Armagh Intermediate Championship winners Shane O’Neill’s face new territory as they begin their provincial campaign.
They take on Monaghan winners Corduff on Saturday evening in the Athletic Grounds. The game is a curtain raiser to Crossmaglen’s clash with Ballybay.
It’s unknown ground for the Camlough men, who won their first ever Intermediate championship in dramatic fashion two weeks ago.
A last-minute flicked goal from star forward Paul O’Rourke saw Patrick Gregory’s men over the line against St Paul’s.
Shane’s quality
They did it despite Greg McCabe picking up a first half red card, following his early major inside the first 20 seconds.
McCabe has since had his suspension rescinded and will be available for selection on Saturday night.
McCabe is a crucial part of the Shane O’Neill’s team, as are his county teammates Connaire and Ciaran Mackin.
Ciaran Mackin played at full back the last day out but will offer a much more attacking threat from midfield this weekend.
Padraic Hillen and Eamon McCabe enjoyed great campaigns for Gregory’s men, as did goalkeeper Conor McKeown.
In attack, the trio of Aodhan Conlon, O’Rourke and youngster Ruairi O’Brien have made them tick.
Banty
Corduff, managed by former Monaghan boss Seamus McEnaney, recently completed the double by collecting the league title.
The Monaghan champs came from ten down at one stage to incredible win the game and displayed a never say die attitude.
It’s a real family affair for McEnaney as his brother Pat, former intercounty referee, is part of his management team.
‘Banty’ has two sons and six nephews on the squad, and they’ll ask serious questions of Shane O’Neill’s.
But Shane’s know they have enough quality to deal with whatever comes at them, as they’ve shown numerous times.
Both teams are heading into this one in almost identical circumstances. Both won their championship with last minute goals, and both claimed the league and championship double.
It’s hard to know what to expect and both sides probably don’t know what to expect either. But it should make for a great occasion.
