Pointing the way: Armagh’s leading light on the way to Sam

Niall Gartland looks at Armagh’s shooting stars from 2024…

1 Conor Turbitt (5-54)

CONOR Turbitt had a quiet afternoon by his own standards in the All-Ireland final but he played an immense role in Armagh’s surge to the Sam Maguire. He scored a massive 5-54 across the season, 4-23 of which came from play. The Clann Éireann man took a while to firmly establish himself as a starting member of the Armagh team, but he had a fantastic 2023 season and backed that up with another year to remember in 2024. He delivered one of his best performances in the Ulster final, kicking three points from play in the first half against Donegal.

2 Rory Grugan (2-36)

STALWART Rory Grugan soldiered through the good days and bad and his steadying influence, composure on the ball and ability to unlock opposition defences was pivotal throughout the season. Now aged 33, he made his 50th championship appearance in the All-Ireland final, though his day ended earlier than planned due to an injury sustained midway through the second half. Not that he’ll care too much now.

3 Oisin Conaty (0-30)

32 POINTS, all of which came from open play. Oisin Conaty has quite simply been a revelation for Armagh this season and he saved his best for last, kicking three points from half-forward in the All-Ireland final. The Portadown lad, who ditched Irish League football to play for Armagh, is a safe bet for the Young Footballer of the Year award, and his performance in the final will never be forgotten by the Armagh faithful.

4 Stefan Campbell (1-21)

ARMAGH super sub Stefan Campbell played an integral role throughout the season, but particularly in the bearpit of knock-out football at Croke Park. Kicked two beautiful points when he entered the fray in a rollercoaster semi-final joust against Kingdom, and was to the fore in the key moment of the All-Ireland final, playing an exquisite handpass across goal which was palmed to the net by Aaron McKay. A stalwart in the same vein as Rory Grugan and captain Aidan Forker, it was great to see him get his hands on Sam.

5 Rian O’Neill (1-15)

ONE of the most talented players in the country, Rian O’Neill excelled in his new role in the Armagh engine-room this year. He still managed to contribute to the scoreboard at regular intervals, including two worldies against Kerry and Galway. Also weighed in with a goal in Armagh’s one-sided group stage victory over Derry earlier in the summer.

6 Oisin O’Neill (0-17)

RIAN’S older brother Oisin has had a torrid time with injury in recent seasons, but he had a clean run at it this year and made a big impact from the bench. His second-half point against Galway was tremendous, a titanic effort from an unforgiving angle that put Armagh three points ahead. As it happened, it turned out to be their last score of the game so it’s fair to say it was a crucial intervention from the Crossmaglen man.

7 Andrew Murnin (1-12)

ANOTHER player whose career has been disrupted by injury, Murnin didn’t give up the ghost and got his hands on the All-Ireland at the age of 33. He was Armagh’s Footballer of the Year in 2023, and while arguably not quite so prominent this time around, he still made 13 starts across the season and was particularly influential in the Ulster final. Always gives absolutely everything for the cause.

8 Ben Crealey (1-10)

TOWERING midfielder Ben Crealey emerged as one of the standout stars of 2024, delivering a string of impressive performances for the Orchard County. Scored two fine points in a relatively low-scoring All-Ireland final as well as producing a vital late turnover.

9 Peter McGrane (3-3)

ONE of the youngest members of the Armagh squad, Peter McGrane enjoyed a breakthrough season (putting it mildly) culminating in All-Ireland honours. Kicked three goals from corner-back and was unfortunate not to be selected for the All-Ireland final with manager Kieran McGeeney electing for the physicality of Connaire Mackin. Still, what a season.

10 Barry McCambridge (2-5)

A LEADING candidate for the Footballer of the Year award, Armagh defender Barry McCambridge had a brilliant season in every respect. His performance in the All-Ireland semi-final will go down in Armagh folklore, snuffing out David Clifford and pouncing for a crucial second-half goal that was the catalyst for their eventual victory.