With county managers getting their 2026 plans in place, they’ll be scouring the counties looking for someone that can add to the overall package. Michael McMullan looked inside all nine counties.

Antrim – Seaan Elliott (Dunloy)

KNOWN my many for his exploits with the wee ball, Elliott has also been catching the eye for Dunloy footballers. An Ulster football title winner in his youth with St Louis, Ballymena, his range of skills in both codes is there for all to see. He finished a brilliant goal against Cargin his season and his sensational pass for a Keelan Molloy goal was a joy. You’d imagine he’s someone new boss Mark Doran will have on his Santa list.

Armagh – Eoin McConville (St Paul’s)

KIERAN McGeeney is a man who scours the county looking for any sight of a footballer that will add to his overall Armagh plan. He was sold on Andrew Murnin from club action and his clubmate Eoin McConville is someone who has been on the fringes of the squad, in a development group and biding his time. After continuing to shine, the St Paul’s man could very well have his hand up higher this autumn.

Cavan – Peter Doyle (Cornafean)

NEW Breffni manager Dermot McCabe has the advantage of having managed against Cavan, but more importantly he has his finger on the pulse with the county’s underage. Cornafean’s Peter Doyle is a name that keeps cropping up in dispatches across the county. With inside forwards always on the wanted list, he has led the club’s attack with aplomb to the last four of the Intermediate Championship.

Derry – Peter Stuart (Bellaghy)

AN injury to Odhrán Lynch had Derry in all sorts on uncertainty in the goalkeeping department. Bellaghy’s Peter Stuart has been touted by many in the Oakleaf County as someone worth a punt. A former outfield player, he was been converted into a goalkeeper under Bellaghy goalkeeper goalkeeping coach Kevin ‘Mal’ O’Neill.

Down – Lorcan Ward (Kilcoo)

AS someone still playing club football, his u-20 manager days and being an overall fanatic, there won’t be a footballer in Down Conor Laverty doesn’t know. He has thrown in loads of players during his tenure so far. Look at goalkeeper Ronan Burns. What a find. Who is next? He might not need to look past the end of the Kilcoo lane. Lorcan Ward could be someone he tests out on the McKenna Cup if it comes around.

Donegal – Sean Martin (MacCumhaill’s)

JIM McGuinness took a raft of u-20s into training at different times last year to have a look. It’s that type of long-term planning countries need. Sean Martin captained the u-20s and has been an important part of Gary Wilson’s plans in MacCumhaill’s. If they can get over Downings this weekend, it will give him another 60 minutes to prove himself. Martin to be the next Finnbarr Roarty? If you are good enough, you are old enough.

Fermanagh – Kai McGoldrick (Lisnaskea)

LONG before Lisnaskea pulled off their excellent result over Enniskillen Gaels last weekend, McGoldrick has been a name bandied about the footballing circles in the Erne County. His calling card? A tight marking corner-back who loves to get forward. That’s music to any manager’s ears with more emphasis on defenders who can actually defend. With Declan Bonner the frontrunner to take over, he’ll already know about the former county minor and u-20 player’s credentials.

Monaghan – Jordan McGarrell (Corduff)

FROM intermediate champions to a team pushing up in the senior ranks, Corduff will have a few crunch games coming up. Gabriel Bannigan was talking on the Farney Army podcast about getting around the grounds in the club championship. McGarrell could be one he may call up for a long-term look in the middle third. Look at how quickly Dylan Byrne slotted in off the back of club performances. Is McGarrell next?

Tyrone – Paul Donaghy (Dungannon)

HE has been in before, but his remarkable 20-point tally against Trillick has shot his name back into the conversations again. Looking at the new rules, Tyrone’s range of attackers are what many county manager would love. With Cathal McShane stepping away, it left Malachy O’Rourke with too many of the same type of player. Donaghy could be a different option.