Donnelly Group Armagh Senior Football Championship
A local derby between Maghery and Annaghmore sets the Donnelly Group Armagh Senior Football Championship rolling tonight in Derrymacash (7pm).
It’s a game Maghery would be expected to win with a fair degree of comfort but will be taking nothing for granted.
Despite wrapping up their league programme with an impressive 1-14 to 1-11 victory over Crossmaglen, the Sean McDermott’s were pipped for the title by Cullyhanna.
They may have never won a senior championship but have always been among the elite of club football in the county.
Captained by former county player James Lavery and managed by Shane McConville and Kieran Rafferty, the loughshore men have a strong belief that this could be their year having toppled all the leading championship contenders in the league, only losing four games.
While they were just a point short of title honours, Maghery don’t need reminded that championship is a different kettle of fish.
The blue and gold brigade have a strong squad which includes the Forker clan, Aidan, Conor, Paul (left) and Seamus, Eoin Scullion, Gerard Campbell, Kevin Nugent, David Lavery and Conor Mackle.
They play an attractive brand of attacking football but luck has often not been on their side down through the years.
Their opponents finished mid-table in Section B of the senior league, only managing six victories. However, since stepping up from the ranks of junior grade several years ago, the Pearse’s have warmed to the higher echelons never giving up until the final whistle.
They have power and strength in abundance.
Captained by seasoned campaigner John McCormack they will be counting on the MacIomhair brothers Oisin and Ciaran to keep the scoreboard ticking over while other attackers of note are Matthew Willis and Connor Cullen.
There is no shortage of experience in other departments with former county goalkeeper Matthew McNeice, the McQuades Daniel and Michael, Jamie McDonald and Stephen McConville capable of pushing Maghery to the pin of their collar.
Big James Lavery’s midfield dominance could once again be a key factor and should he call the shots, Maghery have ample attacking power to see them advance.
