ARMAGH have handed first Championship starts to four players for Sunday’s Ulster SFC clash with Down in Newry. Goalkeeper Blaine Hughes, Aaron McKay in the half-back line, Niall Grimley at midfield, and forward Oisin O’Neill are the men Kieran McGeeney has trusted with the Orchard jersey for the first time at Championship level.
Armagh were high scorers during their ultimately disappointing Allianz League campaign, and their six starting forwards look a particularly potent unit. Flanking O’Neill in the half-forward line is Aidan Forker and captain Rory Grugan, while their inside line looks as good as anything in Ulster, with Jamie Clarke and Andrew Murnin either side of Stefan Campbell.
In defence, while they have been porous so far, McGeeney will hope that the likes of James Morgan, Paul Hughes, Brendan Donaghy and Charlie Vernon can keep a tight hold on the Down attack.
There had been speculation that McGeeney, as he did last year with Paul Courtney, would start an outfield player in goal, with midfielder Ethan Rafferty’s name prominent.
