Armagh keen to have McConville back on board

IN a month during which diverse demands are being made on players, the Under-20 Development League has been unfurling out of the spotlight.

But this does not mean that skill is not flourishing in a competition which is viewed as a stepping stone towards recognition at senior inter-county level.

Cian McConville is a case in point relative to players who find themselves serving more than one master at this point in time.

He won an Armagh Senior Championship medal with Crossmaglen Rangers, and last weekend he was on Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup duty with St Mary’s University College, Belfast.

Today he is expected to line out with Armagh against Monaghan at Crossmaglen (2.00pm) in the Under-20 Philly McGuinness Cup, and his presence in the side would certainly be welcomed by manager Peter McDonnell.

“There is no doubt that young players can find themselves having to serve more than one manager at this point in time. Cian certainly comes into that category, but we would certainly relish his services (today),” says school principal McDonnell.

Not that Armagh are a onetrick pony by any means. Kieran McParland and Shay Magill are showing themselves to be fine goalkeepers, while Niall McCorry and Justin Sheridan are others who continue to catch the eye.

The Orchard county lost to Westmeath before just easing past Cavan 2-18 to 3-13 and need a win today to stay in the race for honours.

Meanwhile, Down and Tyrone will cross swords at Burren (2.00pm) in the Leo Murphy Cup. The Red Hands were rather surprisingly beaten by Louth last weekend.