This weekend, Crossmaglen and Clan na Gael will write another chapter into the history books as they clash for the championship crown.
The rivalry peaked during the 60s, 70s and 80s when the two clubs dominated Armagh club football.
But there’s a bit of recent history with these two current teams as well. They met at the start of the championship and in 2021 as well.
Cross won two years ago, although the Clans, Intermediate champions in 2020, gave a performance to be proud of.
But it’s the encounter that took place in Davitt Park just nine weeks ago that will give the Lurgan Blues hope.
For long spells they were right in the game, but heading into the final few minutes, the Rangers opened up a four-point gap.
As they’ve done right throughout the championship, Clan an Gael came back. A last-minute goals from Shane McPartlan tied things up.
And the two teams have won the rest of their games to date. Both head into Sunday full of confidence.
The never say die attitude displayed by Ronan McMahon’s side has been superb and stood to them in the semi-final.
This time, Stefan Campbell was the hero as he landed 0-10 in their 0-14 to 1-9 win over Clann Eireann.
Clans will need all the scoring power they have. But just as important, their match ups and defensive unity will have to be on point.
That first round tie is the only game that Crossmaglen haven’t scored 20+ points. The final score with 1-13 to 0-16 that night.
Cian McConville, who has hit 1-11 in the last two games, didn’t score. Sam McClarnon shut him down in the first round.
Clan na Gael do like to flood the defence and they’ll try to starve McConville, Jamie Clarke and the two O’Neill’s of time and space.
But saying that and doing that is two different things. The O’Neill’s along contributed 0-9 between in the semi-final against Madden.
Goals are key, as Maghery and Clann Eireann have shown in recent championship final wins over Cross.
Clans are sure to send either Campbell or McPartlan into the edge of the square at different times to offer that goal-scoring threat.
If Clan na Gael can rattle the net a few times, then they’re well on their way to a first championship title since 1994. But Cross will be keen to grip on to their throne.
