Eire Og breezed through the first round of the Junior Championship, but face a stiffer assesment this weekend.
The Craigavon side saw off Clady two weeks ago by nine-points and take on league winners Crossmaglen this evening.
It’s the first of a double header in the Athletic Grounds and kicks off the quarter final stages of the championship.
No doubt this is the toughest to call. And by 8.30pm tonight, one of the big hitters will have exited the competition.
Star studded Cross line up
Crossmaglen hold the favourites tag heading into this one, having recently won the Junior league.
Not only that, but there are a host of championship medals in the changing room. And some All-Ireland medals as well.
Paul McKeown has been plying his trade at Junior level for a few years and the All-Ireland winning captain is still on the go.
Rico Kelly, Johnny Hanratty, Johnny McKeever and Colin O’Connor have all won the Senior Championship as recently as 2018 and 2019.
Boss Gareth O’Neill has been around the block. He lead Cross to All-Ireland glory along with Tony McEntee in years gone by.
No doubt Eire Og recognise the tough task ahead of them. But they have some quality in their ranks as well.
Eire Og quality
Captain John Cochrane remains the star man and is the main scoring threat in the attacking half of the field.
Conor Martin is a hard-working wing half forward, who can also get his name on the scoresheet.
Diarmuid O’Hagan is the heart of the defence, and his role will be key to keeping Crossmaglen at bay.
This one could go right down to the wire, and no one will be ruling out a draw. Crossmaglen are targeting a junior double and could just get over the line.
