Mayobridge job should not affect McKeever’s county commitment

FORMER Armagh defender Ciaran McKeever has been installed as Mayobridge’s new manager after Fergal Reel’s departure last week.

The Cullyhanna man was ratified at a committee meeting on Monday night and met his players on Tuesday.

The full backroom team is yet to be confirmed but is understood to include Kevin Coulter and Cathal Killen as selectors while highly-rated strength and conditioning coach James McGlade is also believed to be involved.

McKeever, who has recently returned to Cullyhanna’s defence after missing the start of the league season, is not a stranger to the ‘Bridge.

He had been a coach in Benny Coulter and Francie Poland’s backroom team last year before leaving to take over the Armagh minor job.

McKeever, who has also worked with Queen’s previously, has had good reviews from everywhere he has been. It is believed that he will continue as Armagh minor boss next season.

McKeever will be straight into action tomorrow night as the ‘Bridge try and get back on track when they welcome Warrenpoint.

A dramatic dip in form has left the side in the midst of a relegation battle with basement club Ballyholland just two points behind them while RGU Downpatrick trail them on scoring difference only.

The side actually started the league season very well as they won their first three games against Ballyholland, Burren and Warrenpoint. They have won just once in their eight games since, an eight-point victory over Downpatrick.

The ‘Point head into tomorrow’s match on the back of a disappointing loss to Burren on Monday night when a poor finish cost them dearly.

Niall McAleenan’s side led 0-10 to 1-4 at half-time and goals from Jamie Grant and Joe Magee had them five points clear with three minutes of normal time remaining but the concession of 1-4 without reply cost them the game.

Conal McGovern, Eamon Toner, Ryan Treanor and Donal O’Hare were the Burren goal-scorers in the 4-12 to 2-16 win.

The result was enough to keep them three points clear at the top of the table ahead of the visit of Bryansford tonight.

The ‘Ford are badly in need of points as they sit alongside Mayobridge and Downpatrick on eight points.

One of the more intriguing games this weekend will be the visit of Kilcoo to Petit Park to take on Rostrevor.

A home win would take the Reds level on points with the Magpies, who are just losing touch with the leaders a touch after a draw and loss in their last two games. Victory here would take Mickey Moran’s men right back into the hunt for top spot though.

Bottom side Ballyholland will be hoping that home advantage helps them as they welcome high-flying Loughinisland.

Fr Lynch Park is generally one of their best weapons but they have only picked up four points there thanks to victories over Kilcoo and Rostrevor.

Loughinisland’s win over Rostrevor last week keeps Jody Gormley’s side in the top four.

Second-placed Clonduff were due to travel to Castlewellan last night.

n.mccoy@gaeliclife.com