End of the road for Cross

Crossmaglen’s defeat in the semi finals of the All-Ireland club championship at the hands of St Vincent’s on Sunday marks the end of an era where Crossmaglen have dominated football in Armagh, Ulster and at a national level.
Cross’s dominance in their home county has been unprecedented with 12 consecutive titles during which time they have also won six Ulsters and four All Irelands.
However, although the South Armagh side were by no means outclassed by their Dublin rivals I believe that time has finally caught up with the Orchard County men.
Too many of their most experienced players are now in the twilight of their careers.
Oisin McConville, the McEntees and Francie Bellew are now all in their 30s and in fairness neither McConville or Bellew have been fully fit during this latest campaign which saw them go almost all the way.
These guys have been winners all their careers and would need a wheelie bin between them if anyone had the temerity to ask them to throw their medals in the bucket.
Cross, in fairness, have also produced a number of good young players in recent seasons with Aaron and Stephen Kernon leading the charge.
But players of the calibre of Cross’s finest only come once in a generation and Crossmaglen were blessed to have a group as talented as their talisman McConville and the McEntees come through the ranks together from the juvenile ranks on.
Every great era comes to an end and as a proud Ulsterman, I for one will miss what has been the greatest club side of my lifetime.
Thanks for the memories.