Crossmaglen brothers Oisin, Aaron and Rian O'Neill lead Armagh's Ulster charge with long-range shooting skills
Armagh's Crossmaglen club is back on the Ulster trail for the first time since 2018, thanks to the long-range shooting skills of brothers Oisin, Aaron and Rian O'Neill.
Historically lorded as the Kings of Ulster, now another generation of the famous O’Neill clan have earned the themselves the title of kings of Gaelic football’s most exciting new rule - the two-pointer.
Crossmaglen brothers Oisin, Aaron and Rian O’Neill, who are also part of the Armagh panel, have been stunningly exhibiting themselves as long range shooters which has their club back on the Ulster trail for the first time since 2018.
On Sunday, November 22, Crossmaglen take on first-time Tyrone champions, in Newry, at the semi-final stage of the AIB Ulster GAA Senior Football with the O’Neill’s remarkable shooting skills beyond the arc, central to their march.
The Armagh champions pulled off a dramatic comeback from 11 points down to defeat their Cavan counterparts Gowna, 1-22 to 2-18 at the quarter-final stage. Oisin O’Neill scored eight points, while Rian O’Neill hit five points, including a last-gasp two-pointer deep in time added on.
Edendork St Malachy’s were making their first-even provincial appearance after winning a maiden Tyrone senior title, edging past Antrim’s St Brigid’s in Dungannon 1-15 to 2-11, consistent sharpshooter and county panellist Darren McCurry once again to the fore.
Crossmaglen won’t need reminded that Edendork has also a long range dead ball expert in Tyrone goalkeeper Niall Morgan who along with the ‘Dazzler’ (McCurry) have been pocketing the bulk of the club’s scores.
Rian O’Neill’s late point against Gowna may have been somewhat disputed but balance that Gowna’s first half goal, a blatant square ball allied to the Rangers incredible second half performance, and few would argue the result.