Orchard for Ulster

FOR my money, it’s between Derry and Armagh for the Anglo-Celt Cup this year, while Monaghan have another puncher’s chance. Newly-crowned National League champions Derry are rightfully a lot of people’s favourites to win Ulster, but being under the spotlight for so long can play tricks on a team’s psyche.

BY BRENDAN CROSSAN
Plus, they have an arduous journey to reach a provincial final: Donegal in Ballybofey and possibly Monaghan in the semi-finals is an exceptionally tough route.
Oak Leaf boss Paddy Crozier has plenty of defensive options and has three top- class midfielders to choose from in Fergal Doherty, James Conway and Joe Diver. They have sufficient scoring threat too, with Conleith Gilligan showing a smooth scoring economy as a roving forward.
Put simply, Derry look the business, but they have it all to do to win their first provincial crown since ’98.
Armagh look to have an easier path to an Ulster final berth, with Antrim or Cavan providing a nice opener. They could face their arch-rivals, Tyrone, in the semis – but Armagh are taken to come through because of their greater firepower.
Ronan Clarke’s return to fitness is a huge boost for the Orchard attack, and while Tony Kernan mightn’t possess the ball-winning qualities of Diarmaid Marsden, he is a cool customer in front of the posts and can share the scoring burden with Clarke, Oisin McConville and Stevie McDonnell.
Under the new regime, Armagh’s half-forward line is seeing more of the ball, which will suit maturing centre forward Stephen Kernan down to the ground.
The returning Francie Bellew should tighten up the full-back line with Aidan O’Rourke bringing huge experience and quality distribution at centre back.
If Armagh and Derry were to face one another tomorrow, Derry would win, but by the time July 20 comes around Armagh’s greater temperament might just tip the scales in their favour.
This year’s NFL Division Two was arguably the best station for teams to be at ahead of the Championship insofar as the games were of sufficient quality and weren’t as intense as those in the top flight.
Doubts remain as to whether or not the Farney County can go one better than last year, but their half-back line and midfield will have to make massive improvement after finishing their League campaign in meek fashion.
So enough fence-sitting. I fancy Armagh manager Peter McDonnell to be celebrating a debut provincial win, especially with the high amount of chances the team is creating and, unlike last year, they have all their key players fit.
Ulster can improve their challenge on the All-Ireland stage too, with Kerry and dark horses Galway jockeying for position.

Tribesmen to dent Kilkenny charge
DESPITE its grand expansion, Ulster hurling appears to be on life-support with no county looking capable of upsetting Antrim this summer. Down’s hey-day is long since past as Jim McKernan tries to make the Ardsmen at least competitive again.
In many ways, the Ulster Championship acts merely as preparation for all 10 participants as they look to their respective Championship tilts in the Liam McCarthy, Christy Ring and Nicky Rackard. The only date that matters for Antrim is June 28 when Galway come to Casement Park for an All-Ireland Qualifier. Though the signs are ominous for ‘Sambo’ (right) and ‘Woody,’ with Ger Loughnane moulding a side that could go all the way.
There are big reputations at stake in Cork after their winter strike, but they may be past their prime. As for Kilkenny, it’s debatable just how motivated a team can be to aim for three titles in-a-row.
Like Cork’s failed three-in-a-row bid earlier this decade, Kilkenny’s edge may have been blunted by recent Liam McCarthy successes.
Galway to upset the odds.

Brendan Crossan's Predictions
Ulster SFC: Armagh
All-Ireland SFC: Kerry
Ulster SHC: Antrim
All-Ireland SHC: Galway