Murnin’s sparkling form for Orchard side brings its rewards

A series of outstanding displays in Armagh’s colours have helped to propel Andrew Murnin to the Quinn Building Products Ulster GAA Writers’ Association monthly merit award.

The St Paul’s, Lurgan player proved unstoppable and it was his 1-3 that proved instrumental in taking the Orchard county to victory over Fermanagh in the recent Division Three final at Croke Park — a win which proved the icing on the cake after his side had already clinched promotion.

Yet Murnin, who has now projected himself up among the top full-forwards in the country, had to fend off stiff opposition before he finally clinched the writers’ prize.

Monaghan duo Kieran Hughes and Rory Beggan, Slaughtneil camogie ace Tina Hannon — who was outstanding in her team’s second consecutive All-Ireland title win — and Tyrone sharpshooter Lee Brennan were all strongly in the running.

With such a list of candidates it was obvious that the decision would not be unanimous but in the final analysis Murnin emerged on top.

“Certainly, there were many others, including members of the Armagh team, who had very strong claims to win this prestigious award but, obviously, I am delighted to be the chosen recipient,” said 26-year-old account- ant Murnin, a member of the Armagh team which won the 2009 All-Ireland 2009 Minor Football Championship.

He now has two NFL Division Three medals and an Armagh IFC award collected with St Paul’s, Lurgan.

Murnin’s recent blistering f orm has been warmly welcomed by Orchard county boss Kieran McGeeney who lost Ciaron O’Hanlon, Jamie Clarke and Stefan Campbell from his attack at the outset of the league.

With Murnin only getting back into action after recurring injury problems it was felt that Armagh might struggle for scores but instead of that they have prospered.

Murnin received his award at a special ceremony in Quinn’s Corner Restaurant, Ballygawley. His prize consisted of an inscribed Belleek Living vase, engraved silver cuff links from Carlingford Design House and training gear from O’Neill’s International Sportswear.

Top man: Andrew Murnin displays his writers’ trophy