ARMAGH have been dealt a serious blow with the news that the versatile Jarly Óg Burns has opted out for the 2024 season.

Gaelic Life understands that the Silverbridge man, whose father Jarlath will become President next year, has decided that he needed to take a break from the inter-county scene and will be focussing on club matters.

Burns, a talented hurler, has been a regular in Kieran McGeeney’s side since 2019, playing mostly between midfield and the half-back line with his probing runs a real asset. He received an All-Star nomination in 2022 as the Orchard County dramatically lost out to Galway on penalties in the All-Ireland quarter-final.

Armagh added to their backroom team earlier this week with former Derry forward Conleith Gilligan joining the camp.

The side will find out their Ulster opposition on October 21, although Armagh will not be included in the preliminary round.