Crossmaglen are Armagh champions again after a dramatic county final win over Killeavy, completing a remarkable turnaround in the club’s season. The victory was made even more satisfying by the influential return of Rian and Oisin O’Neill, whose availability helped transform the team’s fortunes.
In a compelling example of sports Ireland’s club tradition and resilience, Crossmaglen recovered from a difficult start to claim a 1-19 to 0-17 success at the Athletic Grounds on Sunday. Their reward is an Armagh title and a place in the upcoming Ulster club championship.
Crossmaglen find another gear in Armagh final
Killeavy made the stronger early impression and Crossmaglen were forced to chase the game for long periods. With 15 minutes remaining, the final was still finely balanced, and the defending pressure on the Crossmaglen attack was beginning to tell.
The turning point arrived when Pearse Blessing found the net. His goal moved Crossmaglen in front and shifted the momentum decisively in their favour. From there, the experienced south Armagh side managed the closing stages with composure, adding the scores required to finish five points clear.
The result gives Crossmaglen their first Armagh senior title since 2023 and restores the club to the summit of county football. It was not a straightforward championship campaign, however, with the eventual winners losing their opening two group matches.
O’Neill brothers make decisive impact
Crossmaglen’s revival began when Rian and Oisin O’Neill returned to the team. Both players featured from the bench in the final group fixture against Madden, and their introduction changed the direction of the contest.
Manager Shane Lennon highlighted the brothers’ influence when speaking to the Irish News, while also joking that he had initially been unhappy when Oisin revealed his wedding date fell during the championship campaign.
“When he told me the date he was getting married I wasn’t too happy originally,” Lennon said, before explaining that the wedding ultimately gave the team a clear target for the weeks that followed.
Oisin’s return proved particularly valuable. Alongside Rian and Aaron, he played a central role in the quarter-final victory over Culloville, when the O’Neill trio contributed 2-15 of Crossmaglen’s overall tally.
That attacking output underlined why the brothers remain such important figures in Armagh club football. Their movement, scoring ability and experience gave Crossmaglen an extra edge just when the championship demanded it.
Ulster challenge now awaits
Crossmaglen’s county success opens the door to another Ulster campaign. The club has a proud record in the provincial championship but has not lifted the Ulster title for 11 years.
The Armagh final victory will encourage the club that another serious run is possible. Crossmaglen have already shown they can recover from adversity, and the late-season form of the O’Neill brothers adds further belief ahead of the next stage.
Key factors for the provincial campaign will include:
- Maintaining the defensive discipline shown in the final.
- Finding consistent scores from open play.
- Keeping the O’Neill brothers fit and available.
- Building on the confidence created by the county title.
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What comes next for Crossmaglen?
The immediate consequence of Sunday’s triumph is a return to provincial competition, where Crossmaglen will face a new level of pressure and expectation. Their county campaign showed that early setbacks do not have to define a season.
For now, the club can celebrate a hard-earned Armagh title. The next test will be whether this rejuvenated Crossmaglen team can carry its momentum beyond the county boundary and end its long wait for another Ulster crown.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
