Making a breakthrough: A look at some of the promising stars across Ulster

With no pre-season competitions it’s harder for younger players to make their mark, but Niall McCoy looks at a few players that may have a say in the months to come

ANTRIM EOIN HYNDS

HAVING played a peripheral role in 2024, Eoin Hynds will be hoping to push on and try and nail a starting berth in the coming months.

The Con Magee’s man has already enjoyed some good moments in Saffron having come off the bench and kicked two points in the stunning Tailteann Cup comrback against Fermanagh. He also made a Croke Park appearance in the semi-final loss to Laois.

Big and strong and could be an important player moving forward.

ARMAGH DARRAGH MCMULLEN

EARNED a surprise start in the Division Two final at Croke Park as sickness hit the Armagh camp and although his shooting radar was off, he looked lively and energetic in the narrow loss to Donegal.

The Madden player has impressed consistently in training and although he has had to be patient with Armagh’s squad incredibly strong last year, he will be hoping to get more substantial league minutes this term.

Plays a lot of his club football with number 11 on his back, but comfortable on the wing too and can provide versatility in attack.

Not long into his 20s, time is on his side.

CAVAN DARRAGH LOVETT

GOT some game-time off the bench in last year’s All-Ireland series – kicking two points against Roscommon and just missing a great goal chance – and will be hopeful of having a bigger part to play in 2025.

Has been on the fringes of the senior squad for a couple of seasons now so will feel that now is the time to really push on.

Was the Breffni County’s main man at u-20 level last season, posting 2-16 across four games.

Cavan have some big men down their spine, so fast and nimble forwards will be a welcome addition – and the Killygarry man might fit the bill.

DERRY RUAIRI FORBES

BALLINDERRY’S run to the All-Ireland Intermediate final has been built on some exciting performances by emerging young talent and a few of them will surely be looked at by new Oakleaf boss Paddy Tally when their campaign ends.

Ruairi Forbes will more than likely be one of those as the highly-rated youngster continues to make his mark.

Has been lining out in half-back with the Shamrocks but usually plays his county ball at midfield and given how much energy that middle sector needs under the new rules, he looks perfectly placed to make the step up having impressed at u-20 level last year.

DONEGAL FINBARR ROARTY

FINBARR Roarty’s Donegal career started in controversial fashion and it was hard not to have sympathy for the youngster.

At 17, he lined out in the McKenna Cup against Armagh before even playing a senior game for Naomh Conaill – and because he was too young, the game was eventually declared null and void while manager Jim McGuinness successfully contested a proposed eight-week suspension.

It also meant that Roarty couldn’t feature last year, but the defender is back in the panel for the season ahead and is quite clearly so highly rated.

He can expect to feature in the forthcoming Division One campaign.

DOWN RONAN BURNS

JOHN O’Hare has really impressed after rejoining the Down panel under Conor Laverty but it’s quite clear that the manager wants to generate real competition in that area.

Selector Martin Clarke had been linked with the position last season, but it now looks like Drumgath’s Ronan Burns will be the man to push O’Hare for the starting spot.

A talented soccer ‘keeper too, Burns has the ability to kick scores and was a key cog as his club claimed the Down Intermediate title in 2024.

Fintan Canavan is another young goalkeeper in the extended squad that will work under new coach Thomas Mallon.

FERMANAGH DIARMUID KING

FERMANAGH are crying out for attackers and Diarmuid King may be one that really fits the bill.

A grandson of former boss Pat King, so he comes from good stock and he has really been at the core of Newtownbutler’s attack in recent times. That has been evident in titles too in recent times with the club claiming an u-17 Division One title with King leading the way a few seasons ago,

Extremely skilful and is a capable free-taker too, he could be a real asset for manager Kieran Donnelly in the season ahead.

MONAGHAN AARON CAREY

AARON Carey was a notable starter in the Monaghan side for their recent challenge match with Mayo, even if he had originally been listed as a substitute.

New Oriel manager Gabriel Bannigan will be spreading the net far and wide as Monaghan prepare for league action outside the top flight for the first time since 2014.

One of four Clontibret Monaghan u-20s last term, he can play in a number of positions although he generally played in attack for the Oriel u-20s last term but often plays further back for the O’Neill’s.

TYRONE EOIN MCELHOLM

THE sigh of relief from Tyrone fans when Eoin McElholm didn’t make the move to Aussie Rules in the off-season spoke volumes.

Freemantle ultimately ended up not signing him on a rookie contract after a trial meaning he’s available to new boss Malachy O’Rourke, although who knows what the future holds?

For now though he is a Tyrone player, and although he is still u20, he could have an important role to play at senior level.

A superstar at underage and schools’ level, he really is a hot prospect.

Already has a taste of the top level having come on in the surprise All-Ireland preliminary round loss to Roscommon last season, and should get more.