The SFC semi-finals take place this weekend and each team in the final four believe that can make it through to the decider.
Clan na Gael v Clann Eireann – Sat 7 Oct – BOX-IT Athletic Grounds – 7pm
It’s the clash of the Clans up first and for both Lurgan teams, this is a massive chance to reach the SFC final.
Clann Eireann have more recent knowhow of what it takes, but historically, this stage of the championship is where Clan na Gael thrive.
It’s just two years since Clann Eireann reached the promised land and carried home the Gerry Fagan Cup.
They’ve been like men on a mission this season and their league form showed that as well, winning Division 1A.
They have so much talent through their ranks, like Conor Turbitt, Tiernan Kelly and Barry McCambridge to name a few.
But their bench is super strong as well and if this one goes down to the wire, Clann Eireann have the reinforcements to get them over the line.
Clan na Gael are a young and up and coming side with a bunch of experience too. Stefan Campbell, Sean Mackle and Niall Henderson have been about a long time.
The likes of Callum O’Neill, Shane McPartlan and Michael McConville have been in superb form as well.
Clans showed their aggressive streak and ability to work hard around the middle in the Killeavy game.
They certainly won’t fear their Lurgan neighbours and the battle for the bragging right should make this an intriguing contest.
Crossmaglen v Madden – Sun 8 Oct – BOX-IT Athletic Grounds – 5pm
The last time these two clashed in the championship was two years ago and Cross won by eight in the end.
It should have been much closer, but Madden passed up several goal scoring chances early in the game.
On Sunday, they’re going to have to rattle the net a few times if they are to make the SFC final for the first time in 25 years.
The Raparees will be targeting the Cross full back line, given the two easy goals they shipped against the Harps.
And Madden, despite not scoring heavily so far in the championship, carry a real attacking potency.
Darragh McMullen, Conor Grimley, Joe Sheridan, Aron McKenna and Ciaran Rafferty are all scorers. Niall Grimley may also line out in attack.
For Cross, they have plenty of attacking talent as well of course and how Madden tie them down will be key.
Cian McConville seemed to have hit a bit of form the last day out while Jamie Clarke is always a threat.
The O’Neill brothers, Rian and Oisin, drift in and out for midfield and full forward and will interchange.
Like always, the Rangers have been posting big scores and it remains to be seen whether Madden can outscore them or not.
