Armagh’s Andrew Murnin celebrates after scoring a late point as Westmeath’s Andy McCormack (right) prepares for play to resume during last year's game between the sides. Photo: Sportsfile.

Key men return as Westmeath name team for Armagh trip

Kieran Galvin

Published: Fri 24 May 2024, 1:52 PM

Last updated: Fri 24 May 2024, 2:01 PM

The Westmeath team has been named to face Armagh in the first round of the All-Ireland SFC group stages at the Athletic Grounds tomorrow (Saturday), throw-in 6pm.

There are five changes from the team that suffered a surprise defeat to Wicklow in the opening round of the Leinster championship.

Established campaigners Kevin Maguire, James Dolan, Jamie Gonoud, Ray Connellan and John Heslin all return to the starting line-up named by Dessie Dolan and his management team.

Maguire, Connellan and Gonoud missed the Wicklow game through injury, with the absence of Connellan at midfield and Maguire in defence particularly significant blows on the day.

The aforementioned Heslin was introduced early in the second half against Wicklow, having missed almost all of Westmeath's league campaign as he recovered from injury, while Dolan was brought on in the closing stages.

Caurly's Jack Connaughton is the substitute goalkeeper on a bench that also includes such players as Charlie Drumm, Daniel Scahill, Matthew Whittaker, Shane Allen, Senan Baker and the long-serving Kieran Martin.

Defender Jack Smith, who has endured considerable misfortune with injuries, is absent from the match-day panel of 26, though his brother Stephen is among the subs.

Meanwhile, Armagh's Rian O’Neill is set to miss the meeting with Westmeath, the Crossmaglen Rangers ace having limped off during extra-time in the Ulster final against Donegal.

The talented O’Neill, who can operate in midfield or attack, has been replaced by Tiernan Kelly. Conor O’Neill comes in for Greg McCabe in the other change to Armagh's starting line-up.

Rian's brother Oisin O’Neill, who made a notable impact off the bench against Donegal, is once again included among the subs.

The Armagh starting team includes Conor Turbitt, whose goal swung last year's clash against Westmeath in his side's favour after he was brought on as a sub.

Jarly Óg Burns (son of GAA president Jarlath) and roving goalkeeper Ethan Rafferty are also among the Armagh replacements, but nobody will be surprised if there are changes to both teams before the action gets underway.

Armagh were once again denied the Ulster crown in agonising fashion via a penalty shootout recently, with Donegal victorious on this occasion as they succeeded Derry as top dogs up north. This meant Westmeath must travel to the Athletic Grounds to face the Orchard men in their first Sam Maguire Cup group fixture, just like last year.

And the feelings of deja vu are reinforced by the fact that Westmeath will again host Galway at TEG Cusack Park in their second group game (to be played on Sunday, June 2, throw-in 3pm).

In a daunting group, Westmeath’s final match will be against Division 1 league champions Derry at a neutral venue.

Westmeath (vs Armagh): Jason Daly; Jamie Gonoud, Kevin Maguire, James Dolan; Sam McCartan, Ronan Wallace, David Lynch; Ray Connellan, Andy McCormack; Jonathan Lynam, Ronan O'Toole, Conor Dillon; Luke Loughlin, John Heslin, Robbie Forde.

Subs: Jack Connaughton, Shane Allen, Charlie Drumm, Eoin Mulvihill, Matthew Whittaker, Daniel Scahill, Senan Baker, Lorcan Dolan, Stephen Smith, Kieran Martin, Conor McCormack.

Armagh (vs Westmeath): Blaine Hughes; Paddy Burns, Aaron McKay, Peter McGrane; Conor O'Neill, Ciaran Mackin, Aidan Forker; Tiernan Kelly, Ben Crealey; Joe McElroy, Rory Grugan, Stefan Campbell; Oisin Conaty, Andrew Murnin, Conor Turbitt.

Subs: Ethan Rafferty, Barry McCambridge, Connaire Mackin, Greg McCabe, Niall Grimley, Oisin O'Neill, Shane McPartlan, Ross McQuillan, Jarly Óg Burns, Aidan Nugent, Jason Duffy.