ARMAGH’S new minor manager Aidan O’Rourke says he’s looking forward to the challenge of “moulding a team from every corner of the county to represent Armagh” next season.
O’Rourke replaces Brendan Hughes who stepped down after several fruitful seasons in the role and will be assisted by former county ace Stefan Forker (coach), James Daly (selector), Niall Woods (selector), conditioning coach Chris McCarron and Forkhill’s Pat McGeogh (well-being).
Having stepped down as Donegal’s interim boss in the summer, O’Rourke’s initial intentions was to return to work with the underage teams at his home club Dromintee clubman.
But during that period of reflection, he has since been recruited by the Armagh County Board to take over the U17s and hopes to build on the “excellent work” already done there.
“It takes a fair body of work to ensure we are thorough in assembling a squad to represent Armagh in minor competitions in 2024,” O’Rourke said.
“The starting point for all of that is building the excellent work done through the Orchard Academy Development Squad coaches over the last four years as these lads developed through that system. We've already met with the lead coaches from those squads for their thoughts ahead of assessing the players ourselves.
“Ulster Schools competitions at year 12 have been running over the last few weeks and we're delighted to have seen so many potential players represent their schools in that window.
“Those competitions are nearing their knock-out phases and of course MacRory and MacLarnon competitions get underway shortly. Those Ulster Schools competitions are a brilliant development ground for players.”
Forker is an interesting choice as one of O’Rourke’s selectors as he always found the Maghery man not afraid to question things during his playing days with Armagh.
Daly also brings a wealth of experience to the table having managed several inter-county ladies teams over many seasons.
“Collectively engaging with the group is a bit away but there will be opportunities to assess and trial players around their school and conditioning commitments,” O’Rourke added.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge of moulding a team from every corner of the county to represent Armagh. The opportunity to do that is a privilege for everyone involved with supporting the lads and we hope it will be a positive experience for everyone - particularly the players.”
Armagh haven’t won an Ulster minor title since the class of 2009 when Paul McShane helped guide them to an All-Ireland title that same season, a squad that yielded the likes of Rory Grugan, Andy Murnin, Eugene McVerry, Robbie Tasker, James Morgan, Gavin McParland and Paul Carragher.
The Orchard men haven’t reached a provincial decider since 2014.
“Ultimately, if you have a group of players and you pull everyone together and everyone is ambitious, you want to win matches. That’s why we all play football at the end of the day,” said O’Rourke, who has been coaching at underage level with Dromintee for several seasons now.
Armagh minor management team: Aidan O'Rourke (manager); Stefan Forker (coach); James Daly (Selector), Niall Woods (selector); Chris McCarron (conditioning coach); Pat McGeogh (Wellbeing)
