Armagh’s Oisin O’Neill has pinpointed a crucial area for improvement following a narrow defeat to Tyrone in the opening match of the 2026 season. The Orchard County lost by two points at the Box-It Athletic Grounds on December 15, 2023, despite a strong performance in front of over 7,000 supporters. Goals from Tyrone’s Lorcan McGarrity and Mattie Donnelly ultimately secured the victory for the Red Hands, placing them in a favorable position to advance from Group A.
O’Neill, who delivered a standout performance with four points from play, emphasized the need for better execution on kickouts as they prepare for their upcoming clash with Down. The match will now be held at the Box-It Athletic Grounds at 19:30, having been rescheduled from its original venue at Páirc Esler.
“There’s probably a lot we’re not happy with, particularly the kickouts on both sides,” O’Neill stated. “We lost the majority, which is disappointing because we’ve focused on that in pre-season. This was our first test against a top-eight team since the Kerry game last year, and it shows we need to elevate our performance levels.”
While acknowledging the mixed aspects of the game, O’Neill noted the challenges of early-season rustiness. He also expressed optimism about new players joining the squad, stating, “A few boys made their debut tonight, which is encouraging. They’ve trained well and brought fresh energy to the group.”
Notably, while Rian O’Neill will not be part of the Armagh squad for the 2026 season, his brother Aaron made his senior debut against Tyrone, celebrating his 21st birthday on the same day. “I’m happy for him to make his debut tonight,” Oisin commented. “He kicked a nice score when he came on, but there’s plenty for him to work on, just like the rest of us.”
O’Neill also reflected on his own fitness journey after dealing with a calf injury toward the end of last season. “We had a good pre-season,” he said. “I had a little niggle in December, but I’m happy with my fitness now and ready for a strong season. It’s great to get back on the pitch in front of a crowd; it’s more exciting than playing challenge games at this time of year.”
As Armagh prepares for the Dr McKenna Cup clash against Down, the focus will be on addressing the identified weaknesses and building on the positives from their initial outing. With determination and a strategic approach, O’Neill and his teammates aim to secure a victory that could set the tone for the rest of the season.
