Armagh’ starting 15 vs Derry
Today should have marked the start of Armagh’s 2020 Championship season, with the Orange and White faithful travelling in numbers to Celtic Park to cheer on their team.
Instead, we reminisce about of games, good memories, and hope for more big days to return sooner rather than later.
In the meantime we let you pick the Armagh team that should have started against Derry today!
How many of your votes made the cut?
Blaine Hughes (Carrickcruppen)
Hughes should have been making his seventeenth Championship appearance this weekend against Derry.
Following on from his 2017 Championship debut, the Carrickcruppen man has been the number one goalkeeper in Armagh and has kept a tight grip on the jersey.
Championship Debut: 2017 vs Down Championship Appearances: 16
James Morgan (Crossmaglen)
The 2009 All-Ireland winning minor began his Armagh career in 2013 and has been one of the main players on the team ever since.
Regarded as Armagh’s best man-marker, Morgan would have spent most of his time shadowing one of the Derry danger-men.
Championship Debut: 2013 vs Leitrim Championship Appearances: 22
Aidan Forker
The Maghery star has been a real leader of this Armagh team over the years and his versatility has been a key component of Kieran McGeeney’s side.
With the ability to play anywhere, it’s likely Forker would have picked up a man-marking role today had the game went ahead.
Championship Debut: 2012 vs Tyrone Championship Appearances: 32
Paul Hughes
One of the most consistent performers in the county at club level, whether it be shadowing an attacker or breaking forward.
The attack-minded defender can play anywhere in the back six and is always a great option breaking up the field for Armagh.
Championship Debut: 2017 vs Down Championship Appearances: 11
Greg McCabe
Strong and good on the ball, Greg McCabe should have been making his tenth Championship appearance today.
The Shane O’Neill’s clubman earned his first start in 2017 and has been a strong contender for a spot in the team ever since.
Championship Debut: 2017 vs Westmeath Championship Appearances: 9
Brendan Donaghy
Brendan Donaghy is now the only player in the Armagh ranks with an Ulster medal and he should have been making his 50th Championship appearance today.
The Clonmore man has been a key figure for the Orchard County under Kieran McGeeney’s time in power and has started in the opening round of the Championship every year bar one.
Championship Debut: 2007 vs Donegal Championship Appearances: 49
Mark Shields
One of the leaders in the current Armagh side, Shields has been a regular under Kieran McGeeney and his versatility is a key component of his game.
An attacking option from wing half back, Shields can also man mark and has been handed a series of different roles down through the years.
Championship Debut: 2013 vs Cavan Championship Appearances: 30
Niall Grimley
The Madden midfielder has been a regular in the orange and white in recent years, commanding one of the centre field jerseys.
Strong in the air and great on the ball, Grimley can be a real driving force behind the Armagh attack while not forgetting his defensive duties.
Championship Debut: 2016 vs Laois Championship Appearances: 16
Jarly Og Burns
Burst on to the scene last year and earned plenty of plaudits for his performances in his debut season.
Fast and powerful, his direct running is a key component of his game and Burns is a handful for anyone around the middle area.
Championship Debut: 2019 vs Down Championship Appearances: 5
Rory Grugan
It’s in the half forward line that Grugan has made his name and he often holds the key to unlocking massed defences.
The Ballymacnab man’s tackling is an underrated feature of his game and his work rate around the middle is second to none.
Championship Debut: 2013 vs Wicklow Championship Appearances: 26
Stefan Campbell
Armagh’s new captain should have been leading his side out for the first time in the Championship this weekend.
Campbell is one of the most dangerous forwards in the county and can switch from his centre half forward position to a role closer to goal.
Championship Debut: 2013 vs Wicklow Championship Appearances: 27
Oisin O’Neill
Having operated in the centre of the park, the half forward line is where the Crossmaglen man can cause more damage.
A powerful ball carrier well fit to kick a score and get up and down the field, O’Neill has all the attributes of a modern day half forward.
Championship Debut: 2017 vs Down Championship Appearances: 5
Jamie Clarke
Has been Armagh’s go-to forward for such a long time now and is still a fan favourite within the Orchard County.
He hit 0-18 during Armagh’s Championship campaign last season, now ten years on from making his debut against Derry in 2010.
Championship Debut: 2010 vs Derry Championship Appearances: 37
Rian O’Neill
The Crossmaglen sensation burst onto the county scene during 2019 and has become the focal point of the Armagh attack.
Strong, powerful and a quality free taker, the younger O’Neill brother can play anywhere from midfield up but is at his best closer to goal.
Championship Debut: 2019 vs Down Championship Appearances: 5
Andrew Murnin
His match-winning goal against Down last season, after coming on as a sub, was a huge moment in Armagh’s year.
2020 has been an unlucky year on the injury front, but Murnin holds all the necessary traits of an inside target man.
Championship Debut: 2015 vs Donegal Championship Appearances: 17
