Clan na Gael v Carrickcruppen Match Preview

If the league results are to be believed, then the Clan na Gael and Carrickcruppen meeting could be fairly one sided.

But championship is a different ballgame and the Camlough men will be plotting an ambush this weekend.

They showed in last years Intermediate Championship that they have an abundance of talent that won’t be shy on confidence.

The league didn’t go their way. They battle on for the majority of the campaign without their county contingent Blaine Hughes and Eoin Woods.

Relegated

And once they started to pick up their customary knock and injuries, Carrickcruppen just didn’t have enough to make up the ground at senior level.

Another title at the Intermediate title next season will do this youthful side no harm. But they’ll not be thinking of that come Sunday.

Barry Flynn’s men will be backboned by a host of talented youngsters like Woods, Tiernan Kelly, Oisin O’Hare, Richard Keenan and Jack Cunningham.

Their focus will be on a Clan na Gael side that made the step up to senior level just 12 months before them.

Heading into the second last round of the Division 1B league, Clans were still in the running for promotion.

Photo Credit: John Merry

Defeat to Silverbridge knocked them off their stride, but Diarmaid Marsden would be satisfied with their campaign.

Stefan Campbell has rejoined the pack following Armagh’s quarter final exit. He was the man on form when these sides first met in the league.

‘Soupy’ bagged 1-5 as his side saw out a convincing 4-17 to 1-13 win. The most recent clash was closer, but still the Lurgan men prevailed, plus both already knew their fate.

Shane McPartlan has been in terrific form this season for the Clans at centerfield as has Diarmuid Loney.

Fire in the likes of Niall Henderson and Jamie Brady and the Lurgan lads are full of quality all around the field.

This will be a lot closer than the league meetings. The result should remain the same with the Clans progressing to the next round.

Photo Credit: John Merry