September 21, 2020
Fearghus Quinn was due to make his professional boxing debut in April but when Covid-19 hit, his big day was put on hold.
The Belleek fighter got his chance a few weeks ago however, and he took it with both fists, beating a tough opponent Robbie ‘the Camden Caretaker’ Chapman in six rounds.
The I on the Ball also spoke to a very relieved Belleeks manager, Gareth Thornton, after the final whistle in their JFC final win over Forkhill – where Quinn played a part too.
On Sunday Clan na Gael had a big win in the Intermediate Championship final over fellow Lurgan side St Paul’s.
We spoke to Clans captain Ronan Austin after the game.
September 14, 2020
FC Mindwell is a football club who are all about community spirit. They consist, for the most part, of a group of ex-footballers – many of whom are household names - who have come together with a strong ethos of supporting mental health, to ply their trade in Division 3 of the Mid-Ulster Football League.
Keith Gillespie, and most recently Roy Carroll are just two of the big names who play for Mindwell but the club is about far more than football as former Irish League and Stoke player Matty Hazley tells us in this week’s episode of The I on the Ball proudly sponsored by Blackhill Energy.
We also have reaction from the Men and Women's Senior Championship Finals over the weekend.
September 7, 2020
For this week's ‘The I on the Ball’ podcast, proudly sponsored by Blackhill Energy, one of the heroes of that day, Justin McNulty, takes us back to that moment in time in 2002, and describes his preparations for the momentous day.
Justin also has high hopes for Kieran McGeeney’s current squad when inter-county football resumes.
The current MLA also speaks about his family, his career, and how he doesn’t think the season will be disrupted again by Covid-19.
We also catch up with Clan na Gael's Stefan Campbell as the Lurgan side booked their place in the Intermediate Championship Final, plus Belleek manager Gareth Thornton after they cruised into the Junior Championship final.
August 31, 2020
If there’s a person that has more knowledge on female sport in Armagh or indeed other so-called minority sports than Richard Bullick, I’ve yet to find them.
We also spoke to an utterly exhausted Crossmaglen Rangers senior football captain James Morgan, after his side made it past Killeavy by two points at the Athletic Grounds.
The current champions will be going for an epic 46th title when they take on Maghery who saw off Pearse Og in the other semi.
August 25, 2020
In this week’s 'The I on the Ball' podcast – proudly sponsored by Blackhill Energy - Aimee Mackin talks about her joy at returning to the sport she loves - “There’s nothing better than putting your club jersey back on.”
Also, we also spoke to Windmill Stars FC’s new manager Raymie Fitzpatrick ahead of the Mid-Ulster Football League opener last Saturday.
August 17, 2020
For this week’s The I on the Ball podcast, proudly sponsored by Blackhill Energy, we spoke to Armagh Road Bowling Association Chairman Chris Mallon, whose daughter Kelly – Armagh captain, Armagh Harps star and Madden Camogie captain – is the most decorated female Road Bowler in Ireland, with eight championship titles under her belt.
We also caught up with Kelly a few days later and spoke with Crossmaglen manager Stephen Kernan who, despite a comprehensive championship victory over Mullaghbawn, lamented the treatment of O'Neill brothers – Oisin and Rian.
August 10, 2020
Corrinshigo are a small club, up the mountain on the outskirts of Newry but they have big plans which are plain to see if you just take the short drive up Barcroft hill.
David O’Brien is a busy man, as Chairman of what is the oldest club in Newry and the only Armagh Club in the city. He is also involved in Craobh Rua Hurling Club and the Armagh County hurlers.
But, David still finds the time to oversee the grass cutting at Corrinshego’s new pitch which was Phase 1 of a huge development project.
August 3, 2020
For only the second time in its 17-year history, the hugely popular Crooked Lake Triathlon was cancelled this year due to the pandemic. We spoke to the event’s main organiser Catherine Murphy.
Our second guest is Armagh Cricket Club’s stats man – Brian Weir, who knows everything there is to know about Armagh cricket. He literally wrote the book on it to celebrate their 150-year anniversary back in 2009 - “Armagh Cricket Club 150 Years Not Out.”
July 27, 2020
“It’s a hot topic,” said Mid-Ulster League Chairman Sean O’Neill recently when he spoke to Armagh I for our latest sports podcast, The I on the Ball. Sean was referring to the handling of suspensions after the Covid-19 cancellation of the NIFL, and his premonitions that there would be headaches ahead, have come to pass. We also spoke with Dromintee manager John Kennedy following their win over Armagh Harps. He also gave his thoughts on Killeavy and their Covid situation.
July 20, 2020
We speak to Maghery and Armagh's Aidan Forker after his side defeated Crossmaglen in the opening game of the league on Sunday, while Silverbridge manager Ronan Clarke discusses his side's emphatic win over south Armagh rivals Mullaghbawn on Friday night.
