Hurling & Camogie

Red High look to retain scoring touch in McGreevy Cup final against St Pat's, Armagh

Danske Bank McGreevy Cup final: St Patrick’s Downpatrick v St Patrick’s, Armagh (Thursday, Clonduff GAC, Hilltown, 5pm)

THE Red High’s semi-final scoreline really stands out. They beat St Patrick’s Keady in a goal-fest that finished 12-10 to 9-6

But the question facing them as they prepare for tomorrow's final against the other Armagh side in the competition is whether their forward line can maintain that scoring power or indeed whether the defence can tighten up enough to take the trophy that eluded them last season.

Captain Sean Young scored six of the semi-final goals and played in the last year’s semi-final when they lost to Keady who went on to win the title. If he can get on to as much ball again in the final, Downpatrick will have a good chance of taking their first title in six seasons.

Ryan McCabe and Ryan McElroy are two others who have excelled for the team as they made their way to the final while younger players such as Oran and Cillian Coulter and Jude Coleman have settled well and have made a good contribution to date.

Armagh topped their group with victories over Rathmore, St Mary’s Magherafelt and St Patrick’s Keady. Although they pulled away on the scoreboard from St Columba’s, Portaferry in the semi-final, the actual game was much tighter.

There were strong performances on the day from Luca Donnelly (Dúiche Neill) in defence Martin Quinn Captain (Derrynoose) in midfield and Cúchulainn’s Daithí Gillespie up front.

It will be Armagh’s first appearance in the final in five years and it is all of 17 years since their last success. Armagh really want the win, but Downpatrick are the favourites to take the title this season.