By Shaun Casey THE last time Armagh faced Antrim in the Ulster Championship, Aidan Nugent missed out through injury. That was back in 2021 and Nugent, now Armagh’s joint-captain along with Rian O’Neill, was sidelined for the entire year having suffered the dreaded ACL tear. Two years on and the lively Cullyhanna sharpshooter is making […]
Donaghy ready for Kerry return
By Shaun Casey KIERAN Donaghy isn’t expecting a warm welcome this weekend when he’s in the Armagh dugout against All-Ireland champions, and his former side, Kerry on Saturday evening. The Austin Stack’s clubman will know every inch of the Tralee turf and he’ll be hoping that knowledge can help the Orchard County. They face a […]
IN FOCUS: Ethan Rafferty – the evolution of the fly goalkeeper
Two former net-minders examine Ethan Rafferty’s role as Armagh’s fly-goalkeeper. Shaun Casey writes… THE role of the goalkeeper is constantly evolving and in the modern game of tactical innovation, systems and patterns of play, Ethan Rafferty has taken the netminder’s job to another level. The sharpshooter turned shot stopper has been a huge asset for […]
JOE BROLLY: The Armagh Triangle
I CANNOT remember seeing a bad match at the Athletic Grounds. Something about it brings footballers and supporters to life. In the same way as Donegal cannot lose at Ballybofey, even if they pick a tall u-14 in goals and half the team has hangovers, the Gods have decreed that the Athletic Grounds will bring […]
KEVIN CASSIDY: Armagh have the tools to mix it up
WE head for a break this weekend with the first two rounds of the National Football League over us. The one thing that is clear to see is that the intensity levels are a lot higher than they would normally be at this time of the year. Given the condensed season and the fact that […]
“Vinny lives and breathes football” – John McEntee
By Shaun Casey JOHN McEntee was the man in charge of Clontibret when they last won the Monaghan Senior Championship in 2019 and could call upon Farney legends such as Conor McManus, Dessie Mone and Vinny Corey. On Saturday evening, Corey will lead his Monaghan team into battle for his first league game in […]
McGeeney looks ahead to ninth year in charge
By Shaun Casey A LOT has been made of Armagh’s 2022 campaign, but as the new season starts to get into full swing, Kieran McGeeney is looking forward rather than looking back. ‘Geezer’, entering his ninth year in charge of Armagh, is looking forward to another year competing at the top level and hopes the […]
Rory Grugan gearing up for another year with Armagh
By Shaun Casey RORY Grugan was named as the 2022 Armagh Player of the Year after another fantastic season in the orange and white at the start of December. The Ballymacnab playmaker, who won an All-Ireland minor title in 2009, first represented his county at senior level in 2011. Over the past decade, he’s moulded […]
Review of the season – Armagh
1 Theatre of Dreams Armagh made two trips to Jones’ Road this year and it’s the first season since 2006 that the orange and white have gathered in Croke Park on more than one occasion. That was back when the Ulster finals were hosted in HQ and while Armagh certainly want to improve their status […]
New role for Donaghy with native Clonmore
By Shaun Casey BRENDAN Donaghy, having recently retired from inter-county duty after 17-years playing for Armagh, will be player-manager of his home club Clonmore next season along with James Grimley who will hold the same role. The pair helped Clonmore win the Junior Championship title on two occasions, in 2005 and 2011, and both started […]