Saturday 18 February – Strabannon Parnells – 1pm
The Armagh u20s take on Louth this weekend in the second round of their league campaign and hope to make it two from two.
Barry O’Hagan’s side got their season up and running with a first round win over Monaghan last weekend.
Two Aaron O’Neill goals helped the Orchard County win by five-points, with Monaghan striking the net from a late penalty.
It was a super start for the Armagh youngsters, who have a number of talented players in their ranks.
Attacking talents
The aforementioned O’Neill, who was a county minor last season, has serious potential and will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his brothers, Rian and Oisin.
He was the focal point of a dangerous attacking unit that included his Crossmaglen clubmate Caolan Finnegan.
‘Stringer’ starred for the Rangers during the club championship, rattling the net in the final to pick up his first county title.
Ruairi O’Brien also shone in the club championship, leading Shane O’Neill’s to IFC glory and picking up the Man of the Match award in the final.
Oisin Conaty burst onto the scene for the seniors with a McKenna Cup goal against Cavan and he pointed when introduced last week.
James O’Hara, Antoin McParland and captain Sean Conlon also lined out in the front six last weekend.
Defence
Tadgh Grimley and Patrick Carr form a solid midfield pairing, while Brendan O’Hagan is the rock of the defence.
Both wing half backs, Callum O’Neill and Fergal O’Brien, got on the scoresheet last week and impressed with their work rate.
Gareth Murphy caught the eye for Killeavy last season and is stationed at full back alongside Emmet Magee and Odhran Carragher.
Patrick McAteer is between the sticks and the Mullaghbawn netminder has been part of Kieran McGeeney’s senior panel for the last few years.
It’s a strong outfit and Armagh still have a few players to come back like Darragh McMullen and Thomas Og Duffy. Both are out injured at the minute.
Louth suffered a six-point defeat to Westmeath in round one, so will be hoping to pick up their first points of the campaign.
