With the Senior Football Championship just around the corner, we’ve taken a look at the favourites, contenders and outsiders for the title.
Favourites
Crossmaglen are the reigning champions having reclaimed their throne after two back-to-back final defeats. As always, they begin the championship as favourites.
The return of Oisin O’Neill will be a major boost for Anthony Cunningham’s side. They also have a number of youngsters that have the ability to catch the eye.
2021 championship winners and Division 1A league champions Clann Eireann lead the chasing pack.
With Tiernan Kelly and Ryan Owens back in the fold, along with the scoring power of Conor Turbitt, Clann Eireann will be a handful for anyone.
Killeavy and Madden both enjoyed decent league campaigns, finishing inside the top four with 17 points apiece.
Neither has been able to make a major impact on the championship in recent years, but they’ll be hoping to change that this season.
With Tommy Coleman now at the helm and Ciaron O’Hanlon back to full fitness, Killeavy look primed for a shot at the title.
Conor Grimley, Joe Sheridan, Niall Smith and Darragh McMullan are all key players for Madden while Niall Grimley will soon return to action.
Contenders
Last year’s finalists Granemore will be keen to go one step further than 2022 and have more or less the same panel.
They have Kieran Toner to call on this year as the 2008 Ulster Championship winner returned to the fold at the start of the season.
Armagh Harps will be without a couple of experienced heads but have plenty of young talent available for selection.
Pascal Canavan’s men had a mixed league campaign and still have the likes of Declan McKenna and Joe McElroy to call on.
Ballymacnab and Mullaghbawn suffered relegation from the top tier but will still be confident of reaching the knockout stages.
Silverbridge claimed the Division 1B league title and have experienced coach Colm Nally at the helm. They certainly look like a side that could make a big impact.
The ‘Bridge battled it out with Dromintee at the top of Division 1B. Both will be keen to show their development in the championship.
Maghery possibly aren’t the force of old that won two SFC titles, but remain one of the big hitters in the Orchard County.
Clan na Gael have been progressing well since claiming the Intermediate Championship title in 2020 and have a number of talented youngsters coming through the ranks.
Outsiders
Grange suffered relegation to Division 2A and without Ethan Rafferty to call on, they will be up against it.
2022 IFC winners Shane O’Neill’s were also relegated, but with their county contingent back in the fold, will hope to leave a mark.
St Peter’s enjoyed a really good league campaign, finishing third in Division 1B. Their recent SFC results don’t make for pretty reading however, and they’ll look to change that.
Sarsfields fell at the first hurdle last season, losing to Dromintee, and finished third from bottom in the league.
They still have plenty of experience in their ranks and with two home games, will be confident of snatching a few results.
