The Armagh u17s and u20s take on Fermanagh today as part of a hurling double header St. Colman’s Newry Sports Complex.
The two teams are led by the same management team. So, it will be a busy few hours for Micéal Murphy, Damian Kirk, Gerard Murphy David O’Brien and Packo Murphy.
The u20s head into the game off the back of a first round defeat to neighbours Tyrone. One point was the difference, with the Red Hands edging ahead 3-8 to 3-7 at full time.
The Orchard County are fairly confident going into this match. They’ll hope Craobh Rua’s Ronan McAllister can hit the net again after he contributed 1-3 of his sides total the last day out.
Narrow defeat
Na Fianna’s Diarmuid Hughes is solid in goal. The Craobh Rua pairing of Brian McCann and Daithí McCloy are strong at the back line. Cuchulainns Ronan O’Hagan has also been going very well in training.
Armagh are benefitting from the return of Keady’s Daire Fegan. He returns after a thumb break and his presence could be crucial if he is introduced.
Lee Murtagh of Cuchulainns could cause problems for Fermanagh in the forward line. The talent of Keady’s Noel King will be expected to gain some scores.
Killeavy’s Micel Rice and Daire Harvey of Keady will be vying for an introduction as will Eoghan Ruadh’s Cian McCrory. Derrynoose’s Jack Fox could also be introduced.
Murphy is delighted with the commitment shown, which is emphasised by young Aiden McClean who commutes from Galway where he is a student in UCG and hasn’t missed a training session.
Although the two counties have met many times in recent years at u17 level this will be the first time in many years that both counties have met each other at u20.
The minors head into the game off the back of an impressive win over Cavan last weekend. Armagh saw off the Breffni Blues 8-15 to 0-6.
The u17 match against Fermanagh throws in a 1.30pm with the u20s game coming up straight after at 3.30pm.
