Clann Éireann and Dromintee advance to Armagh SFC semis as Madden dethroned

Clann Eireann's Conor Turbitt ©INPHO/Leah Scholes

Clann Éireann ended Madden Raparees’ reign as Armagh senior football champions with a 1-13 to 0-11 quarter-final victory at the Box-It Athletic Grounds last night.

Madden, who had dethroned Clann Éireann at the semi-final stage last year, had made the better start in this one before their opponents took control with county ace Conor Turbitt, Aodhan McConville and Odhran McCafferty among those on target.

The decisive moment came before half-time when Cohen Henderson found the net after Daniel Magee won possession from a Madden kick-out, leading the victors towards a 1-7 to 0-6 half-time lead.

Madden battled to close the gap after the restart, but the reigning champions struggled to break down a disciplined Clann Éireann defence.

Turbitt and Henderson kept the scoreboard moving as Clann Éireann maintained their advantage to the final whistle, securing their place in the semi-finals and bringing Madden’s championship defence to an end.

The other quarter-final in the Orchard County last night saw Dromintee advancing thanks to a 3-14 to 1-15 win against Mullaghbawn.

Jack McArdle, Cathal McKenna and Shea McArdle netted the decisive goals for the winners at the Box-It Athletic Grounds, where the two remaining quarter-finals in the Gerry Fagan Cup race are down for this decision this today with Carrickcruppen playing Killeavy (4pm) before 47-time champions Crossmaglen Rangers face Culloville (6pm).