Clann Eireann’s giant killing in the quarter final may suggest this young side had finally made the breakthrough.
Their two-point win over champions caught the eye of many and will no doubt boost their confidence this weekend.
They take on Ballymacnab, who hold more recent championship pedigree, having reached the 2018 and ’19 finals.
They’ve yet to get their hands on the Gerry Fegan trophy however and are out to reach another decider.
The Nab have secured victories over Granemore and Pearse Ogs to reach the last four, although they’ve been unconvincing wins.
In both outings, Mick O’Dowd’s men have pulled clear, only to be hauled back in and survive with one-point wins.
Ballymacnab’s attacking options
Gavin McParland remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, so Ballymacnab will rely on the Grugan brothers to do the majority of their scoring.
Ryan Watters and Kieran Hughes offer some assistance in attack, while Fearghal Nugent and Oisin McGivern both scored off the bench the last day out.
Clann Eireann have their own attacking options to bring into the game. Ruairi McDonald and Jack Conlon nailed points when introduced vs Maghery.
We’ve saw both sides of Tommy Coleman’s men in their two championship outings. They were all-out attack against Grange and racked up an impressive tally of 3-17.
Conor Turbitt, Dan McCarthy and Oran McCafferty all hit the net in their 12-point win in the opening round.
They took a more defensive approach against the Loughshore men. Their counter-attacking style paid off to earn a 0-12 to 1-7 victory.
Ryan Henderson played a ‘quarter back’ role that night and the veteran is key to the Lurgan sides plans.
Ballymacnab will no doubt man mark Henderson and will have to get their match ups right all over the field.
Key match ups
Ryan Kennedy will pick up ‘Turbo’ on the edge of the square, while Paul Meegan may line up against Tiernan Kelly.
Clann Eireann have their own match ups to worry about. They’ll hope to tie down the Grugan’s to have a better chance of getting over the line.
Barry McCambridge could drift out to midfield to take on Rory, with Shea Heffron reverting to full back and going up against Jack.
The match ups will be key in this contest and if Clann Eireann can keep the Grugan’s under wraps, they are best placed to reach the showpiece.
