Seventh title the spur for Crossmaglen

NOT SURPRISINGLY, there was a certain amount of ring rust identified during Crossmaglen’s Armagh SFC quarter-final against Silverbridge last week.

Joint-boss Oliver Short admitted some of the county players struggled due to, of all things, “a lack of familiarity” with the rest of the ‘Cross players.

After a tepid opening half, the south Armagh men were able to turn things around in the second period to finally run out 3-12 to 0-7 winners. Ace forward Oisin McConville found his rhythm and bagged an excellent 1-8, while impressive corner-forward James Hughes and Stephen Kernan - son of Joe - found the net.

“Some of the boys with the county were a little bit ring rusty because they didn’t get many games with the county team. But hopefully they’ll improve if we get a bit of a run in the championship. The focus of the county players is excellent. There’s still a great freshness about them after their All-Ireland win because the games are coming thick and fast.

“We were lucky the first game was a local derby against Silverbridge and now tomorrow’s semi-final is against Keady who have John Toal and Paul McCormack - so that’s a good focus as well.

“And of course, the prize of winning seven championships in-a-row for some of these boys is another reason to achieve.” The second Armagh semi is between Dromintee and Pearse Ógs.

There’s also a raft of county final honours up for grabs tomorrow, including the Kildare SFC decider, with Moorefield and Newbridge colliding for Lilywhite bragging rights.

Sarsfields will be without the services of inspirational midfielder Dermot Earley and will be up against it, as Moorefield look a resurgent force. They took Kilcock to the cleaners last weekend and have the big game experience in stalwarts like Sos Dowling.

In Carlow, the county SFC concludes tomorrow and neither O’Hanrahan’s or Eire Óg will be around for the curtain call. It is an unusual situation for the football season to come to its end without either town club.

Like Eire Óg in the mid 90’s, O’Hanrahan’s have ruled Carlow football in the past few years and this season was meant to be simply an excercise in their coronation as champions for the fourth successive year.

But the great thing about the club scene is anything can happen. People really can be heroes just for one day and that is what Palatine and Rathvilly are aiming to be tomorrow in Dr. Cullen Park (3.30pm).

Of the two rural clubs, Palatine will be the neutral’s favourite. It has been fifty years since they defeated Ballymurphy in a replay to capture their first Carlow title.

In Meath, Darren Fay is virtually certain to miss Trim’s Meath SFC semi final tomorrow against Dunboyne (12.30pm). It will be followed by a quarter final replay between Dunsaughlin and Blackhall Gaels with Seneschalstown awaiting the winners in the last four (2pm).

In Sligo, Eastern Harps and Coolera/Strandhill tussle for the second time in a week tonight. Last Sunday’s final failed to separate the two exciting footballing sides, although Coolera were handed a boost during the week after being told they would have the services of their three players based overseas, including the influential James Joyce.

That might tip the balance in their favour.

Meanwhile ex U21 hurling boss Michael Doyle and ex Offaly boss John McIntyre are the clear front runners to succeed Nicky English as Tipperary hurling manager.