Culloville were the surprise package in last year’s Championship, but there’s no way they’re flying in under the radar this season.
They’ve already collected a bit of silverware having won the Division 2A league title winning 14 of 16 games.
The Blues, led by former star man Kieran Hatzer, have one of the best attacking units in the entire competition.
In Colm Watters they have one of the most experienced campaigners about. Cathal Hatzer (suspended for the first round) and Ryan Garvey are two huge scoring threats as well.
Dara Quinn is a livewire in the forward line and one of a number of youngsters that broke through to the senior ranks last season.
Both Fergal Kieran and James King really impressed in 2021 while Niall Rowland is full of running at midfield.
Ruairi Garvey and Fergal Rowland are the spine of the defence. Both will go forward if the space opens up.
Keady have it all to do this weekend if they want to remain in the Intermediate championship past Saturday evening.
Keady’s main men
Eugene McDonnell has taken over from Paul Doyle as manager and his first season in charge has been a real mixed bag.
The Michael Dwyer’s men were in relegation trouble on the final day of the league. But despite defeat to Forkhill, kept their place in the division.
Jack Molloy and Shea Harvey will be the two man-markers in the defence and will have their hands full.
Jason King will aid the backline from his midfield position and get back as often as possible to help out.
Up front, a lot of Keady’s hopes will rest on the likes of Conor Hughes and youngster James O’Hara.
Both players are well fit to take a score and Keady will need to get them plenty of quality ball if they are to stand a chance.
Culloville are the favourites and while they won’t have it all their own way, they should have enough to see them through.
