everything from centre half back. Won countless turnovers in defence and even got forward to assist his sides second goal.
Matthew Hagan (Wolfe Tones)
Jersey numbers meant very little in Wolfe Tones’ clash with Keady, but Hagan had a huge influence around the middle. His work rate was impressive, and he also finished the game with 0-2.
Aidan Finnegan (Whitecross)
Starred at centerfield for Whitecross as they gained revenge for losing at the same stage to Ballyhegan last year. Scored 1-5 from the middle and was the driving force behind his sides second half comeback.
Richard Keenan (Carrickcruppen)
Perhaps one of the brightest young talents in the county, Keenan once again displayed his ability at the weekend. The rangy midfielder kicked 0-5 in Cruppen’s win over Collegeland was the main difference between the sides.
Drew McVerry (Belleek)
Belleek overcame Mullabrack with ease at the weekend, racking up a huge 4-25 in the sixty minutes. McVerry showed his eye for goal and his quality score-taking hitting 3-3 of his sides overall tally.
Jason Kelly (Collegeland)
A bright spark in the Collegeland attack that caused Carrickcruppen serious problems in their three-point defeat on Sunday. Kelly was the main score-getter for his side and recorded 0-5 of his team’s 0-9.
Caitlin McQuade (St Peter’s)
Deservingly picked up the Player of the Match award as the Lurgan ladies claimed Junior Championship success. Was a constant thorn in the side of the Eire Og defence, in a thrilling game that was decided after extra time.
Aidan Mackin (Dorsey)
Mackin’s heroics helped Dorsey Emmets book their place in the Junior Championship quarter finals after an exciting tie with Thomas Davis that went right down to the wire. Hit 1-5, rattling the net from the penalty spot and kicked the last-minute winner.
Kelly Mallon (Armagh Harps)
The go-to player in the Harps attack, Mallon was in sensational form, leading her side to back-to-back Senior Championship success. Took her goal with great aplomb and finished top scorer with 1-5.
Colm Watters (Culloville)
His goal after barely twenty seconds helped set the tone for Culloville’s first round win over Shane O’Neill’s. Doubled his goal tally before half time to stifle a revival and ended with 2-3 to his name.
