THE club championship are now in full flow in all the counties across Ulster. We take a look ahead to another busy weekend of games as the heat begins to rise as final days get closer.
Here are the Armagh fixtures…
ARMAGH SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS
Cullyhanna v St Peter’s
Friday, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 7.30
ST PETER’S have been one of the stories of the campaign, but they are coming up against a top title contender in the quarter-finals. Cullyhanna will have their eyes set on the last four and should come through.
Verdict: Cullyhanna
Crossmaglen v Carrickcruppen
Saturday, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 6.30pm
CARRICKCRUPPEN have won three championship games on the bounce, but this is a different beast ahead of them now. The Rangers will be unbackable favourites and should be able to back up that tag.
Verdict: Crossmaglen
Maghery v Madden
Sunday, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 5pm
MADDEN really caught the eye in their huge play-off victory over they Harps. Maghery have all the experience on their side and keeping the score down will be their main objective.
Verdict: Madden
Clann Eireann v Killeavy
Sunday, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 7pm
THIS has the potential to not only be the game of the weekend but the game of the championship. Two sides that play all-out attacking football, fine margins could decide this one.
Verdict: Clann Eireann
ARMAGH INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS
Shane O’Neill’s v Derrynoose
Saturday, Granemore, 2pm
THESE two sides met during the play-off stages last season and Derrynoose overcame the Camlough men after extra time. That will give them the confidence to repeat the feat once again this year.
Verdict: Derrynoose
Forkhill v St Paul’s
Sunday, Ballymacnab, 1pm
ST PAUL’S could be without key man Eoin McConville in attack after he went off injured the last day out. Forkhill do have plenty of firepower, but the Lurgan men are perhaps the favourites for the competition.
Verdict: St Paul’s
Sarsfields v Keady
Sunday, Abbey Park, 3pm
JAMES O’Hara picked up a knock in Keady’s play-off win over Ballymacnab so may not be available. Keady need all their best players on the field if they are to upset the odds against Sarsfields.
Verdict: Sarsfields
Grange v Clann Eireann II
Monday, Clady, 7.30pm
THIS game is really a clash of pace against power. The experience and strength of Grange, along with their two-point threat, may just be enough to see them past a young and inexperienced Clann Eireann side.
Verdict: Grange
ARMAGH JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS
Crossmaglen II v Middletown
Thursday, Davitt Park, 7.30pm
Crossmaglen IIs are unbeaten in the championship, but this will be their toughest game of the campaign so far. Middletown will have their eyes set on going all the way and may just edge it.
Verdict: Middletown
ARMAGH JUNIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Middletown v St Malachy’s
Saturday, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 3pm
MIDDLETOWN gained the upper hand over the Portadown men in their round five group game meeting. Both sides have been scoring fairly heavily throughout the campaign, but Middletown may just hold the upper hand.
Verdict: Middletown
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