It’s all to play for this weekend in the Senior Championship as eight teams put their title challenge on the line.
Cullyhanna v St Peter’s – Fri 19 Sept – 7.30pm – BOX-IT Athletic Grounds
St Peter’s are flying high at the minute and have been one of the stories of the Senior Championship so far. Having been relegated to Division 2A in the league, not many would have predicted they’d reach the last eight.
Niall McConville was fantastic in their comeback victory over Culloville last weekend, with one-point separating the sides. Ruairi McDonald has been one of the in-form players of the competition as well.
Cullyhanna have all the experience in terms of knockout championship. Aidan Nugent was in fantastic form throughout the groups and is the top scorer in the competition. Stephen Reel’s men are out to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2018.
Crossmaglen v Carrickcruppen – Sat 20 Sept – 6.30pm – BOX-IT Athletic Grounds
It’s over ten years since these two teams locked horns in the Senior Championship. That was back in 2014 when goals from Johnny Murtagh (2) and Jamie Clarke led the Rangers to a 3-24 to 0-5 win.
Cross were the reigning champions back then, whereas now they are looking to get their hands back on the Gerry Fagan Cup. Oisin O’Neill has been making steady progress and could see some game time this weekend.
Carrickcruppen have been in flying form ever since their first round trouncing at the hands of Clann Eireann. They have bounced back impressively with victories over Armagh Harps, Dromintee and Granemore.
Maghery v Madden – Sun 21 Sept – 5pm – BOX-IT Athletic Grounds
Maghery emerged from the group of death at the top of the pile, booking their spot in the last eight. They saw off the challenges of both Culloville and Clan na Gael, while Killeavy came from behind to beat them in round two.
Kevin Robinson and Stefan Forker have been leading the line in terms of scoring. Armagh’s All-Ireland winning captain Aidan Forker has yet to make an appearance in the championship having lined out for the Loughshore men in the last round of the league.
Madden go into Sunday’s showdown off the back of a terrific landslide triumph over Armagh Harps. All the main men for the Raparees are performing well, which will inspire confidence going forward.
Killeavy v Clann Eireann – Sun 21 Sept – 7pm – BOX-IT Athletic Grounds
This has the potential to not only be the game of the weekend but the game of the championship so far. It pits Division 1A league winners Killeavy against Clann Eireann, the current holders of the Gerry Fagan Cup.
Clann Eireann have been the favourites for the title long before a ball was kicked. They’ve been so impressive throughout the campaign so far, but this will undoubtedly be their biggest test yet.
Killeavy looked really sharp in their playoff win over Mullaghbawn, although midfielder Callum O’Hare missed out through injury. They have the firepower to challenge any team and will have no fear of the Lurgan men.
