Lurganclubs could meet inthe final

The chance of two North Armagh sides contesting this season’s Intermediate Championship final has increased following last weekend’s round of games and the draw on Monday evening.

St. Peter’s and Clan na Gael secured wins against An Port Mór and Silverbridge respectively to move through to the quarter finals where they will now await the winners of the second round of Qualifier games.

In the so-called back door series, Clann Eireann and Eire Óg have avoided each other with the Shore Road men having been drawn against An Port Mór and the Ogs having drawn Middletown.

The next round of Qualifier games will take place on 28th, 29th and 30th of August.

In the quarter-finals, one mouth-watering tie which would be immediately noticeable to local Gaels is that which would pair divisional league winners Clann Éireann, should they beat the Blackwater men, against Lurgan rivals and former Championship specialists Clan na Gael. The sides have met in recent years in the series with the Blues most recently coming out on top.

In the other draws, should Éire Óg progress they would face a repeat against last weekend’s opponents Grange and St. Peter’s are now likely to come up against Madden who would be fancied to ease past Keady and make the last eight. The remaining games will see three South Armagh clubs facing off and other Intermediate sides will be glad to know that only one of Culloville, Silverbridge or Whitecross will reach a semi-final.

The quarter-final round is set to take place over the first weekend of September.

The Senior series will continue this weekend with Wolfe Tones set to play Tir na nÓg in a game which will give them a very realistic chance of progressing. The two local clubs are of a similar standard but the ‘Cash men will take confidence in having defeated Portadown already in the league this season.

Also in the Senior Championship, St Paul’s will have a tough assignment against South Armagh side Dromintee who are coming back into form.

Sarsfields, who have amassed an unbeaten run of 11 games in the league, will travel to Ballymacnab to play Forkhill