Rian O’Neill was sent off in injury-time as Crossmaglen opened their Armagh SFC defence with a 3-5 to 2-13 defeat to Clan na Gael in Davitt Park.

The All-Ireland winning centre forward also had a late penalty saved before receiving a straight red card which means he will be suspended for Cross’ next Group B match against Sarsfields. In a repeat of last year’s county final, a brace of Pearse Blessing goals ensured the champions of a parity at the break, 2-4 to 0-10.

But second half majors from Shane McPartlan and Michael McConville, either side of a Paul Hughes strike for Rangers, propelled the Lurgan side to a noteworthy victory.

Despite the absence of injured county star Rory Grugan, Ballymacnab edged out Dromintee by 0-11 to 0-10, while Armagh Harps were 4-12 to 0-11 winners over Mullaghbawn in yesterday’s other Armagh SFC Round 1 ties. 

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