Ahead of the upcoming league campaign, we’ve taken a look at the ins and outs of the teams competing in Division 1B.
Clan na Gael
Shane McPartland was one of the best club players in the county last season, earning a call up to the county squad.
He has made most of the match day panels, along with his debut in the McKenna Cup, so may not be available for Clans.
They have a number of talent youngsters in their ranks, and they’ll be keen to impress their new manager.
Dromintee
Dromintee defender Barry Toner has transferred to Tullysaran, so the St Patrick’s men will have to plan without him.
They have a number of players coming back from injury though, particularly chief scorer Niall Courtney.
Liam Fearon, goalkeeper Dylan McGahon Malone, PJ Tiernan and Conor Hoey are currently on the mend as well.
Grange
Grange have lost key sharpshooter Cathal McKenna, who moved to Australia before Christmas.
Jake Toal could be back after an injury ravaged 2022. Ethan Rafferty, Justin Kieran and David O’Hagan are all on the county panel.
Chris Rafferty will be hoping to get a kick out of the Grange, after they disappointed in the first round of the SFC last year.
Maghery
James Lavery made a dramatic return last season, making his first appearance in the SFC semi-final against Crossmaglen.
The big Maghery midfielder is back in the fold this season and will be a huge addition for Eamon Robison.
Experienced heads such as Stephan Cusack and Stefan Forker are also back for another season.
Sarsfields
Sarsfields will be without two of their key players heading into the Division 1B league campaign.
Caolan Skelton, who once scored a hat-trick against Crossmaglen in the 2019 championship, has transferred to Wolfe Tones.
Defender Sean Skelton is heading to Canada for the year. Ex-Derrynoose goalkeeper Stephen McArdle has joined the High Moss men, however.
Shane O’Neill’s
Shane O’Neill’s will be without their county men, Greg McCabe, Connaire Mackin and Ciaran Mackin for the start of the league.
They will also begin the season without attacking wing back Eamon McCabe, who has gone to Australia.
The Camlough men will be hoping to retain their senior status, having just earned promotion to the top tier.
Silverbridge
The Harps, under the new management of Colm Nally, will be targeting promotion this season having come close in 2022.
They’ll have to do so without full back Sean Garvey, who will spend the year in Canada. But former Dorsey forward Padraig Cumiskey has joined the Bridge.
Colm Nally will hope to bleed through some of the Division Two under 19 championship winning side of last year.
St Peter’s
St Peter’s are back at Senior level having earned promotion from Division 2A last season, finishing second behind Shane O’Neill’s.
They’ll have to cope without star forward Niall McConville for the majority of the league as he’s on the Armagh panel.
