McEntee wary of Portlaoise challenge

CROSSMAGLEN, three times All-Ireland club champions between 1997 and 2000, take on Leinster representatives Portlaoise at Parnell Park tomorrow (2.30pm) in a semi-final which may very well decide the destination of the trophy.

Under the expert guidance of Joe Kernan, no longer actively involved but still an influential figure in the background - and with two sons in the current side - Crossmaglen have achieved the proudest record in the competition outside of Nemo Rangers.

The side has evolved, to the stage where only nine of the present panel remain from the team which triumphed against Knockmore, Ballina and Na Fianna in the 1997, ‘99 and 2000 finals.