CROSSMAGLEN step out on their quest for 20 titles in the last 21 years when they face neighbours Dromintee at Cullyhanna on Sunday (6.30pm).
Once again, they will be led by keeper Paul Hearty, the sole surviving member since the phenomenal journey began in 1995.
Cross have named a strong panel of 30 for this year’s championship, though not included are Jamie Clarke, Paul Hughes and Aaron Cunningham. Listed, however, is James Morgan, who is due to undergo further surgery on an injured wrist.
Whilst there may be a few teams capable of knocking Rangers from their lofty perch the question remains who’s going to topple them.
There was a time when Dromintee were the closest challengers when, backboned by the O’Rourke brothers, they contested a number of finals and semi-finals. However, those days are well gone and it will be a major surprise if the defending champions do not record a handsome victory.
Cross narrowly lost out on league honours as they missed several regulars. They needed victory on the final day against Maghery, which was denied them, the title going to their close neighbours, St Patrick’s.
Dromintee, despite being in transition, had a fairly reasonable league run in the Senior A section, ending up mid-table with seven wins from 14 starts.
The loss of classy defender Peter Campbell through injury has been a major setback and with the odds stacked against them, the blue and white brigade will be looking to big performances from their up and coming young star Aaron McKay, and also Cathal McKenna and Shane Carroll.
Cross hold all the aces with an outstanding array of talent which includes the Kernans – Aaron, Tony and Stephen – Johnny Hanratty, Michael McNamee, Rico Kelly, Martin Aherne, Paul McKeown, Kyle Brennan, Aidan Rushe, and the young O’Neill brothers – Oisin and Rian.
Earlier in the day there is a double bill at Pearse Og Park involving Madden and Clann Eireann (2pm) and Granemore against Tir na nOg (3.45pm)
Clann Eireann have been the up and coming team in the county as evidenced by lifting the section B title. Madden were also well in the race for honours but lost their momentum towards the end not helped by a growing list of injury problems. The Lurgan side with a mixture and youth and experience will be fancied to edge this one.
Granemore were somewhat unfortunate to lose out on section B honours having led the pack most of the way. Their opponents finished near the bottom of the pile and will have to show a marked improvement.
The Garvaghey Road side have been crippled with injuries, the biggest loss being vice-captain Pearse McDonald. Former county man Brian Mallon is still a major threat and Paul Carvill, Paudie Judge and Marc Davidson can also find the scoring range.
Granemore managed by Stefan White should have too much in the tank and whilst missing key players like Brendan Boylan and Ryan Rafferty have enough strength in depth to haul them over the line.
Ballymacnab is the venue for the fourth tie of the day involving Sarsfields and Forkhill (2pm).
The south Armagh representatives have had a poor league season finishing on the bottom rung of section B.
