Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Uladh
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Uladh
Maghery Sean MacDermott’s captured their second ever Armagh Senior Championship crown on Sunday 13 September at the Athletic Grounds.
They won their maiden back in 2016, but this time around faced a Crossmaglen side aiming to complete their three in a row. Unfortunately for Cross’ they started without two of their stars as both Tiernan McConville and Stephen Morris missed out through injury.
Aidan Forker, Stephen Cusack and Caolan Hendron gave unbelievable displays while Ben Crealey’s introduction helped turn the tide in Maghery’s favour in the third quarter.
Goals win games is one of the oldest adages in the GAA for good reason, and Maghery definitely came into this game with goals on their mind. Man of the Match full-forward Aidan Forker led their attack superbly and scored 1-3 from play.
Maghery were hugely impressive and needed to be to hand Cross their first Armagh Championship Final defeat since 1982.
Watch the full re-run for free here
The Armagh Cormac Leonard Commercials Club Championship Junior Football Championship Final will take place this Saturday, 19th September 2020 between Belleek and Forkhill. Throw-in at 5.30pm and the game will be streamed live on Linwoods Armagh TV.
One thing for sure is the Sean Quinn Cup will be making its way to the hills of South Armagh this weekend – but will it be Belleek or Forkhill?
Forkhill have been favourites although Belleek know that they have enough quality to trouble their opponents. They have put up huge scores in all three of their championship games to date, and their full forward line is a match for anyone in the division. They have recorded 3-19 (vs Clady), 2-15 (vs Dorsey) and 3-15 (vs Newtownhamiliton) in their three championship games this season. Their experienced full-forward Sean McCreesh is the focal point of a deadly attack and will take some watching this weekend. Drew McVerry and James McParland complete the inside trio, and both found the net in their last outing.
Captain Callum O’Neill has been in inspiring form for Garreth Thornton’s side and his presence in the centre of the park has been crucial in guiding Belleek to the decider. He builds up incredible pace with his lung bursting runs and he is well accustomed to finding himself on the score sheet. His midfield clash with Forkhill star Stephen Sheridan will make incredible viewing and should be worth the admission fee alone.
Whoever comes out on top of that fascinating duel should go along way in deciding which side comes out on top. You can’t talk about Forkhill without mentioning Jemar Hall, who has been the most impressive performer in this year’s championship. His partner in crime up top is Cormac Toner, another talented attacking threat for his side. Interestingly however, Forkhill have yet to raise a green flag in their two championship games. Barry Shannon is another star name in the Forkhill ranks and his experience will once again be key for his side.
There are huge question marks over the availability of two players on Sunday however, one in each dugout. Can Paddy Burns make his first appearance in the red and green this season and strengthen the defence, currently backboned by Tony Canning along with Owen and Connor Donaghy. Will we see professional boxer Fergus Quinn enter the fray for Belleek, after coming on in the second half against St Michael’s.
Plenty of questions remain but one thing is for sure, these two side should serve up a ding-dong battle.
The Armagh Intermediate Football Championship Final will take place this Sunday, 20th September 2020 between Clann na nGael and St Paul’s. Throw-in at 4.00pm and the game will be streamed live on Linwoods Armagh TV.
This Sunday, friends become foes, as two of Lurgan’s closest neighbours battle it out for the Intermediate crown.
Clan na Gael and St Paul’s know each other inside out, which only adds to the interest of this contest. The Clans head into the game as favourites and have been the frontrunners since the beginning of the season. St Paul’s on the other hand will be quietly confident of causing an upset, as they have been impressive in their in three games to date. They had to come from behind in both their quarter final (vs Carrickcruppen) and semi-final (vs Tullysaran) to reach the showpiece.
Their attacking quality will attract the eye, with Andrew Murnin of course the star name at full forward. His accompanied by plenty of talent up front, with Ryan Lawless, Aaron Rodgers and Eoin McConville all well fit to cause trouble to any defence. Peadar Nash is a huge asset at centre half back, and his raiding runs are a main feature of St Paul’s attacking play. In midfield, Niall McCrory has been in brilliant form and we could witness the clash of youth versus experience as he comes up against Ronan Austin.
Austin is the Clans captain and one of their most loyal servants, he is sure to have a big say in the midfield shake up. Marsden’s men also hold a wealth of talent in their attacking half of the field, no more so than the brilliant Stefan Campbell. Soupy’ lit up the Athletic Grounds with his blistering pace in his side semi-final victory of Keady two weeks ago. Shane McPartland offers another attacking threat while Niall Henderson is a key figure in his working wing half forward role. At the back, Clans will look to the likes of Sam McLarnon, Jamie Brady and Danny Magee to keep the St Paul’s forward division quiet.
No matter what happens on Sunday, the Atty Hearty Cup will be heading to Lurgan, but what ribbons will hang from the handles is still up for debate. What we do know is, we are in for a hugely exciting game as both teams like to attack and goals will be crucial in this one.
Armagh’s county finalists will wear bibs in their pre-match warm-up to raise awareness of the ‘Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing’- a regional mental health and emotional wellbeing campaign – ‘Working Together To Promote Mental Wellbeing’.
The Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing are a set of tools to help us maintain and improve our wellbeing – by thinking of them as our ‘five a day’ we should build these into our daily lives. The steps are Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give.
The Public Health Agency hope that encouraging people to Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing will help prevent people reaching crisis point and encourage people to recognise the signs in themselves and others and know where they can get help as early as possible.
It is vitally important to remind people that if they or someone they know is experiencing a crisis, that the 24/7 crisis helpline Lifeline (0808 808 8000) is available at all times.
It is important to remember that mental health services continue to operate across Northern Ireland at this time. If you are concerned about your physical or emotional wellbeing, you should contact your GP.
Working together to promote mental wellbeing, Armagh Chairman Michael Savage said:
“As a sporting organisation we recognise the importance of promoting positive mental wellbeing with all our members. Mental illness can affect anyone, including family, friends, colleagues or teammates and by building these five steps into our daily lives, we can look after our mental wellbeing.
“Whether that be, playing or volunteering at your local club the GAA is a great way to be active, connect, take notice, give and keep learning. I want to thank our county finalists for supporting this important initiative. Go raibh mile maith agat.”
