Dermot McAleese (Antrim)

A MAN who’s accustomed to captaincy roles; Antrim skipper Dermot McAleese was a highly rated soccer player in his teens and captained Ballymena United for a few seasons. Now it’s all about Portglenone and Antrim, and he was one of the team leaders who spoke out passionately in favour of playing their Ulster Championship opener at Corrigan Park. He’s in his second season wearing the captain’s armband and is a crucial player for the Saffrons.

Aidan Forker (Armagh)

WHY change a winning formula? Aidan Forker has given massive service to Armagh footballers down the years and in a variety of positions, and then there was 2024: after their latest gut-wrenching defeat on penalties, Armagh hit the reset button and embarked on a memorable run to All-Ireland honours. There to receive the Sam Maguire Cup from GAA President and fellow Armagh man Jarlath Burns was Aidan Forker, following in the footsteps of a certain Kieran McGeeney back in 2002.

Padraig Faulkner and Ciarán Brady (Cavan)

A BIT of a curveball this one. Brady and Faulkner share the captaincy at Cavan – maybe manager Raymond Galligan couldn’t bring himself to select one over the other. There’s no doubt that they’re dedicated servants of Cavan football and they were part of an experienced core group who led their charge to a long-awaited provincial triumph in 2020. Skipper that day, Raymond Galligan was appointed as manager ahead of the 2024 season and has entrusted Faulkner and Brady with the captaincy – two natural choices you could say, even if a joint-captaincy goes against the grain somewhat.

Conor Glass (Derry)

TOTEMIC Derry midfielder Conor Glass is now in his third year of the captaincy role. In his first season representing his team as captain, he had the privilege of holding aloft the Anglo Celt following a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Armagh.

Derry haven’t scaled the same heights in the mean-time, though it’s by no means been all doom and gloom for Glass, who played a leading role in Glen’s surge to All-Ireland glory last year. Indeed, his performance in the final against St Brigid’s was downright inspirational.

Pierce Laverty (Down)

PIERCE Laverty is in the prime years of his playing career and remains in place as captain this season having led the team to the 2024 Tailteann Cup title. A super athlete, Laverty lives a hugely disciplined lifestyle and is a consistent performer on the pitch. While Division Two didn’t go to plan this season, Down could count themselves unlucky to be relegated and Laverty and the rest of his teammates will be hoping for an improved turn of fortunes in the championship.

Paddy McBrearty (Donegal)

DONEGAL stalwart Paddy McBrearty was appointed as team captain at the start of the 2023 season under Paddy Carr, who vacated the hotseat after five turbulent months in charge of the team. Jim McGuinness came on board to great fanfare after that year’s campaign came to an end, and he decided to leave the captaincy as it is. McBrearty was part of the Donegal team that clinched a second ever All-Ireland title in McGuinness’ first stint, and he showed his capability with a starring attacking performance against Derry nearly a fortnight ago.

Declan McCusker (Fermanagh)

FERMANAGH have lost quite a lot in the realm of experienced heads in recent years, though one player still soldiering for the Erne County is Declan McCusker. We could throw out all the old clichés – always gives his all for the cause – and it would be fair enough as he really has been a devoted stalwart for Fermanagh football. He said he mulled over his decision to give it another crack this year but resisted the temptation to retire and will lead Fermanagh out against Down this weekend.

Michéal Bannigan (Monaghan)

BANNIGAN had the honour of lifting the Division Two title just a few short weeks ago – Monaghan’s first title at senior intercounty level in a full 10 years. Nephew of manager Gabriel Bannigan, Michéal has responded the trust placed in him by the man in charge and is having his best season with the Farney County to date. The burning question is whether he – and the rest of the team – can carry their good form into the championship.

Brian Kennedy (Tyrone)

HAVING served as vice-captain under Peter Harte last season, influential midfielder Brian Kennedy has been made captain of the Tyrone senior footballers by their new manager Malachy O’Rourke. Like Harte, Kennedy is one of the leaders on this Tyrone team, and also like Harte, he is a disciplined, consistent player, so you can see why he has been handed the captain’s armband. He was unlucky to miss out on an All-Star in the All-Ireland winning season of 2021 and the Derrylaughan man is in the form of his life right now.