Division 1A – Harps 0-14 Killeavy 2-7
Armagh Harps ended their league campaign on a high by capturing the Division 1A title with a one-point win over Killeavy on Friday evening.
Played in the baking heat, the sides served up and exciting and entertaining encounter. Killeavy will feel this was one that got away, however.
Wayne Kieran’s men were five points up heading into the final ten minutes, but the home side finished stronger
The introduction of Ryan McShane was a major turning point as Harps had trailed for the majority of the game.
Luke McKeever and Ronan McGuinness traded frees to begin the scoring before David Mallie put Killeavy ahead.
Paul Quinn grabbed the games first three-pointer after John Daly had denied Niall Maginess’ initial attempt on goal.
Maginess and McKeever (free) cancelled each other out while Tom O’Kane hit his side only score from play in the opening half.
Killeavy held a three-point lead at the break after Maginess and McKeever (free) scores. Killeavy could have been further ahead though as they missed a second goal chance.
Quinn was hauled to the ground and Shea Magill, the Killeavy keeper, made the long trek forward. His shot smashed off the post, but the visitors led 1-4 to 0-4 at half time.
McKeever and Karol Loughran (free) closed the gap before Killeavy were awarded a second penalty kick.
This time it was Ronan McGuinness who had the chance and he made no mistake, slotting home his sides second goal.
Magill nailed a free, as did McKeever, while Callum O’Hare and Conor Lavery traded scores. Killeavy held a 2-6 to 0-8 advantage at the water break.
That lead was extended by Rory Kearney but that was the last score Killeavy got. Harps took control and hit the next six scores of the game.
McShane started the scoring spree while O’Kane (3), Loughran and Lavery all split the posts to edge the Harps over the line.
Elsewhere, a late score from substitute Marty Carr was enough to secure Granemore’s place in the division for another season.
Madden led by one at the second water break, but Granemore turned the tables and grabbed the final, match-winning score.
Granemore’s win meant that victories for Maghery and Dromintee over Crossmaglen and Clann Eireann, weren’t enough to keep them safe.
Division 1B
Carrickcruppen 1-12 Ballymacnab 1-14
Carrickcruppen almost pulled off a dramatic comeback as they hosted Ballymacnab on Friday evening.
The game was a dead rubber as both already knew their fate, with the Nab promoted and Cruppen relegated.
The league winners pulled ahead by six at half time, but Carrickcruppen powered back into the game.
Simon King grabbed the all-important three point in the first half to help his side into a 1-6 to 0-3 lead at the interval.
A Jack Cunningham inspired Carrickcruppen came back into contention. It was game on when Eoin Woods hit the net to make three the difference.
The sides traded scores throughout the rest of the contest and a late Blaine Hughes free narrowed the gap to two by the full-time whistle.
Two defeats for Cullyhanna over the weekend saw them relegated to Division 2A. Mullaghbawn were the winners on Friday while goals from Matthew Lennon (2) and Michael Toland handed Clan na Gael victory on Sunday.
A draw for Grange, thanks to an Ethan Rafferty goal against Sarsfields, turned out to be enough to keep them safe.
