The Conor McGurk Cup fixtures for the 2023 preseason competition have been released and Armagh face a difficult first game.
Armagh take on Antrim, with new manager Karl McKeegan facing his native county in the quarter-finals.
It’s a huge challenge for McKeegan’s side as the Saffron County are the reigning Joe McDonagh Cup champions.
The Conor McGurk Cup takes a new format this year, reverting to a knockout structure as opposed to last year’s group stages.
2022
The Orchard County finished second to eventual winners Down in their group last year, their only defeat of the competition.
Armagh saw off QUB and Louth in both their other outings following their opening round loss to the Mourne County.
They used the opportunity to try out a huge number of panel members and they’ll likely to the same this time around.
There are at least two positions to fill in the team for McKeegan to concentrate on following recent retirements.
Simon Doherty called it a day after 13-years of service in the orange and white while Artie McGuinness has also stepped away.
The competition kicks off on Tuesday 3 January. Cavan and Fermanagh face off in the opening round while QUB and Louth will also battle it out for a last eight spot.
The quarter-final clashes take place four days later, on Saturday 7 January, with all four being played on the same day.
Armagh must travel Dunsilly to clash with Antrim and the winner will meet either Donegal or Monaghan in the semi-final.
Those last four meetings are scheduled for Saturday 14 January with times and venues yet to be announced.
We’re sure to see plenty of fresh faces in the competition as Armagh prepare for their upcoming Division 3A campaign.
They reached the decider last year but lost out to near neighbours Tyrone. Promotion will once again be the main target.
