The Armagh Hurlers take on Louth tomorrow afternoon in the opening round of their national league campaign.
Padraig O’Connor has named his starting line up to take on the Wee County in the Athletic Grounds.
The management have a strong squad this season with a raft of players retuning to the panel this year.
With the exception of the recently retired Ciaran Clifford and Aaron Fox who remains abroad, Armagh seem to have a full deck this season.
Team News
Simon Doherty, who spoke on The Sideline Eye podcast ahead of the game, begins between the sticks.
A two-time Champion 15 All-Star, Doherty is a real leader and one of the most experienced players within the group.
Caolan Rice and Patrick Quinn have both returned this year and get starting berths in the full back line. Jim Short completes the last line of defence at corner back.
Shea Gaffney is a massive addition to the squad for 2022. He holds the centre of the defence, flanked by Stephen Renaghan and Tiarnan Nevin.
It’s an all-Middletown midfield for Saturday’s meeting. Captain Paddy McBride joins Odhran Curry at centerfield.
Gaffney returns
Ryan Gaffney is back after a year out while Michael Lennon is part of the team for the first time since 2014.
Gaffney showed his worth in the recent McGurk Cup clash with Louth. The Middletown man came on at half time and rattled over 0-9 in the second half.
2021 top scorer Fionntan Donnelly comes in at wing half forward. The Keady man is sure to have another enjoyable year in the orange and white.
Former captain Nathan Curry is back in the starting line up after missing all of last season through injury.
Dean Gaffney and Danny Magee complete a full forward line that has all the potential to score heavily against any defence.
