Karl McKeegan has named his starting team to take on Antrim this evening in the opening round of the McGurk Cup.
It’s the first outing of the year for McKeegan’s side and his first competitive game in charge of Armagh.
McKeegan is coming up against his native county, who also compete in the Walsh Cup, the Leinster preseason competition.
The Saffrons lost out to Dublin on Sunday, so like Armagh, are expected to field an inexperienced side this evening.
Craobh Rua shot stopper Caolan Rowntree gets the nod in nets while his club teammate Stephen O’Keefe is corner back.
Paudie Lappin of Middletown starts the game at full back. Keady’s Barry Shortt, who impressed in the club championship, in the other corner.
Club Hurler of the Year Tiarnan Nevin will line out at centre half back. Niall Lennon (Newry Shamrocks) and Kane Laverty (Sean Treacy’s) will be on the wings.
Middletown midfield Peadar McBride partners Conor Renaghan of Keady in the centre of the park.
Forward line
Up front, Fionntan Donnelly will be one of the main score getters and lines out at wing half forward.
With Dean Gaffney out of the picture, Donnelly’s free taking exploits will be crucial for Armagh this season.
Cormac Jennings, who plays for Antrim club St Enda’s, starts the game at centre half forward and will be keen to impress.
Completing the half forward line is last season County Hurler of the Year and Keady player Shea Harvey.
Danny Magee and Eoin McGuinness have been regular starts down through the years. They’ll link up with Middletown youngster Sean Og McGuinness in the inside line.
It’s a new look Armagh side, with a sprinkling of experience sown throughout the team, for McKeegan’s first outing.
The Antrim native will hope some of the fresh faces can step up to the plate as jersey’s are up for grabs ahead of the National League.
