Suddenly, a lot of ears just perked up around the country.
Crossmaglen and St. Gall’s exited the Ulster championship in a mad weekend up north and, with them, they took 13 provincial titles off the table.
Six-time All-Ireland winners, four-time finalists in the last eight years, Rangers were undone by St. Enda’s of Omagh at a gloomy Healy Park where the Tyrone champions – inspired by that man again, Ronan O’Neill – crept through to the semi finals.
Oisin McConville’s 13 men couldn’t hold off as O’Neill – who kicked 1-4 throughout – struck twice late on to dump out the favourites and, in doing so, starting Cross’ longest famine of Ulster success since 2002. (A famine of two years…)
Meanwhile, Antrim powerhouse St. Gall’s were also kicked to the curb as Monaghan champs Clontibret dug out another dramatic win.
With the like of Slaughtneil of Derry and yesterday’s Donegal winners, St. Eunan’s, yet to even play in the competition, those exits must surely have increased their interest. All bets are off. Well, not literally as the bookies would tell you below.
Odds to win the Ulster Club Senior Football Championship
St. Enda’s (Tyrone) – 6/4
Clontibret (Monaghan) – 3/1
St. Eunan’s (Donegal) – 4/1
Slaughtneil (Derry) – 11/2
Cavan Gaels (Cavan) – 7/1
Roslea (Fermanagh) – 16/1
