THEY’RE not shouting from the roof-tops, nor making any giddy predictions about the future being unmistakably orange – but there is plenty of honest effort from some of Armagh’s favourite sons at the Simplyfruit Orchard Academy.
Speaking ahead of Saturday night’s Armagh GAA Night at the Dogs fundraiser at Dundalk Stadium, former Armagh midfielder Paul McGrane said the Academy, which was formed three years ago, is trying to “re-energise” the Orchard county. Every Saturday morning through the summer, McGrane and many of his former team-mates are attempting to inspire the next generation.
Since Joe Kernan guided Armagh to their one and only All-Ireland senior title in 2002, there have been only intermittent successes on the biggest stage, with the U21s and the county minors winning All-Ireland crowns in 2004 and 2009 respectively. Hundreds of young players from U14 through to post-minor level have been availing of the Simplyfruit Orchard Academy since it was formed in 2012.
“What we’re trying to do is re-energise Armagh,” said McGrane.
“Now, of course, people might be saying: ‘Sure what have you got to show for it?’ But it’s very much a long-term project of the county’s. We are hopefully laying foundations that can be built upon in three, five and 10 years. It takes time, energy and, of course, resources.”
Academy coordinator Denis Holywood hasn’t been short of helping hands since its formation.
McGrane, Diarmaid Marsden, Benny Tierney, Brian McAlinden, Gerard Houlihan, Oisín McConville, John Toal, John McEntee, Paddy McKeever, Ciarán McKinney, Philly McEvoy, Brian Mallon and Cathal O’Rourke are just some of the men who have helped nurture the next generation of footballers in the county, alongside an existing group of dedicated coaches from within the county. Asked why he decided to get involved, McGrane said: “I have great memories playing for Armagh, something that I really value and I have made great friendships that last to this day.
“We feel that there is something unique about the culture here and I would like other fellas to go on and experience those things as well. It’s not all about winning – it’s about the journey and the experience. Armagh is a small county, but you want to maximise what we can produce.”
One of the key objectives of Saturday’s Night at the Dogs in Dundalk is that more funds can be made available for long-term projects such as the Orchard Academy, allowing McGrane and these volunteers to enhance the Armagh experience for the next generation.
“People within Armagh are more aware of the academy and more players are going forward. There is just more joined-up thinking in the county,” McGrane added.
“All we’re doing is trying to paint a picture for the young players and urging them to go and grab the chance of playing for Armagh. Different people develop at different stages and the ones that will come through will be those with the desire, hunger and determination. We’re getting players from all levels, irrespective of school or club.
“It’s about creating a structured pathway for young footballers in Armagh. And the Simplyfruit Orchard Academy is building on the good work of the clubs and schools. Irrespective of how teams get on at minor and U21 level, ultimately it’s about players progressing through to senior level.”
McGrane, whose own journey with Armagh began in 1991, continued: “It’s not just focusing on a player’s football ability, it’s about how that player conducts himself on and off the field.
"You’re just trying to instil in fellas the significance of being part of Armagh.”
A large number of the class of ’02 are now involved in coaching at various levels with their native county. Captain Kieran McGeeney has assumed the senior reins this season, while Stevie McDonnell manages the U21s. All-Ireland winning defender Aidan O’Rourke took over the minors this year, while a host of the ’02 squad have coached or are coaching at the Orchard Academy.
“It’s a great thing to pull on the Armagh jersey and there’s a clear pathway to do that,” McGrane said.
Tickets for Armagh GAA’s Night at the Dogs in Dundalk on Saturday, June 6 (7.30pm) are still available at the county office, www.armaghgaa.net or from county executive members.
