Armagh may be still embroiled in a contentious search for a new manager but there is the tantalising prospect of a haute cuisine domestic championship dish now being served up.

As county board delegates along with club chairmen and secretaries along with players’ representatives prepare to take stock tonight of the impasse in which they find themselves in relation to seeking a successor to Peter McDonnell, the vision of an all-city Pearse Og v Harps title decider is forming on the horizon.

Ogs, having already disposed of perennial favourites Crossmaglen, have now been drawn against Clan Eireann in the semi-finals. Clan Eireann conquered Whitecross by 2-7 to 0-12 despite losing two players to red cards in the second-half having led by 2-4 to 0-6 at half-time.

But Harps must meet Clan na gael again on Friday night in the replay of the other quarter after the sides finished all square at 1-11 each on Saturday night with the winners of this tie confronting Granemore in the last four.

There is, of course, the possibility of a Clan na gael v Clan Eireann all-Lurgan final — but it’s a confrontation between the two big city clubs, famed for their intense rivalry, that the fans will most relish.

Harps paid the penalty for lapses in concentration and defensive shortcomings when Clan na nael fired over six unanswered points in the last ten minutes of their drawn game, Paul O’Hagan their outstanding performer with six points.

Encouraged by an early Charlie Vernon goal and some spectacular points from the reinvigorated Peadar Toal — he scored six points in all — Harps led by 1-6 to 0-4 at the interval but retreated into a shell, opting to retain possession in the middle third rather than drive for further scores.

Clan na gael, inspired by Sean Mackle’s goal, responded strongly in the last quarter and it was Peader Nash who fired over the late, late point that ensured stalemate, Ultan Lennon’s 0-5 helping to keep Harps hopes alive. Ronan Austin’s contribution at midfield and Stefan Campbell’s industry at full-forward bolstered the Clans’ effort.

Clan Eireann showed courage and skill in making light of their numerical disadvantage in the second-half to edge past Whitecross with Ryan Henderson and Sean McDermott grabbing their goals and Michael Shanks accurate from frees.

Colm O’Hanlon was on target half-a-dozen times for the losers who found their Lurgan opponents difficult to contain over the final furlong.

In the Armagh hurling championship final, Middletown beat Keady by 3-13 to 0-13 with Brian Gaffney and Martin Mone playing key roles in their success.