GAA: Ulster club action gets underway this weekend
Crossmaglen aim to set up huge clash with All-Ireland champions Kilcoo
Crossmaglen Rangers have their sights set on booking a place on the Ulster Senior Club Football Championship Quarter-finals - and with it, a meeting with reigning All-Ireland champions Kilcoo.
First, they have to get past Monaghan winners Ballybay at the Athletic Grounds on Saturday night.
Cross regained the Armagh title for the first time since 2019 following a comfortable 1-19 to 0-10 victory over Granemore a fortnight ago. It was their record 46th county championship and their third in seven years - a relatively barren spell by the South Armagh's club's extraordinarily high standards.
Standing in their way are Monaghan title-holders Ballybay, who have the likes of county stars, Dessie Ward, the veteran Paul Finlay and the Wylie brothers - Drew and Ryan amongst their ranks.
Crossmaglen have their own experience in a squad sprinkled with outstanding young talent.
The evergreen Aaron Kernan continues to perform for a side managed by brother Stephen, while Jamie Clarke has boosted the attacking options available since his return. With James Morgan and Paul Hughes also holding plenty of inter-county experience, it's a side packed with talent who will be deemed as favourites for this tie.
But the younger generation is finally beginning to excel in the black and amber.
Rian O'Neill is widely - and rightly - regarded as one of the best forwards in Ireland at county level, but operates in midfield for his club. That allows the superb Cian McConville to lead the line.
Eight points in that victory over Granemore saw McConville - son the legendary Jim and nephew of Oisin - grab the Man of the Match award. The 22-year-old will be one of Ballybays biggest worries on Saturday.
There's also an intriguing sub-plot involving Crossmaglen's weekend opponennts.
Ballybay are managed by Down man Jerome Johnston. The Kilcoo native will be aiming to guide his side through to a last eight meeting with his home club...a home club that features Jerome's three sons - Jerome Jr, Ryan and Shealan - as there of the stars of the show.
FIXTURES
Saturday November 5th
Ulster GAA Senior Club Football Championship Preliminary Round
Athletic Grounds, Armagh (7.15pm): Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) v Ballybay (Monaghan)
Ulster GAA Intermediate Club Football Championship Preliminary Round
Athletic Grounds, Armagh (5pm): Shane O'Neill's (Armagh) v Corduff (Monaghan)
Ulster GAA Junior Club Football Championship Preliminary Round
Pairc Esler, Newry (3pm): Tecconaught (Down) v Stewartstown (Tyrone)
Ulster GAA Intermediate Club Hurling Championship Quarter-Finals
Carrickmore (1.30pm): Carrickmore (Tyrone) v Lisbellaw (Fermanagh)
Pairc Esler, Newry (5.15pm): Liatroim (Down) v Castleblayney (Monaghan)