Silverbridge part ways with management duo

By Shaun Casey

SILVERBRIDGE have parted ways with managers Bernie Murray and Wayne Kierans, the Gaelic Life understands, and head into the final four games of their league campaign fighting for their lives as they hope to cling onto their Division 1A status.

The ‘Bridge are currently bottom of the table with four points to their name and have suffered three defeats on the bounce. They’ve picked up two wins from their ten outings so far, against Mullaghbawn and Madden.

They make the short journey to Mullaghbawn this weekend, who are also concerned with the bottom half of the table, although they head into the fixture in fine fettle having defeated near neighbours Crossmaglen for the second time this season last Friday evening.

Things are really heating up at the top of the table with four rounds left to play in Armagh’s top tier. At the minute, it’s Killeavy who are in pole position to capture the title for the first time in their history.

They edged a top of the table clash with reigning league and championship holders Clann Éireann last weekend, with a late two-pointer from Niall Magennis giving Steven McDonnell’s men a 1-17 to 1-16 victory.

That leaves Killeavy two points clear of both Clann Éireann and Madden, but they face the Raparees on Friday night and Mark Harte’s men will be keen to continue their push towards league glory.

Clann Éireann will enjoy the comforts of home advantage against Armagh Harps in round 11, who are battling the threat of relegation. Pascal Canavan’s side are still in the relegation mix and will be keen to pick up maximum points.

These two locked horns in the quarter-final of the Senior Championship last season, with a late Ruairi McDonald goal seeing eventual winners Clann Éireann progress to the last four with three points to spare in the end.

Crossmaglen are still in with a chance of claiming the top prize, although securing a top four place looks like a more realistic goal at the minute. They host Clan na Gael this week and the Clans are aiming to secure their status having earned promotion last year.

It’s a repeat of the 2023 county final, which Crossmaglen won at a canter. Both sides are without key men with the likes of rising stars Callum O’Neill and Brendan O’Hagan (Clans) and Ronan Fitzpatrick (Cross) spending the summer in America.