Armagh set to get their season underway with trip to Ballybofey

Armagh get their Dr ​McKenna Cup campaign underway with a tricky tie on Wednesday evening, as they travel to take on Donegal in what is Jim McGuinness’ first competitive fixture upon his return to the position as Tír Chonaill manager for a second stint.

Whilst a good run in the McKenna Cup can lay the foundations for the rest of the year, it will be used primarily as a vehicle for the Armagh management to test out some new blood in the team ahead of another important year for the side.

Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney arranged a charity exhibition match between the Club All Stars and Future County Stars in December, which allowed previously unheralded players such as James McCormack, Sean McCarthy, Paddy Carr, Conor Magennis and Michael McConville to flourish and stick their hands up for opportunities in the McKenna Cup.

McGeeney also mentioned some other young players who have been impressing in trials, as well as the long list of experienced players, who will be returning to the fold following injuries in 2023.

“We have a great bunch of young fellas pushing hard. The likes of Daragh McMullan and Oisin Conaty are pushing hard, and Sean Conlon came on there too,” said McGeeney.

“And then you have TK [Tiernan Kelly] coming back from a lot of bad injuries last year, Oisin O'Neill back in the team, Paddy Burns back looking for game time, Niall [Grimley] looking for game time. They were fellas we just didn't have at our disposal last year, and they're pushing hard.

“It's brilliant for them to get the game time and it's great for the panel too, because there is nothing worse as a footballer than sitting on the side-lines.

“So, just to get out and kick ball, it doesn't matter what it is or when it is, that's what you want to do. So, we have a lot of those players pushing themselves back in; I know some of them may be elder statesmen, but they're all good footballers.

“The stronger our panel is, the better we are going to be, so that's what we're looking for. So, we're looking forward to it (the McKenna Cup), and giving it a good lash in the new year.”

Armagh were expecting to be without the services of wing back Jarly Og Burns in 2024, who had initially elected to step away from the panel. However, he reversed his decision much to the delight of the Armagh fans.

Furthermore, McGeeney has boosted his backroom team with the addition of coach Conleith Gilligan, who helped Kilcoo claim three Ulster Club titles and an All-Ireland, and McGeeney is excited about the Derry man has brought to the table so far.

“Conleith is making a good difference, and Kieran Donaghy and Ciaran McKeever are pushing them hard, so hopefully we'll be able to step up,” said McGeeney.

“Conleith brings something different. Like KD [Kieran Donaghy], he has a very infectious personality, and he has a very good record in close games. We have had a couple of close games, and he brings a different perspective to it.

“Having a coach with a different eye is a brilliant thing in training; payers like that wee bit of extra coaching and it's a big part of the game nowadays, in terms of one to one coaching.

“We have three top class coaches throughout the field and Ciaran McKinney our Goalkeeping coach.

“So, I'm very happy with the group. They're all strong personalities, because you need to be in our set up in order to stand your ground.

“So, it's been great so far, but it always is in pre season – it's when the games start coming, things start to get tough.”