Armagh v Roscommon – Páirc Tailteann – 2pm
Armagh have the chance to gain promotion to Division 2B and capture the league title when they take on Roscommon on Saturday.
Promotion from Division 3A has been the target for the Orchard County ever since they were relegated in 2018.
Since then, they’ve reached the league decider on three occasions but failed to get over the line each time.
In 2019, it was Roscommon who halted their promotion charge, winning the final by three points in the end.
The following season it was Donegal who edged out the Orchard County, two points the difference this time around.
In 2020, Sligo earned promotion by topping the league table, with Armagh finishing in second place.
While last year, Armagh saw off Roscommon in the semi-final to set up a date with arch-rivals Tyrone.
Again, it proved a step too far for Armagh as the Red Hands prevailed with two-points to spare.
So it’s been a difficult journey for the hurlers, who have proven to be one of the best teams at this level, but just can’t get over the line.
Roscommon
Following their promotion in 2019, Roscommon were sent back down to Division 3A during the 2021 season.
In the last two years, Armagh have endured a pretty mixed relationship with the Rossies. One day, it can be ferociously contested and the next it’s fairly one-sided.
Their most recent clash continued that trend. Roscommon, playing on home soil, eased to a 20-point win in round four.
Armagh will be eager to get that one back, but the overall push for promotion will be the main motivation.
Tiarnan Nevin is the rock at the centre of the defence, with assistance from clubmate Odhran Curry.
Niall Lennon has impressed as well, as has Peadar McBride in midfield. The option of firing the likes of Nathan Curry and Eoin McGuinness into the fray is a positive as well.
Fionntan Donnelly has been leading the way in terms of scoring. He’s been helped by Tomas Galvin, Shea Harvey and Cormac Jennings.
A running theme throughout the league has been, when Armagh hit the net, they win the game.
So, Karl McKeegan will have his men primed to rattle the net and that will offer the Orchard the best chance of earning promotion and getting their hands on some silverware.
