Clanns bow out at semi-final stage

Clann Eireann Minors bowed out of the All County Championship last Sunday at Pearse Ogs Park when they were beaten at the semi-final stage by a decent Dromintee side. The South Armagh outfit were good value for their thirteen points win and overall they were better in most departments than their Lurgan opponents. As Dromintee now prepare for a final meeting against Silverbridge, the Clanns will ponder on what might have been and consider how they would have performed had their influential centre forward John Magee been available. The Shore Road youngsters were in front just once during the game which incidentally was inside the first minute when Jack Wilson shot over following a pass from one of the losers best players on the day Johnny Tarode. Dromintee led with a scoreline of 0-10 at the break and the Clanns had to wait until the 22nd minute for their second point which was registered by Ronan McGivern, in the interim period the winners were finding their scores a lot easier to come by through Ryan Hughes, Conor Martin and Cathal McArdle. Although Clann Eireann staged a mini revival in the third quarter when points followed from James McDade, Declan Heaney and Jack Wilson, the hammer blow arrived when McArdle for the Droms hit the only goal of the game eleven minutes from the end. On the day Clann Eireann struggled against a bigger and stronger Dromintee outfit, but sterling efforts were forthcoming from the Lurgan lads who had James McDade, Shea Heffron, Patrick Sheehan and Johnny Tarode in particular all showing glimpses of good form. Clan na Gael, despite finishing third in Division 2, will miss out on a promotion place following Maddens win over Tir na Nog in last Sunday’s Intermediate final. The second flight in 2014 will be akin to a Lurgan and District League considering Wolfe Tones, St. Paul’s, Clann Eireann, St. Peter’s, Eire Og and the Clans will all contest local derbies. Although finishing fourth in Division 2 behind Tir na Nog, Annaghmore and Clan na Gael, Maddens Intermediate Championship success has propelled the Mid-Armagh Club into Division 1. This scenario will allow for next seasons Senior Championship to be contested between Division One clubs with Division 2 sides playing in the Intermediate series. The general consensus in the county would still suggest local clubs are still incapable of mounting a challenge at Senior Championship level, and although Maghery recently won their third Division one title on the trot they were beaten somewhat comfortably by Crossmaglen in last weekends Gerry Fegan Cup semi-final.