Group B
Mullaghbawn v Cullyhanna – Sun 7 Sept – 5.45pm
Cullyhanna and Mullaghbawn lock horns on Sunday evening in the final group game of the Senior Championship. Mathematically, both sides can still claim top spot and advance to the last eight.
Cullyhanna’s path is much more straightforward than their opponents. Following back-to-back victories over Madden and Pearse Og, the St Patrick’s men just need to avoid defeat to finish in the number one position.
Should Mullaghbawn grab the win, then that would leave themselves, Cullyhanna and Madden all on four-points. Mullaghbawn’s score difference took a big blow against Madden last weekend, so they would need to win on Sunday by a huge margin to go top.
Cullyhanna, who earned promotion to the top tier in the league, have edged out both of their two games by the minimum of margins. On both occasions, Stephen Reel’s side showed serious resolve and character to come from behind late on and snatch a victory.
Scores from Ross McQuillan and Kieran McCooey saw them overcome Madden on the opening night. Last weekend, it took a two-pointer followed by a single point from Aidan Nugent to get over the line.
Round Two
Nugent, who also bagged two goals last weekend, is the top scorer in the Cullyhanna changing room with 2-12. County stars Ross McQuillan and Jason Duffy have also earned game time across the two matches.
Mullaghbawn, who operated in Division 1A this season, shot out of the blocks in the championship. They hammered Pearse Og in the first round, winning by nine-points, 4-19 to 3-13 in the end.
Last weekend didn’t go as well as they lost out heavily to Madden, 1-19 to 0-9. Both those outings have been on the road, so Declan Campbell’s men will relish the opportunity to host their neighbours in the championship.
This round two clash was fixed for two weeks ago, but was abandoned after a couple of minutes due to a serious injury to Cullyhanna midfielder and All-Ireland winning captain Pearse Casey, and the club are so grateful to all who helped out that day and since.
“We would once again like to reiterate our thanks and gratitude for the continued prayers and well wishes, from near and far. A special mention for all of those who treated Pearse on the field, transporting him to the hospital and the staff in the Intensive Care Unit in the Royal Hospital, Belfast.
“Pearse is out of hospital and is now recovering at home. An effective recovery plan, guided by healthcare professionals is now in place and Pearse is navigating the rehabilitation with a positive attitude.”
