Survival sweatfor St. Paul’s

Although a lot of permutations are still to be unfolded between now and the end of the season, considering the fact Clann Eireann are promoted to the top flight should St. Paul’s stay up, representation in the Division 1 next season for North Armagh clubs would be at seven, with a possible six coming from South Armagh depending on final standings.

With Sarsfields, Maghery and Wolfe Tones well clear of the drop zone should Annaghmore, Tir na Nog and St. Paul’s all stay up at the expense of teams like Killeavey and Carrickcruppin the biggest number of clubs from North Armagh competing in Division 1 for many years would line out next year.

This weekends league action is without doubt the most important round of games so far this season, Ironically Maghery could hold the fate of St. Paul’s, the Saints are set to face Ballymacnab on Sunday at Teghnevan and should Shane McConville’s side win they will travel to Maghery on the final day of the season where they will face a team possibly out of the running for league honours. St. Paul’s have a Championship outing against Dromintee to contest the weekend after next before travelling to the Lough Shore for their final League game.

Sarsfields host second placed Armagh Harps on Sunday before travelling to league leaders Cullyhanna for their final league game.

Should Wolfe Tones beat Carrickcruppin on Sunday they would certainly enhance St. Paul’s chances of avoiding the drop,

Tir na Nog, who play Crossmaglen at home on Sunday, are also in a dodgy position at the bottom of Division1, as are Annaghmore who play Rangers in a midweek fixture before playing Forkhill at home.