THE loss of team captain Lee Rice has delivered a cruel blow to Armagh ahead of their trip to Ballybofey to take on Donegal in the Ulster U20 Football Championship.
A broken leg suffered during a training session rules the Killeavy defender out for the rest of the season, and represents a serious setback to Orchard ambitions.
“It’s unfortunate for Lee, because he has worked very hard right up through the ranks, and he has been a super player for Armagh,” said selector Martin Kelly, who confirmed that joint vice-captains Dan McCarthy and Oran O’Neill will lead the team at MacCumhaill Park on Friday evening.
“Lee is a big leader for us on the pitch, but also off it, and he’s still doing that, he has been very positive.
“It’s been a bit of a blow to the camp, and we probably didn’t realise it until we went out to play Monaghan, and it took them the first half before they got it out of their system. It did affect the lads. And it’s soul-destroying for Lee.”
An Armagh side managed by Barry O’Hagan and Oisin McConville won just one of its three Philly McGuinness Cup games, beating Westmeath and losing narrowly to Monaghan and Cavan, while Donegal’s impressive Development League campaign saw them win the Leo Murphy Cup, defeating Tyrone in the final.
“Donegal won their competition, so they’ll be favourites.
“But the Development League has been a great initiative. Last year it was just one match and you’re out.
“The U20s put in a serious commitment, so it’s good that they get at least three games ahead of Championship.”
Kelly questioned the scheduling of the U20 Championship fixtures, arguing that a lengthy trip to Ballybofey on a Friday evening is far from ideal for players and management, whose work and studies are impacted.
“I think it’s a pity that the U20 games are being played on a Friday night.
“It’s a long jaunt for Armagh to Ballybofey on a Friday evening for eight o’clock.
“It’s not that we mind going to Ballybofey, but you’re literally saying to boys, you have to take half a day off.
“We should be giving them the best chance to prepare.
“You’d wonder why Saturday afternoon wouldn’t suit the thing. I think it would be a bit more forward-thinking if they got a bit of exposure on a Saturday.
“These boys are at university and some of them are working, and we have to meet up and travel to Ballybofey for a match at eight o’clock. It’s a bit of an ask.”
The rise of the Armagh senior side under Kieran McGeeney has sent ripples of optimism through the county, and the U20 management have been keen to tap into the feel-good factor.
Defender Peter McGrane and goalkeeper Shea Magill, both members of the senior squad, have helped to transfer an atmosphere of positivity from one squad to the other.
“It has a very positive effect on the players and the whole attitude towards turning up and performing for your county,” said Kelly.
“You can see the positivity, and long may it continue.
“I’m glad we have succeeded in surviving. That was the aim at the start of the year, and we have done more than that.”
