This is a massive opportunity for Clan na Gael and Clann Eireann to pick up the bragging rights around the Lurgan.
It’s a huge game but at the end of the day, both teams have the same goal of reaching the county final.
Clann Eireann, many people’s favourites to win it outright, claimed the Gerry Fagan Cup just two years ago.
Clan na Gael on the other hand haven’t marched behind the band since 2006 and haven’t won the championship since 1994.
Clans rear-guard
Sam McClarnon looks to be the Clan na Gael go-to man-marker, having picked up Ciaron O’Hanlon in the quarter-final.
He’ll likely be the one detailed to pick up Conor Turbitt. But limiting Turbo’s influence is more than a one-man job.
Jamie Brady could offer defensive cover as Ryan Henderson drops further back. Sean Mackle, starting at wing forward, will also help out his defence.
Aaron McCreanor looks a physical match for Daniel Magee, with Michael McConville starting on Dan McCarthy.
Clann Eireann will be keen to keep an eye on Callum O’Neill’s roaming runs forward. Declan Mallon, a defender, started against Silverbridge in the half forward line and could go toe-to-toe with O’Neill.
That would leave Lavery, another Clans youngster, starting at centre half back and marking Ruairi McDonald.
Hammer the hammer
Clann Eireann have a few men that fit the bill when it comes to marking Shane McPartlan. But he looks unplayable at the minute.
Tiernan Kelly, Conor McConville, Sean McCarthy and Barry McCambridge are all quality options.
Ruairi Lavery may not want to sacrifice TK, so captain McConville looks like the man that’ll take on that duty.
Diarmaid O’Hagan started at centerfield against Killeavy and tends to drift back. But if he’s marking Kelly, he can’t give him much space.
That may suggest that if O’Hagan is dropping deep, Niall Loney will come into the middle and pick up TK.
Clann Eireann match ups
Stopping Stefan Campbell will be top of the to-do list for the Clann Eireann defence, along with McPartlan.
‘Soupy’ started at full forward against Killeavy before moving out. Barry McCambridge looks like the ideal match up as he can follow Campbell wherever he goes.
Conan O’Carroll and Emmet Magee will hold their places at corner back, marking Cianan Campbell and Malachi Ward.
Sean McCarthy, another man-marking option, could stay at centre half back and lock horns with Niall Henderson.
However, Clann Eireann may want him to be the spare man in that defence to help shut down Campbell.
If the Clans half forwards play deeper, then Adam Kelly or Redmond French could pick up Henderson. That’ll leave McCarthy free to sweep.
