Rian O’Neill has not been named in the Armagh squad for Saturday evening’s Ulster Football Final against Donegal despite earlier speculation that he would be involved after arriving at Clones with the All-Ireland champions.
2024 All-Star O’Neill has not featured for the Orchard County this year and manager Kieran McGeeney said in mid March that he didn’t expect the Crossmaglen man to play inter-county football in 2025.
A togged-out O’Neill was with the Armagh players when they walked on the Clones pitch during the half-time interval of the Ulster Ladies Final between Armagh and Donegal.
However, while two changes have been announced to the Armagh squad announced on Thursday night they did not involve the Crossmaglen star.
Skipper Aidan Forker has replaced Peter McGrane in defence with Tiernan Kelly taking over from Conor Turbitt in attack.
Donegal have also made two changes to the squad announced on Friday with Caolan McGonagle and Hugh McFadden replacing Stephen McMenamin and Conor O’Donnell.
Donegal: Shaun Patton; Finbarr Roarty, Brendan McCole, Peadar Mogan; Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonagle, Ciaran Moore; Ciaran Thompson, Michael Langan; Daire O Baoill, Hugh McFadden, Shane O’Donnell; Patrick McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Oisin Gallen.
Subs: Gavin Mulreany, Mark Curran, Odhran McFadden Ferry, Odhran Doherty, Aaron Doherty, Eoin McHugh, Jason McGee, Jamie Brennan, Conor O’Donnell, Niall O’Donnell, Stephen McMenamin.
Armagh: Ethan Rafferty; Paddy Burns, Barry McCambridge, Aidan Forker (capt); Ross McQuillan, Greg McCabe, Jarly Og Burns; Callum O’Neill, Ben Crealey; Darragh McMullan, Rory Grugan, Oisin Conaty; Tiernan Kelly, Andrew Murnin, Oisin O’Neill.
Subs: Blaine Hughes, Peter McGrane, Tomas McCormack, Connaire Mackin, Jason Duffy, Niall Grimley, Shane McPartlan, Cian McConville, Conor Turbitt, Stefan Campbell, Jemar Hall.
