North Armagh wins to be highlighted

The event will be co-ordinated by Lurgan GAA writer Eugene Creaney who believes that the big amount of all-county success secured by clubs from the area should be highlighted.

He said: “Although Crossmaglen have raised the bar in Armagh beyond the reach of most clubs in the county, it is still important to illustrate the huge amount of work being done in the north of the county by all the clubs who, on a daily basis, face a battle against a host of other sporting and recreational activities.

“The GAA is still strong in the north of the county and although there had been a dip in standards over the last number of years, the gratifying aspect to all of this is the new, fresh approach being showed by clubs and their coaches which is now being rewarded with more local talent being recognised at county level.

“Both local and national media are invited to come along, and some club members and coaches will be available for interviews, etc.”

“In my opinion it is important for the area to still have a sense of identity which has been lost somewhat by the dissolution of the North Armagh board.”

North Armagh clubs, and Lurgan clubs in particular, are on the up at senior level.

Clann Éireann won the Division Two title and Wolfe Tones were promoted. St Peter’s topped Division Three, and Éire Óg did the double by winning the Division Four title and Junior Championship.

North Armagh clubs, Tír na nÓg and Clonmore, contested the Intermediate and Junior Championship finals respectively in 2011 whilst several all-county titles were won by north Armagh clubs at under-age level.

Maghery recently won the Reserve League and their senior side finished runners-up in Division One behind Crossmaglen Rangers.

In the Ladies game, at all-county level, Clann Éireann swept the board. They landed titles at Senior, Minor, Under 16, Under 14 and Under 13 grades. Sarsfields Ladies, at senior level, captured the all-county Junior title.

Several other north Armagh teams have seen success this season and the press event will take place in the Clann Éireann clubrooms at 5.30 pm following the Town and Country Cup charity game which has been fixed for Clann Éireann park at 2 pm.

The proceeds of the game will go to the Lurgan branch of the St. Vincent de Paul society and players from the twelve north Armagh clubs will be taking part on the day.

Over the past three seasons the charity game has collected over £4000 for the SVDP society which depends on donations from the local community, particularly on the run-up to Christmas.

Winning captains from all the sides (senior and under-age level) who won all-county titles in 2011 are invited to attend the press event and it would be appreciated if trophies were on display on the day.