Last years semi-final between Killeavy and Crossmaglen went right down to the wire, and today’s clash could be something similar.
Two Dara O’Callaghan points separated the teams that day, with Cross just about getting over the line.
The Rangers have been the in-form team in the county and at the minute, Rian O’Neill looks unstoppable.
His dominance in both their wins over Clan na Gael and Madden was clear to see and Killeavy will have a big task in halting his influence today.
Match ups
Cahir McKinney performed well on the younger of the two O’Neill brothers last season. But McKinney is unlikely to move out from his full back position for a man-marking role.
James Donnelly and Cathal Boylan may take turns at stopping Rian O’Neill, but it’s clearly more than a one-man job.
Conor O’Neill is the man to pick up his county teammate Oisin O’Neill in a fascinating, all-action dual.
Do Killeavy have enough up top to pose serious questions of the Crossmaglen rear-guard? That’s the big question heading into the last quarter final of the weekend.
Killeavy attacking options
Ciaron O’Hanlon, Oisin King and Miceal McNamee all have enough quality to cause serious damage, when given the right ammunition.
James Morgan will enjoy his task of shadowing O’Hanlon in another one-on-one battle that could be worth the admission fee alone.
Crossmaglen’s defence has looked open so far in the championship, yet they always do enough to get through.
Cian McConville is the main man from an attacking standpoint, and Lee Rice will have his hands full this afternoon.
Youngsters Ronan Fitzpatrick and Caolan Finnegan have performed well, both getting on the scoresheet the last day out.
Cross’ ‘we’ll score more than you’ approach has worked so far, but Killeavy are a team on the rise and will not fear their South Armagh neighbours, but Cross may just have too much this time.
