Clan Na Gael Hold Killeavey To Reach Armagh Semi.
Clan Na Gael 2.12 Killeavey 2.11
Two goals from Armagh player Stefan Campbell gave Clan Na gael a narrow one point win in Saturday nights senior championship game at the Athletic Grounds. With Killeavey now being guided by Stevan Mc Donnell and Marty Clarke they could claim that they may have salvaged a draw at the death, but a huge set piece effort from Shay Magill was deflected to safety by the towering Shane Mc Parland. Bringing credence to the series, the tie put the competition on the map,
From the first minute when Jack Lavery who was the blues best, topping Callum O Neill for the overall prize,, cruised in to blast narrowly wide,Â
The fact that the underdogs took the lead only added to the tension. Gareth Murphy struck early for the south Armagh side, winning an effort in the air which was adjudged to have crossed the line, Caolin Mc Conville his sides second goal scorer, brought the best out in the blues who kept the challengers thinking , resulting in a breakaway goal from Campbell for the Lurgan side at a crucial stage, One of the highlights was the intricacy of Niall Hendersons probing from deep, the Clans number 11, had his best game to date, his long and accurate deliveries, causing first phase issues for Killeavey.
In a game of ever changing moods, defenders were on the score sheet, keeper Magill knocked 3 over from frees, his team mates, Murphy, and Mc Kinney all registered, and brought Clans responses from blues defenders Mc Larnon, Jack Lavery by 2, and a great effort from the peerless Jamie Brady. Brendan O Hagan had a solid outing with Callum O Neill landing 4 from play in a masterclass. Campbells two goals were crucial on a day which contained some fundamental errors, an amount of rustiness from the Clans.
The game had odd tough challenge, it was huge value for money for the fans. In retrospect young Malachy Ward added more dash and energy with the already impressive Michael Mc Conville who covered every blade of grass. Mc Parland is versatile, the Clans will be hard to beat, lasting home by a point against Killeavey on reflection was a good result.Â
Caption , young Clan Na Gael fans enjoyed the win.
senior sports reporter Eugene Creaney
Clann Eireann report to follow
