One that got away

THE Clan an Gael under 21 management team of Paul O’Hagan and his assistants Jim McKerr, Kevin O’Hagan and Brendan Campbell may look back on this season’s under 21 championship as the one which got away.

The Blues lined out in last Sunday’s semi-final against Cullyhanna missing the services of Shane McCabe, Stephan Campbell and Johnny Lyness.

The side’s centre half forward Kieran Conway fought off a bout of the flu to take his place in the semi-final.

Two players, Aaron Toland and Paddy Lennon, the side’s centre half back, had to leave the Ballycrummy pitch with injuries on Sunday.

A big number of the Clans under 21 panel had lined out for the seniors over the past two seasons and midfielder Dairmaud O’Hagan is under 21 for the next four seasons.

An all north Armagh final would have seen the Clans play Maghery who comfortably defeated Ballymacnab last sunday.

Aidan Forker, who could be ready to make a breakthrough to the Armagh senior team along with Shay Tennyson, did most of the scoring for the lough shore side.

Maghery’s rise to prominance has been steady since they made a decision a number of years ago to enter the Intermediate Championship.

Although they had an off day against Granemore in this season’s Gerry Fegan Cup they finished runners-up behind Crossmaglen in the first division.

They also won the all county B championship and adding the under 21 crown is certainly not out of the question.

As for Clan na Gael, their recent dip in form at senior level could be levelling out. They have a young side who can only improve with time.