Murnin set for spell on the sidelines

ARMAGH midfielder Andrew Murnin could be set for a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Gaelic Life understands.

The St Paul’s clubman was withdrawn on the hour mark in Armagh’s three-point defeat to Roscommon last Sunday afternoon.

Further assessment is required, but the versatile player is expected to miss a number of rounds.

Murnin, an All-Ireland winning minor in 2009, has been in fantastic form so far throughout Armagh’s Division One league campaign having found himself playing a centerfield.

Murnin is responsible for the only goal Armagh have scored in the opening three games of 2026 and that came on the first day out against Monaghan at Clones. He registered 1-3 that day and kicked a two-pointer last weekend against the Rossies before making way.

Despite not scoring in round two against Galway at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, in a game Armagh lost by the minimum of margins, Murnin was arguably the best player on the pitch in an orange jersey.

His presence around the middle of the park will be keenly missed this weekend as the Orchard County welcome old foes Donegal to the Cathedral City in a repeat of the last two Ulster finals.

Donegal have come out on top in the last four meetings with Armagh and have collected the Anglo Celt Cup on consecutive occasions. Armagh’s last win over the Tir Chonaill County came in their 2023 league meeting, when both sides were relegated from the top tier.

Ben Crealey, an All-Star in 2024, did return to action last weekend to earn his first competitive minutes of the season and is likely to start against Jim McGuinness’ men on Sunday.

Donegal are the in-form team in the country at the minute having earned three successive victories over Dublin, Kerry and most recently Mayo and they will be keen to continue their hoodoo over the Orchard County.