Saturday 13 May – Castleblayney – 1pm
The Armagh minors are back in action this weekend as they head to Castleblayney on Saturday to take on Monaghan.
Armagh finished third in their section of the group stages and will face the Farney men in the quarter-finals.
It’s the knockout stage of the competition, and whoever comes out on top in Castleblayney will qualify for the last four.
Armagh faced Antrim, Cavan and Tyrone in the round robin series, suffering two defeats after their opening day draw with Antrim.
Group stages
Two second half goals from the Red Hands saw the reigning Ulster champions over the line with eight to spare.
In the final round, Cavan proved too strong, and a late goals saw them win by nine-points in the end.
Armagh battled bravely however and put up a great fight, especially at the end of the first half when they rattled off a number of scores.
Conall McGeough scored an outstanding goal while they chipped on three-points to trail 0-7 to 1-3 at the break.
They were reduced to 14 men early in the second half and although Cavan didn’t pull away to late on, the result was beyond doubt.
Armagh were without their captain that day however, Daragh McNulty, who missed the game through injury.
The Redmond O’Hanlon’s attacker may be back on contention this weekend and Armagh could do with his presence.
Last eight
Saturday will be Armagh’s second trip to Castleblayney this season and their second meeting with Monaghan.
The sides met in round three of the Ulster Minor League back in mid-March and the hosts won comfortably.
Armagh started the game brightly that evening but couldn’t make it count on the scoreboard. Once the momentum switched, Monaghan took advantage.
McNulty and John Joe Hughes both claimed 0-3 apiece while McGeough and Cohen Henderson raised white flags as well.
Monaghan have been in fine form, losing just once to Derry in the group stages and earned wins over Down, Fermanagh and Donegal.
Armagh will be up against it but if they show the fight they did the last day out, they will be in with a chance.
