It was announced this week that Armagh legend Stefan Campbell has hung up the boots and called time on his county career. ‘Soupy’ was certainly a fan favourite during his time in the orange and white.
He made his debut way back in 2012, in a McKenna Cup game, and played in the championship the following year. Campbell hung around during the dark days of Division Three but eventually got his reward.
His impact on Armagh winning the All-Ireland in 2024 cannot be understated. If it hadn’t of been for the Clan na Gael clubman, then it’s likely that Sam Maguire wouldn’t have visited the Orchard County for a second time.
He set up Aaron McKay’s famous goal that confirmed the victory. Who could forgot his monster scores against Kerry in the semi-final? Campbell walks away an absolute legend who owes the jersey nothing.
Appearances
After making his senior debut against Down in the 2012 McKenna Cup, Campbell went on to make 157 appearances. He was part of a crop of players like Aidan Forker, Rory Grugan and Niall Grimley that hit the 100 mark in recent years.
‘Soupy’ didn’t earn a championship appearance until 2013 when he came off the bench against Wicklow in the qualifiers. In typical Campbell fashion, he got his name on the scoresheet in that 2-21 to 0-2 hammering.
His first championship start came in 2014 when he lined out at corner forward as Armagh were knocked out of the Ulster Championship by Cavan. They did go on a great run that year though, when they reached the All-Ireland quarter-final, with Campbell starting every game.
He made 16 appearances in 2014 and 2019, the most games he played until 2024. Last season Campbell made 17 appearances, including one in the McKenna Cup, and played in all league and championship outings.
Scoring
In terms of championship scoring, Campbell finishes his career having kicked 2-76 for the Orchard County. His two goals came ten years apart as he found the net in 2014 for the first time in championship and then again in 2024.
He first raised a green flag in the championship against Donegal in the 2014 All-Ireland quarter-final. Armagh came so close to reaching the last four that season and Campbell was an inspiration after coming in off the bench.
His second championship goal arrived against Fermanagh in the opening round of the USFC last season. Campbell was one of two goal scorers, along with Conor Turbitt and Jarly Og Burns, as Armagh trounced the Erne County.
Across all his years representing Armagh, Campbell chalked up 13-241 in McKenna Cup, league and championship. His highest scoring season was in 2016 when he notched 2-57 and was Armagh’s highest scorer that year.
Trophies
Campbell walks away with the biggest prize of all having picked up a well deserved Celtic Cross last summer. He played a key role in Armagh getting over the line against Galway in the decider.
‘Soupy’ also walks away with a Division Three league medals from 2015, when Armagh defeated Fermanagh at Croke Park. He also helped Armagh return to Division One after a long hiatus in 2020.
He won two Irish News Ulster All-Star awards as well in 2014 and 2022. Campbell was also nominated for a GAA All-Star award in 2022 but strangle didn’t make the shortlist last season.
Campbell also won a Railway Cup medal with Ulster in 2016 alongside Armagh teammates Tony Kernan and Charlie Vernon. At club level, he’s always won three All-Stars for Clan na Gael in 2020, 2023 and 2024.
