Armagh SFC: Killeavy comeback sinks Clan na Gael as preliminary quarter-final draw is deferred 

Clan na Gael, back-to-back finalists in 2023 and 2024, are the first big-name casualty of the Armagh SFC as Steven McDonnell’s Killeavy advance to the knockout stages

Cormac Leonard Armagh SFC: Killeavy 1-14 Clan na Gael 1-12

Killeavy turned in a great second half display against the elements to end Clan na Gael’s Championship campaign with a hard-fought two-win win at Memorial Park.

With Maghery beating Culloville, a defeat at home would have spelled the end for the League winners and things weren’t looking good for Steven McDonnell’s men midway through the second half.

A brace of two-pointers from Shane McPartland had Clans 1-9 to 0-8 ahead playing with the aid of a strong breeze.

However, a classy goal from the outstanding Aron Magennis, who hit 1-5 from play, helped turn the game in favour of the home team.

With Maghery topping the group, Killeavy finish second with Culloville taking the third spot.

Armagh have opted to push the draw for the preliminary quarter-finals back by one week as there’s still one game outstanding in Group B following last weekend’s abandoned game between Mullaghbawn and Cullyhanna .

Clan na Gael, beaten finalists in 2023 and 2024, won the toss and opted to play against the wind in the first half.

It looked like their decision was going to pay off as the sides were level after a low-scoring first half played in extremely difficult conditions.

Killeavy missed several scoring chances in the first quarter with Armagh star Stefan Campbell winning plenty of breaks around the middle.

Caolan McConville’s two-pointer to open his side’s account was the only one Killeavy managed and it was soon wiped out when James Austin found the net at the other end.

Tom Lavery added a point soon after and they had the ball in the net for a second time, although Shea McCann’s effort was ruled out for a square ball infringement.

Killeavy levelled the contest before the break with Magennis landing his first before goalkeeper Shea Magill converted a free.

However, the south Armagh men had plenty to do in the second half and they fell four points down before Magennis beat Shea Murphy with a stunning finish low at the near post after a fine pass from Callum O’Hare.

The hosts finished on top with Magennis proving a handful. Clans tied in vain to rescue matters in stoppage-time, but Campbell’s late shot at goal was deflected over the crossbar as Ronan McMahon’s side bowed out.

Killeavy scorers: Aron Magennis 1-6, Caolan McConville 0-2 (1tp), Shea Magill 0-1 (0-1f), Callum O’Hare 0-1, Kealan McDonnell 0-1, Fergal Boylan 0-1, Ronan McGuinness 0-1 (0-1f), Niall Magennis 0-1.

Clan na Gael scorers: Shane McPartland 0-6 (3tpfs), James Austin 1-0, Callum O’Neill 0-2 (1tp), Stefan Campbell 0-1 (0-1f), Tom Lavery 0-1, Cianan Campbell 0-1, Michael Toland 0-1.