Perhaps the clash of the weekend, one of the big hitters will be gone from the Armagh championship this evening.
This meeting evokes happy memories for the Harps, who ended the Loughshore men’s reign in 2017 to claim the Gerry Fegan cup.
Maghery are the defending champions once again after their heroics of 2020, but it took them a while to get going last year.
There’s no easing into this campaign as Armagh Harps are one of the in-form teams in the county.
Benny O’Kane’s men were one point off topping the league table. No doubt they have been the most impressive side of 2021.
Harps key men
Declan McKenna is the heartbeat of the team is one of the best around. His organisation at the back is crucial while he enjoys getting forward for a score as well.
At full back, Sean Farry will likely line up against Ronan Lappin on the edge of their defensive square.
Could we see Joe McElory go toe-to-toe with his former county teammate Aidan Forker? He seems the most obvious fit.
Karol Loughran and Charlie Vernon form a solid midfield pairing, with the latter’s battle against James Lavery the most intriguing.
Up top, they look to Tom O’Kane to do most of the scoring. The full forward was drafted into the Armagh squad due to his league performances.
Ryan McShane will ask questions of the opposition rear-guard while there are few better impact subs than Ultan Lennon.
Finnian Moriarty’s side
Maghery need no reminding of the damage those two can do. No doubt Finnian Moriarty has been studying his match ups for a while.
Ciaran Higgins, Brendan Haveron and Stephen Cusack are All-Star defenders. Higgins will likely pick up the dangerous O’Kane.
The Forkers, Stefan and Aidan along with Brian Fox are three deadly sharpshooters who will worry any defence.
Maghery could just scrape a result here, but a Harps win or even a draw would be no major surprise.
