By Shaun Casey

REIGNING Armagh champions Crossmaglen will face off against their last two final opponents in this years Senior Championship group stages. The Rangers have been drawn into the same group as Granemore, Clan na Gael and Sarsfields.

Cross brushed past Granemore in the 2022 decider, 1-19 to 0-10 while they overcame Clans 2-16 to 1-7 in last years final. Cross also faced Clan na Gael and Sarsfields during the 2023 round robin series, drawing with Clans and beating Sarsfields by 13-points.

Back-to-back Division 1A winners, and many people’s favourites for the championship, Clann Eireann will take on Madden, St Peter’s and Maghery. Clann Eireann were crowned champions in 2021 and will hope to get their hands on the Gerry Fagan Cup once again.

2017 championship winners Armagh Harps will be expected to top their group as they take on Dromintee, Division 1B winners Mullaghbawn and Ballymacnab, who were relegated to Division 2A.

Group A is the cliched group of death and all four teams will realistically fancy their chances of topping their section. Silverbridge go into the championship as top seeds, having finished inside the top four of Division 1A.

They will have derby clashes with Killeavy, Culloville and last years All-Ireland Intermediate winners Cullyhanna, who will have an eye on securing their first ever Senior Championship crown.

Cullyhanna made final appearances in 2013 and 2016 but came up short on both occasions, against Crossmaglen and Maghery, so getting back to that level will be their main objective this season.