O’Rourke: Armagh remain a top contender

FORMER Armagh wing-forward Martin O’Rourke expects his native county to compete for the big prizes next season despite the retirements of a number of high-profile players recently.

Super-sub Stefan Campbell announced his retirement and he leaves big shoes to fill in the Armagh changing room. Jemar Hall, Ciaron O’Hanlon, Mark Shields, Ciaran Higgins and Shane McPartlan likewise won’t be part of the panel for the 2026 season.

O’Rourke dismisses the claim that the Orchard County, who won the All-Ireland in 2024, could be preparing for a period of transition, and he expects them to compete for Sam Maguire once again next year.

“I wouldn’t be mentioning transition, especially when (Kieran) McGeeney’s involved,” said O’Rourke. “Geezer’s not there to transition, he’s out to try and win Sam, there’s no doubt. I haven’t spoken to any of the players but there’s no doubt their focus is to go and win Sam.

“If you look back at last year, they had a poor game against Kerry (in the All-Ireland quarter-final). Just after half time we were four or five up and Kerry just blew them away in 15 minutes of football.

“At that stage there was a lot of talk about Armagh maybe going to the well too many times, but Kerry did the same to Tyrone in the semi-final and Donegal in the final. When they do hit their straps, Kerry probably are that step above everybody else.

“Teams have off days, but Armagh are right there. Without doubt, they’re top four contenders and I’d say the players believe that. ‘Geezer’ will put belief into them so my expectation would be that they hopefully get over the line in Ulster and see where that takes them.”

The Dromintee man, who is currently manager of Down club Saval, believes the emergence of a number of talented youngsters over the last few years can drive Armagh on, while there’s still plenty of experienced heads for McGeeney to call upon as well.

“Young (Callum) O’Neill is coming in with high pedigree,” he added. “Darragh McMullen’s performance in the county final was a step above anything on the pitch and that includes Cullyhanna’s three county players.

“Darragh is only going to improve every year that he’s at that level. He probably had his first full year last year so that’ll breed confidence for him. Oisin Conaty, we all know how good he can be.

“At the same time, my own clubman Aaron McKay will be back next year. He’s back in full training and a lot of those senior players aren’t going back just to be also-rans, they’re there to win it. There’s a lot of talent in Armagh, so it’ll take a very good team to beat them.”