'We will be on one side of the Hill they will be on the other'
The upcoming Ulster Senior Football Championship semi-final between Armagh and Down has reignited a historic rivalry rooted in the divided city of Newry, where residents from both counties coexist but compete fiercely in Gaelic Games. Despite playing together at school, players will face off on opposing sides at Clones, reflecting deep community divisions. The match has generated significant local excitement, with mixed feelings about shared support and renewed competition.
- ▪Armagh and Down are set to face each other in the Ulster Senior Football Championship semi-final in Clones.
- ▪Newry is geographically divided between County Armagh and County Down, fostering a unique cross-county rivalry.
- ▪Students from Abbey Grammar School, which has players from both counties, recently won the MacRory Cup but will now oppose each other in the match.
- ▪Daniel McKernan from Down and Michael O'Neill from Armagh are former teammates who will compete against each other on Sunday.
- ▪Diarmaid O'Rourke from Armagh commented that Down's recent performance has revived a long-dormant rivalry.
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