While the Senior Championship started two weeks ago, it really kicks into gear this weekend with 16 teams all in action.
Favourites
No matter what happens, Crossmaglen are always the bookies favourites to win the Gerry Fegan Cup. And with Jamie Clarke back, the Rangers are once again the front runners.
Stephen Kernan’s side have lost the last two county deciders. Motivation will surely be through the roof, and they’ll be out to set the record straight.
Reigning champions Clann Eireann will have to defend their title without star man Tiernan Kelly and Conor Bell. They could be limited for midfield options during the championship.
Killeavy have shown their promise throughout the league and a lot will be expected of them in the championship.
Maghery are so used to playing at the business end of the season for the last decade or so. They are also recent winners as they ended Cross’ three-in-a-row hopes in 2020.
Ballymacnab are another team that have regularly dinned at the top table. They reached the semi-finals last season along with their two final appearances in 2018 and ’19.
The Harps are obviously one of the favourites having won the league but haven’t enjoyed a good run of championship form since winning it in 2017.
Contenders
Madden have grown since winning Division 1B last season but losing Niall Grimley for the season is a massive blow.
They overcame Grange in the preliminary round and showed they have the talent and ability to put it up to anyone.
Granemore have reached the last four of the championship as recently as 2019 and they secured their place in the top tier for next season.
From Division 2B, Mullaghbawn and Silverbridge were challenging hard all season long for promotion places.
Clan na Gael have a bunch of talent youngsters coming through their ranks and are certainly a team for the future.
Whether they can contend for a championship is currently unknown, this year could be a bit early for them. But they definitely have all the makings of a really good side.
Outsiders
Dromintee won the Division 1A league last season, but injuries have hampered their progress this season.
They won their final league game of the year against Clann Eireann, but it wasn’t enough to keep them safe.
Cullyhanna may have been relegated to Intermediate football for next year, but that form must be taken with a pinch of salt.
With their county men back in the team, particularly Aidan Nugent and Jason Duffy who were outstanding for Armagh, St Pat’s could be a match for anyone.
Carrickcruppen suffered relegation back to the Intermediate Championship but could spring a few surprises before the years out.
Pearse Ogs have been struggling all year and it’s unlikely their form will change at this late stage.
