PREVIEWS: Armagh Hurling, ladies and camogie finals down for decision

ARMAGH SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

BALLYMACNAB V GRANEMORE

Friday, Athletic Grounds, 8.30pm

It’s a repeat of last year’s championship decider, which Ballymacnab won to complete their three in a row charge and are hoping to extend their domination on Friday evening. They face their arch-rivals Granemore who were the kingpins before Ballymacnab took over. The Nab denied Granemore’s four in a row plans back in 2019 so the St Mary’s club will be all out for revenge this weekend. They’ll be up against it however and Ballymacnab’s attacking firepower along with their midfield power could be enough to see them through in the end.

Verdict: Ballymacnab

ARMAGH SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

MIDDLETOWN V KEADY

Sunday, Athletic Grounds, 4pm

MIDDLETOWN have been the dominant team in Armagh over the last number of years and have a lot of talented players that backbone the Orchard County team in the form of the Gaffney brothers, the Curry’s and Armagh captain Paddy McBride. They’re heading for their fourth crown in a row but Keady have been their biggest rivals of late. It took the Lamh Dhearg club two attempts to finally get over Cuchulainns and they’ll be relying on Fionntan Donnelly and Conor Corvan to fire them to victory, but this could be a step too far.

Verdict: Middletown

ARMAGH JUNIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

KEADY II V SEAN TREACY’S

Sunday, Athletic Grounds, 1.45pm

THESE two were the best two sides throughout the round robin group stages of the competition and Keady’s only defeat came against Sean Treacy’s, who have been favourites for the junior championship all season. The Lurgan lads have Danny Magee in their arsenal, who would be regarded as one of the best forwards in the county and was named as 2021 County Hurler of the Year. Keady have experienced netminder Joby Burke in their ranks this year and will look to joint captains Caolan and Colm Mone to lead from the front. It could go right down to the wire, with Sean Treacy’s eventually getting over the line.

Verdict: Sean Treacy’s

ARMAGH LADIES SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL REPLAY

CarrickcruppEn v Clann Éireann

Sunday, Crossmaglen, 3pm

THESE two couldn’t be separated last weekend and a last-minute goal from Caroline O’Hanlon forced the game to go to a replay. Carrickcruppen were riding their luck and trailed by three towards the end of the game, but Armagh legend O’Hanlon gifted them a lifeline. Clann Éireann have gone the whole season unbeaten and with Fermanagh manager James Daly back in charge, the Lurgan ladies should have too much this weekend for ‘Cruppen’s defensive game plan and if they’ve learned anything they will get the job done a week later than expected.

Verdict: Clann Eireann