Carrickcruppen avoid the drop

Carrickcruppen’s Billy Joe Padden

AFTER their run to the championship semi-final last month, Carrickcruppen ensured they would avoid relegation with a victory against Wolfe Tone on Sunday.

In the end the Derrymacash side offered little resistance, losing by 26 points having been relegated a long time ago after picking up just two points from a possible 42 in the league.

‘Cruppen, who were able to field one of their strongest teams of the season, ran out 2-24 to 1-3 winners, a result that left manager Barry Flynn satisfied.

It meant that Clann Éireann and Clan na Gael would be playing in the intermediate league in 2013.

“Everyone said we did very well to get to the championship semi-final, but we were still very disappointed to lose, even if it was to Crossmaglen,” said Flynn.

“But the league is of vital importance to us too, so to ensure our safety was very important to us.
“Being in the senior league next year will help us to build on this year and we will be looking to progress.”

Some uncertainty surrounds the conclusion at the other end of the table, but a league final is expected to take place.

Maghery’s win over Crossmaglen ensures they will be part of it with Killeavy and Cullyhanna most likely battling it out for the other spot as all fixtures must be played by next Sunday.

Killeavy were awarded a walk-over as Pearse Óg did not field while Cullyhanna had no fixture last weekend.

In the shield competition, it looks like Dromintee and Sarsfield’s will be meeting in the final.
Although it’s not mathematically certain, it’s unlikely enough fixtures will be played in the next 10 days to change that outlook.

Dromintee were not in action at the weekend but Sarsfield’s had a three-point away victory over Ballymacnab.