Crossmaglen are kings of Armagh once again after five-point win over Killeavy

Crossmaglen Rangers got themselves back on top in the Orchard County, as they defeated Killeavy 1-19 to 0-17 on Sunday, claiming an astonishing 48th Senior Championship title.

Cross are well known for their superstar players, such as the O’Neill brothers and Cian McConville, and whilst that group certainly played their part, it was the stars of the future who stepped up and made their mark.

Man of the Match Pearse Blessing nailed a crucial goal and two-pointer during the second half, Aaron Haughey never stopped working in the middle of the field, and teenager Keelan McEntee added energy, desire and quality off the bench.

Oisin O’Neill paid credit to those players, saying that they ‘steered the ship’ for the team.

“It wasn’t my best game, it wasn’t Rian’s best game, it wasn’t Cian’s best game, and people talk about us,” he said.

“But probably teams focus so much on us that the other boys got a little bit of space and they did unbelievable work there today, and it was them who steered the ship over the line.”

Closely fought first half

Crossmaglen were the first team on the scoreboard with Cian McConville blasting over when a sniff of goal was on.

Despite almost getting off to the worst possible start, Killeavy – who were involved in the final for the first time since 1988 – responded superbly, and had their best spell of the game. Callum O’Hare fired over a two-pointer, before Fergal Boylan and Ciaron O’Hanlon introduced themselves to the contest with points. A two-point free from Shea Magill had them 0-6 to 0-1 ahead after 10 minutes.

However, Steven McDonnell’s side wouldn’t score again for almost 20 minutes, as Crossmaglen wrestled back control, after two points from Aaron O’Neill settled them back into the game.

Those scores were followed by Oisin O’Neill and McConville (free) making their mark on the scoreboard, before the former grabbed the score of the day – a spectacular two-pointer despite close attention from Killeavy defender Cathair McKinney.

Wing backs Odhran Caraher and Harry Cumiskey then raised white flags either side of an Oisin O’Neill free to put Cross four ahead.

But Killeavy finished the half well, with Gareth Murphy and Conor O’Neill finding the target to leave two in it – 0-10 to 0-8 – at the interval.

Level game heading into the final minutes

As they did in the first half, Killeavy once again started well, and they went into the lead following two-pointers from Magill (free) and O’Hanlon.

Oisin O’Neill responded with two points in quick succession, before the sides started to go score-for-score, with Killeavy’s Cathal Boylan and Aron Magennis pointing either side of Keelan McEntee raising a white flag.

Crossmaglen came inches away from finding the net, but Callum Cumiskey’s effort crashed off the post. However, when Pearse Blessing got an opportunity moments later, he coolly finished past Magill to put Cross into a 1-13 to 0-14.

That goal brought the Rangers supporters to their feet, but it was the Killeavy faithful who were in full voice moments later when Fergal Boylan levelled the game with a superb two-pointer from the right wing.

Crossmaglen finish the game in style

The game came down to the final few minutes, and it was Crossmaglen who stood up and showed their class.

Blessing and McEntee added to the scoresheet, and whilst Killeavy kept battling with Fergal Boylan responding, when Blessing converted a huge two-pointer the Crossmaglen players, supporters and management knew they were on the verge of another title.

Late scores from substitute James Teelan and Cian McConville put the icing on the cake, and whilst Killeavy tried several high balls into the square in search of goal, Cross held firm and secured the win and another county title… this one sweeter than most.

‘We came the tough route, but we got there’

Speaking post-match, Cross manager Shane Lennon admitted that it wasn’t plain-sailing for Crossmaglen all year, having lost two of their three group games, but as the history books will reflect, ‘we got there’.

“We sat down after the Tullysaran game, and in a meeting we said ‘are we going to win the Championship?’. To a man, 42 of us in the room including management, said ‘yes’, and here we are.

“Yes, it wasn’t easy. We took the toughest route we could, through the Preliminary Round. We played Clans, Culloville, Clann Eireann and then built for this today. It’s just unbelievable.

“When a team produces that when the chips are down, it’s a credit to them. We came the tough route, but we got there.”

MATCH STATS

Crossmaglen: Miceal Murray; Eugene McEntee, Caolan Dillon, Christopher Crowley; Odhran Caraher (0-1), Callum Cumiskey, Harry Cumiskey (0-1); Stephen Morris, Pearse Blessing (1-3, 1tp); Aaron Haughey, Oisin O’Neill (0-6, 1pt, 2f), Ryan Martin; Cian McConville (0-3, 1f), Aaron O’Neill 0-2, Rian O’Neill.

Subs: Keelan McEntee (0-2) for Caraher, Padraig Stuttard for McEntee, James Teelan 0-1 for H Cumiskey.

Killeavy: Shea Magill (0-4, 2tpf); Conor Magennis, Kyle Mallon, Conor O’Neill (0-1); Lee Rice, Gareth Murphy (0-1), Cathair McKinney; Euan Boyd, Cathal Boylan (0-1); Callum O’Hare (0-2, 1tp), Kealan McDonnell, Ciaron O’Hanlon (0-3, 1tp); Fergal Boylan (0-4, 1tp, 1f), Ronan McGuinness, Aron Magennis (0-1).

Subs: Caolan McConville for Boyd, Tiarnan Brown for McGuinnes, Niall Magennis for McDonnell, Jamie Cosgrove for Rice.

Referee: Philip Conway.