The Armagh u20 hurling team begin their All-Ireland Championship campaign this weekend as they take on Mayo.
It’s the quarter final of the Ritchie McElligott Cup and the sides clash in Pearse Park, Longford on Saturday.
Armagh enjoyed a decent league campaign, where they played against Cavan, Tyrone and Fermanagh.
Although the Orchard County lost out against Cavan and Tyrone, they put up good fights. They also overcome Fermanagh in round two.
One-point separated the sides when Armagh travelled to Omagh for the opening round of the league campaign.
The Red Hands nudged ahead by the time the final whistle sounded, winning 3-8 to 3-7 in the end.
Armagh were the dominate side the next day out when they dismantled Fermanagh with ease, winning 4-17 to 1-3.
More recently, they travelled to Breffni Park and put in a good performance, but Cavan edged the encounter by four points.
Now, all attention turns towards the championship and Armagh have named a strong starting line-up.
Starting team
Middletown man Diarmaid Hughes starts between the sticks, with Daire Fegan of Keady ahead of him at full back.
Cuchulainns defender Ronan O’Hagan slots in to one corner back spot, with Brian McCann of Craobh Rua in the other.
Keady’s Conor Rafferty begins at centre half back with Daithi McCloy (Croabh Rua) and Conoe McVeigh (Cuchulainns) on the flanks.
Noel King of Keady will partner Derrynoose’s Jack Fox in the middle of the field. The tow boys bring lots of energy to the centre of the park.
Up front, Cuchulainns dup Lee Murtagh and Jack Scallon started in the half forward line. Ronnie Monahan of Middletown will line out at wing half forward.
Middletown’s Jake Toal, a 2022 College All-Star winner, begins the game at corner forward. Toal will be one of Armagh’s main scoring threats.
Joining him inside will be two Croabh Rua men, with Ronan McAllister and Paddy McVerry completing the inside line.
