By Shaun Casey

THINGS couldn’t be much tighter at the top of the Division 1A table as current league champions Clann Eireann are tied on 14 points with the reigning Senior Championship holders Crossmaglen.

Clann Eireann’s SFC winning captain from 2021 Shea Heffron has returned from a year out and Ruairi Lavery’s side are preparing for a clash with Armagh Harps this weekend, who are in third spot.

The Rangers, meanwhle, travel to Granemore on Friday night. Callum Cumiskey has played a starring role so far this season for Anthony Cunningham’s side while Cian McConville lined out at wing-forward last week against Silverbridge.

The ‘Bridge are on the road this weekend as they make the short journey to Dromintee while on Saturday, Madden host Killeavy, who have been in fine form of late, with Ciaron O’Hanlon leading the charge for Niall McAleenan’s men.

Mullaghbawn are the team to beat at the top of Division 1B and they take on their local neighbours, and the reigning All-Ireland Intermediate champions, Cullyhanna on Friday evening.

Maghery, who suffered their first defeat in seven games last week, take on Ballymacnab and Ciaran Higgins’ availability has been crucial for Maghery, while Armagh u-20 attacker Padraig O’Keefe is an exciting prospect.

Sarsfields are at the bottom of the table and have won twice in nine games. They entertain Culloville on Friday night while on Saturday, Clan na Gael host St Peter’s in an all-Lurgan derby clash.

Ronan Clarke’s St Paul’s currently lead the way in Division 2A on 13 points while Carrickcruppen have a chance to climb to the top as they take on Tullysaran on Friday, with St Paul’s enjoying a week off.

Tullysaran are at the bottom of the table but will have home advantage against Barry Flynn’s ‘Cruppen. Pearse Og are part of the chasing pack as well and they meet Shane O’Neill’s while Annaghmore host Keady.

Belleek have won all nine of their Division 2B games and they are seven-points clear at the top of the table. They travel to Derrynoose on Friday night while Clann Eireann IIs welcome Tir na nOg to Lurgan on Thursday.

Wolfe Tones, who currently sit in second place behind the table toppers, face off against Crossmaglen IIs this weekend while Whitecross take on Clonmore.

There’s a three-way tie at the top of the Division 3A table with Ballyhegan, Middletown and Forkhill all on 12 points while Thomas Davis remain unbeaten in Division 3B.