Armagh hurling manager Karl Keegan chose Fionntan Donnelly as the team captain because he has the attributes of a “born leader.”
Donnelly led the Orchard County into their first league game of the season last week and they successfully picked up two points.
The Keady sharpshooter top scored for his side with 0-6 as Armagh saw off Louth with two-points to spare.
Donnelly will be the team captain for the season, while Middletown defender Tiarnan Nevin is the vice-captain.
Born leader
“From the start when we came in, he reminded me of a born leader,” said McKeegan on his choice of captain after the game.
“He’s at every session driving it on, he’s vocal. He loves it, he loves hurling, he loves Armagh, I just saw the passion in him.
“We done a couple of things, team building things and he just stood out for me. I just thought, he’s the type of boy I want.
“I want boys rowing in behind him. Tiarnan (Nevin) is the same, he’s a great leader at centre half back.
“I just thought the two of them at either side of the pitch, I just thought they’d be the right leaders for us to take us on.”
It was a new look Armagh side, who are now preparing for a round two clash with Monaghan this Saturday.
A number of newbies such as Odhran McCann, Peadar McBride and Sean Og McGuinness were in from the start while Tomas Galvin hit 0-3 when introduced.
“It’s getting them up to the speed because the talents there, there’s no doubt about it,” added McKeegan.
“I think Sean Og (McGuinness) was excellent at times and Peadar (McBride) reads the game really well.
“I just know working with these boys, they are going places. There’s a lot of talent there and I’m looking forward to the year ahead.”
