In the SFC it's hard to look past wins for Maghery, Armagh Harps, Cross and Ballymacnab.
Asking a lot for Granemore to cause another upset having already disposed of Cullyhanna, Maghery will expect a challenge and won't take them for granted. Likewise Ballymacnab will have learned from their previous meeting with Annaghmore and should edge a close encounter. The other two games will more than likely be big wins for Harps and Cross. Killeavy having been relegated to Division 2 and intermediate football for next season have nothing but championship pride to play for, I can't imagine the Harps being too troubled by the challenge they pose. Likewise Pearse Óg have it all to do against Crossmaglen who I fully expect to retain their crown. Ógs don't have the same edge as they did in 2009 and even without running on full cylinders Cross should pull up comfortably.
The IFC is at the semifinal stage with the first pairing of Clann Éireann and Madden. I can only foresee one winner in this encounter and it's the men from the Monaghan Road. The Lurgan team have romped to the division 2 league title but will come unstuck against their bogey team who have already defeated them twice this season and who were impressive winners over St. Peter's last weekend. The other semi sees two teams who will be desperate to get to division 1. I have no doubt in my mind that county player commitments have impeded the Grange in their quest for promotion via the league. That said I think Whitecross will edge this tie by the bare minimum. Going for a Madden/Whitecross final.
The JFC interestingly still has three seconds teams with an eye for glory which certainly raises questions about the standard of football at this level. Clonmore along with Tullysaran have already booked a semi final berth and are arguably the two favourites at this stage. Killeavy II play Ballyhegan in an intriguing tie, they defeated them in this competition before although I can't imagine lightening striking twice, Davitts should have enough to squeeze past them. The other QF is a replay between two foes Cullyhanna and Cross. I expect a good hard game of manly football with the men in black and amber to prevail, but only just? Regardless, depending on the draw it is Clonmore followed by Tullysaran who are my two favourites.
Predictions: SFC - Crossmaglen Rangers IFC - St Killian's Whitecross JFC - Clonmore Robert Emmets MFC - Crossmaglen Rangers Ladies SFC - Carrickcruppen St Patrick's