Rafferty returns as Armagh mix things up

ETHAN Rafferty has been handed his first start of the season as Armagh go to Brewster Park on Saturday evening, with an eye on booking their place in the Ulster Championship semi-finals.

Rafferty featured in the McKenna Cup back in January, and made substitute appearances against Galway and Mayo in the league, both out the field, but he’s been selected as Armagh’s number one for this weekend.

With the injury crisis the Orchard County are currently experiencing around midfield, with Ben Crealey and Callum O’Neill recently picking up long term injuries, Rafferty was suggested as a possible solution to the problem.

Instead, the fit again Andrew Murnin comes into centerfield, making his first appearance since limping off against Roscommon in round three of the league, and he’s partnered by Jason Duffy.

In all, Armagh have made four changes to the starting team that defeated Tyrone after extra time, 1-17 to 1-16, two weeks ago.

Conor Turbitt earns his first start since round five of the league while his Clann Éireann clubmate Daniel Magee looks set to make his championship debut.

Paddy Burns, who started extra time against the Red Hands in the preliminary round, returns to the fold and slots in at corner back, with Gareth Murphy the man missing out.

Oisin O’Neill looks to have retained his super sub position, while Joe McElory, Barry McCambridge and Ciaran Mackin are all strong options off the bench, but Rory Grugan hasn’t been named in the subs despite earning his first minutes of the year against Tyrone.

STARTING TEAM

Ethan Rafferty

Paddy Burns

Aaron McKay

Peter McGrane

Ross McQuillan

Tiernan Kelly

Jarly Og Burns

Jason Duffy

Andrew Murnin

Tomas McCormack

Darragh McMullan

Daniel Magee

Oisin Conaty

Conor Turbitt

Cian McConville

SUBS

Blaine Hughes

Joe McElroy

Ryan Duffy

Gareth Murphy

Ciaran Mackin

Barry McCambridge

Oisin O’Neill

Tomas Galvin

Fergal O’Brien

Padraig O’Keefe

Aaron O’Neill