The Intermediate Championship gets underway this weekend and we’ve taken a look at some of the players that are worth keeping an eye on.
Annaghmore: Tomas McCormack
Along with the MacIomhair brothers, Oisin and Ciaran, and Matthew McNiece, McCormack is one of the star men for Annaghmore.
He was part of Kieran McGeeney’s wider Orchard panel this season and is one to watch in the championship.
Ballyhegan: Peter McGrane
Another youngster that was involved in the Armagh squad this year, McGrane is a teak-tough defender.
The Ballyhegan man is his sides go-to man-marker and has played on the recent county minor and u-20 teams.
Belleek: Sean Finnegan
Brought into the Belleek squad last season and kept a tight grip on the number two jersey throughout the championship.
Performed brilliantly as Belleek were crowned Junior champions and Finnegan remains a key man-marker.
Collegeland: Jason Kelly
Kelly has been the star man in the Collegeland attack for a few years now and will once again lead the line.
If Collegeland are to have a championship run, they’ll need Kelly operating at the peak of his powers.
Clonmore: Sean Quigley
A former county minor, Sean Quigley is a real utility player around the middle of the field for Clonmore.
He has all the pace and football ability to get up and down the pitch whether that’s from wing half back or wing half forward.
Cross II: Ryan Duffy
Duffy had an outstanding year in defence last season with Crossmaglen as they reached the JFC final.
Stationed at full back, Duffy was the go-to man-marker in the Rangers defence and is shaping up for another big campaign.
Culloville: Dara Quinn
Quinn was one of three 18-year-olds that burst on to the scene last season as Culloville got to the Intermediate final.
Along with Fergal Kieran and James King, Quinn played brilliantly and is set to push on this year.
Forkhill: Barry Shannon
After all these years, Barry Shannon is still going strong and remains one of Forkhill’s main players.
Named at corner forward, Shannon could play anywhere Forkhill and is well fit to find the target as well.
Keady: James O’Hara
A former county minor, O’Hara was also part of the Armagh u-20 team this season and is a star for Keady.
The youngster picked up a shoulder injury last season but is back playing well for Eugene McDonnell’s men.
Shane O’Neill’s: Ciaran Mackin
Ciaran Mackin has been a star for the Shane’s over the last few years but took his performances to new level this season with Armagh.
His debut year in the orange and white will have him known across the county and Mackin will thrive under the added pressure.
St Paul’s: Antoin McParland
Has added to an already strong St Paul’s forward to accompany Eoin McConville and Andrew Murnin up front.
McParland is a former county minor and a real threat in front of the posts as well as setting up attacks.
St Peter’s: Niall McConville
His performance last year brought about another call up from Kieran McGeeney and McConville made the Armagh squad for the Galway game.
McConville is the ace in the St Peter’s attack, and he is the one to stop for any opposition they face.
Tir na nOg: Oisin Conaty
One of a number of youngsters that have come through the Tir na nOg ranks in recent years along with Zion McKernan and Michael Burnett.
His availability is unknown as he’s also a talented soccer player and lines out for Portadown FC in the Irish League.
Tullysaran: James Conlon
Conlon has been in great form for Tullysaran this season, playing his first year in the senior ranks.
He attacks from deep and has serious pace when breaking forward from the half back line. A real classy player.
Whitecross: Mark Shields
Missed out on Whitecross’ championship campaign last season due to a hamstring injury but is back this year.
Whitecross defeated Ballyhegan without him and Shields’ return will be a massive boost heading into the 2022 championship.
Wolfe Tones: Jamie Haughey
The joint-captain of Wolfe Tones, along with Callan Duffin, is back with the Lurgan men following an injury last season.
Haughey was the captain of the St Ronan’s side that won the Hogan Cup in 2018 and is a real leader for the Tones.
