By Shaun Casey

ARMAGH legend Stevie McDonnell is set to manage his native Killeavy after the club recently parted ways with Niall McAleenan, who was in his first season in charge.

McAleenan took over from Tommy Coleman at the start of the season but the club were left with a vacancy to be filled following McAleenan’s departure on Monday night following a poor outing in the first round of the championship.

That departure will be filled by Stevie McDonnell, according to the Newry Reporter.

Killeavy lost heavily to Cullyhanna in the opening round of the Senior Championship last weekend, with the Intermediate All-Ireland champions running out convincing 2-16 to 0-8 winners.

They are also currently bottom of their championship group due to last week’s heavy defeat but can climb into a playoff position with a win over Culloville, who also suffered a first-round defeat to Silverbridge.

The ‘Bridge are on the road this week as they make the short journey to Cullyhanna, who are without a couple of key men due to injury such as captain Pearse Casey, Kieran McCooey and Mickey Murray.

In Group B, Clan na Gael arguably secured the most eye-catching victory of the opening round as they defeated reigning champions Crossmaglen in a repeat of last season’s county final.

Shane McPartlan and Michael McConville both rattled the net for the home side in the 2-13 to 3-5 win and they travel to Granemore for round two in a top of the table clash.

Granemore defeated Sarsfields away from home in round one, with nine points to spare, but Sarsfields will once again have home advantage when they welcome Crossmaglen to Derrytrasna.

Back-to-back Division 1A league winners Clann Eireann lead the way in Group C as they were handy ten-point winners away to St Peter’s on the opening day, with All-Ireland winners Conor Turbitt and Barry McCambridge contributing off the bench.

They travel to Maghery who will feel hard done by after the first round as they couldn’t hold onto a one-point lead late in the game. They conceded a goal in the dying minute to Madden, and the Raparees host St Peter’s this Sunday.

Armagh Harps are the table-toppers in Group D after a huge 4-12 to 0-11 victory over Mullaghbawn. Two goals apiece from Joe McElroy and James McCoy, one in each half, were the key scores.

They meet Ballymacnab in round two, who enjoyed a one-point opening day win over Dromintee thanks to a late Oisin McGivern point and Dromintee will aim to bounce back against Mullaghbawn.