Clans collide in all-Lurgan showpiece

STORM Ashley may have delayed things, but this Saturday evening, arch-rivals Clann Éireann and Clan na Gael will finally get their hands on each other in Armagh’s all-Lurgan Senior Championship final.

The Gerry Fagan Cup is destined to spend the winter months in Lurgan, but whether that’s on the blue side or the orange side of the town remains to be seen. Six days on from the original fixture was postponed, Saturday evening can’t come quick enough.

Back-to-back Division 1A league winners Clann Éireann, who won the championship just three short years ago, are perhaps the slight favourites to edge out their Lurgan rivals, but the distance between the sides is minimal.

Ruairi Lavery’s team bounced back from a round two defeat to Maghery in the groups and have made it this far via the scenic route, taking out Ballymacnab and Armagh Harps before downing last year’s champs Crossmaglen in the semi-final.

The reintroduction of All-Ireland winners Conor Turbitt, Tiernan Kelly and Player of the Year candidate Barry McCambridge to the panel has boosted their options and all three have been in fine form.

Shea Heffron’s return to the defence has been a major addition and the 2021 championship winning captain brings a ton of experience and strength with him, whether that’s in a man-marking capacity or in a freer role.

Captain Conor McConville is a powerhouse around the centre of the field and can chip in with scores, as can attackers Jack Conlon, Daniel Magee and their top scorer throughout the championship Ruairi McDonald.

Sean McCarthy is a doubt, having made way against the Rangers before half time with a rib injury, but the extra week will have done him no harm. McCarthy is the Clann Éireann man-marker and if available, should line up alongside either Stefan Campbell or Shane McPartlan.

Clans, who are hoping to end a 30-year wait for a championship title, have their own injury concerns but Niall Henderson, who picked up an ankle injury in their semi-final win over Madden, was expected to start last weekend, and should be fully fit.

Campbell and McPartlan are the big names on the Clan na Gael teamsheet and they are the two that often produce the goods. Campbell, of course, was unstoppable when these two sides clashed in the championship semi-final last season, with Clans winning after extra-time.

Ronan McMahon’s men made it to the big day just last year and despite leading at half time, suffered a hefty defeat at the hands of Crossmaglen. The Clans could well use that hurt to drive them on.

The bunch of youngsters that have broken into the senior ranks have made massive strides over the last 12 months with Callum O’Neill, Jack Lavery and Brendan O’Hagan all guaranteed starters at this stage.

1968 was the last time these two clubs collided in a Senior Championship final, and it was Clan na Gael who took home the big prize. Can history repeat itself 56 years on? We should find out on Saturday, but an extra day may be required to separate these two.