Armagh squad capableof springing a shock win

Armagh Minors will face a major test when they meet Donegal in the Ulster Championship first round tie at the Athletic Grounds on Sunday night 7.00pm.
David Wilson Armagh Minors assistant manager with his son Conail.David Wilson Armagh Minors assistant manager with his son Conail.
David Wilson Armagh Minors assistant manager with his son Conail.

The visitors, who secured a well deserved preliminary round victory over Tyrone recently, will start as favourites but an injury free Orchard side will be a tough test for the North West outfit.

Traditionally Ulster Minor Championship games are normally played as curtain raisers to Senior matches, but the game will take place next Sunday to avoid clashing with student exams down south.

Donegal boss Declan Bonner will bring his side to the Athletic Grounds well prepared, the Tir Connail men are third favourites for the Tom Markem Cup behind Kerry and Dublin, but according to Armagh Minors assistant manager David Wilson the orchard lads are injury free and will be well capable of up setting the odds.

“Donegal are a carbon copy of their senior team and a difficult team to break down,” said David.

“They were All-Ireland finalists last year and comfortably won the minor league this year.

“However we have prepared well and are confident where we are at the moment. We are ready to go and give a good account of ourselves.

“Home advantage is a big plus and we will be going out to try and win the game.”

The St. Peter’s clubman is part of a four strong management team which includes Aidan and Martin O’Rourke and another of his former County colleagues Paul McGrane.

Armagh enter Sunday’s tie following a chequered league campaign, after wins in the competitions early stages over Cavan, Down and Monaghan they lost to a decent Derry outfit in the semi-final.

Several local players will be in the squad for the crunch tie with Donegal at the weekend, Clann Eireann have four representatives. Rory Owens, who has captained the side this season, will be joined by Barry McCambridge, Conor McConville and Dyllan Hatton, along with Callan Duffin from the Wolfe Tones club, Tir na Nog player Shea Conway, St. Paul’s Declan Magee and two Trasna youngsters namely James and Kevin McAlinden.

Donegal who will arrive at the Athletic Grounds boosted by their recent win over Tyrone are a side well organised and brimming with talent, but an injury free home side are well capable of causing a mini shock against Declan Bonner’s team.

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