Blaine Hughes, a 29-year-old member of the Carrickcruppen club, is tipped to be a future All-Star. He has a varied kicking range and is adept at keeping opponents guessing. Despite conceding three goals, there was little he could do to prevent them, and displays an array of options for restarts. The goalkeeper stepped into the difficult role following Ethan Rafferty’s tenure.
Paddy Burns, from the Burren club in Down and aged 30, is a determined and uncomplicated defender. Off the pitch, he is lively and personable. There are anticipations that he will mark Rob Finnerty, who has previously been problematic in championship games.
Then there’s 28-year-old Aaron McKay from Dromintee. Despite initial difficulties in the semi-final against Seán O’Shea, he subsequently excelled and alongside his teammates, demonstrates an impressive robustness. Usually drawn to the sturdiest opposition, in this case, Comer, he too is considered a potential All-Star candidate.
Next, 25-year-old Barry McCambridge from the Clann Éireann club is predicted to mark Shane Walsh, a task he previously found challenging in Sligo. McCambridge made his debut in the Ulster final and has since scored 2-2 over two games while effectively handling key forwards, David Clifford and Diarmuid Murtagh.
Lastly, Connaire Mackin, 29, from Shane O’Neill’s club completes the lineup. Each of these players is vying for All-Ireland glory in football, with matches against teams such as Galway and Armagh expected to be significant.
Having been a panellist since 2018, he, who hails from a distinguished family, lends significant experience and, more importantly, an enhanced physical presence in the central defensive zone than McGrane, much needed against challengers like McDaid and Maher. Despite being penalised and suspended for a temper-fuelled foul against Derry, his discipline has been strongly backed.
6. Tiernan Kelly
Club: Clann Éireann. Age: 23
Only joining the team following the damaging cruciate injury of Ciarán Mackin, which saw the team lose their additional player, Kelly has admirably stepped into what could have been a gaping position. His arrival prevented a possible dilemma for the team, and he has eagerly attacked to bag a goal against Galway.
7. Aidan Forker (captain)
Club: Maghery. Age: 31
One of the most long-standing players in the team, having first played in 2012, Forker performs as the instigator of smart attacking plays, an aspect rarely seen in other teams as much as in Armagh. With a tally of seven points this season, largely from afar using the outside of his foot, he could be a potential man-marker for Tierney.
8. Niall Grimley
Club: Madden Raparees. Age: 29
Showcasing outstanding performance since his addition to the team, despite not participating in the league or the provincial championship due to an injury. Grimley’s presence was solidly felt especially in the game against Derry, followed by scoring two impressive points against Kerry. He’s signalled true Armagh resilience amid reverses.
9. Ben Crealey
Club: Maghery. Age: 26
An essential player, like Crealey, is what each team requires. I remember playing against him and finding him challenging to manage. He effectively and quietly carries out his job with regularity. The spotlight will invariably be on him, owing to Galway’s victory from long kick-outs in the semi-final, albeit his preference lies in midfield duels.
10. Joe McElroy
Club: Armagh Harps. Age: 29
He also has participated in all 16 matches across the league and championship. Serving the critical role in the middle third, McElroy possesses an immense engine and an insatiable hunger for work. He’s also capable of man marking, and although Armagh may not pursue many match-ups, he makes a solid choice against Cillian McDaid.
11. Rian O’Neill
Club: Crossmaglen Rangers Age: 25
Performed excellently in the semi-finals, securing notable scores, executing a remarkable final catch, and assisting Turbitt’s final score. Has thrived in the central role, with distinguished long-range scores from both play and frees. A significant chance to make an impact in the finals awaits him.
12. Oisín Conaty
Affiliated with the Tír na nÓg club and aged 21, he has participated in every game this year. Conaty man-marked Ryan McHugh in the Ulster finals and there are indications he may be assigned Dylan McHugh. He recorded 0-4 against Roscommon but faltered in the semi-finals, resulting in his substitution. Despite this, he remains a potential contender for ‘Young Player of the Year.’
13. Rory Grugan
32-year-old Grugan, linked with the Ballymacnab club, along with Forker, acts as the pace setter for the team, in both defense and offense. His seasonal total of 0-14 is not overly impressive, particularly for a free taker. However, in his primary creative role, he has provided 2-13 assists, the leading total in the championship. Grugan also holds the distinction of being ever-present.
14. Andrew Murnin
Aged 32 and the member of St Paul’s club, like Crealey, Murnin enjoys the full trust of his team. He’s consistently able to secure 50-50 balls more than anyone else, reflecting the team’s faith in him. Despite not being a regular contender on the scoreboard this year, Murnin remains open to defending long kick-outs, and is a key target for Hughes.
15. Conor Turbitt
At 25, and member of the Clann Éireann club, Turbitt has scored 3-22 (3-13 from play) in a championship where he started off slow for Armagh. He has shown precision and speed with the ball and managed to recover from a rather sluggish beginning of the year. He shone brightly in the Ulster final with 0-4 against Donegal. Like his counterparts, Turbitt has been ever-present.
Substitutes
It’s worth noting the significant contributions made by Stefan Campbell, Jarly Óg Burns, and Oisín O’Neill, Aidan Nugent, and Ross McQuillan. Their bench managed to outperform Kerry, with Campbell contributing 1-10 thus far. Collectively, the team substitutes have contributed 1-23, averaging roughly three points per game.
Support Staff
Kieran McGeeney (head coach), Ciarán McKeever, Kieran Donaghy, Ciarán McKinney, and Conleith Gilligan form the team behind the scenes.
McGeeney, the most experienced county-level coach, deserves recognition for his continuous service and successfully maintaining a steady player roster since 2018. Demonstrating lack of ego, he has made smart decisions, such as engaging Ciarán McKeever, and non-native coaches like Kieran Donaghy, Ciarán McKinney and Conleith Gilligan. This year, more aspects of his character have been revealed to the public.