Maghery’s win is overshadowed by after match brawl on pitch

A brawl involving supporters and players marred Saturday’s Armagh SFC semi-final as Maghery defeated Crossmaglen Rangers at the Athletic Grounds.

Around 20 engaged in the melee after the final whistle with fans coming onto the field, some attempting to break up skirmishes between players.

No injuries were reported but an Armagh County Board investigation is likely to follow. Video footage from ‘Armagh TV Live’ will also be looked at.

The incident marred a fine win by Maghery who won their first Armagh senior football championship title last year, with manager Shane McConville predicting that it would prove a portent for more progress.

His prophecy is currently being fulfilled now that his side are through to a second successive decider and what’s more could yet find themselves in pole position to remain on the orchard county throne.

It was in a riveting semi-final at the Athletic Grounds that Maghery dug deep into their well of character, courage and polished skills to ensure that the once mighty Rangers would endure another abortive season.

Yet while his team march defiantly on, McConville accepts that in meeting Armagh Harps in the final they will encounter an extremely formidable obstacle.

“We have won nothing yet,” declares McConville flatly. “The fact is that we now face a massive challenge against Armagh Harps. At times against Cross we did not get the ball in quickly enough but then every game is different.

“But I still think this Magheryteamhasthetalenttogoout and play in a number of different ways.”

Maghery enjoyed an unimagined bonus when they rocketed home a brace of goals in the opening minutes from Stephen Cusack and Ronan Lappin before being reined before halftime by which stage they led by 2-7to0-9.

And when Rangers pirated three points at the start of the second half, Maghery were looking distinctly edgy at 2-7 to 0-12.

But the Forkers, Aidan and Stefan, eased them further ahead with vital points before Rian O’Neill bagged his fifth point to keep the south Armagh side in touch.

Maghery, though, finished with a flourish, their counter-attacking skills underlining their considerable pace and cohesion. Maghery scorers: S Cusack 1-2, R Lappin 1-1, A Forker 0-4 (2f), S Forker 0-3, P Forker, K Higgins, B Crealey 0-1 each. Crossmaglen scorers: R O’Neill 0-5 (1f), O O’Neill, A Kernan 0-3 each, P Stuttard, S Kernan 0-2 each, P Hughes 0-1.