We’ve singled out six players who we think will be making their mark in the orange and white in the coming years: Crossmaglen’s Aaron O’Neill and Aaron Haughey, Killeavy’s Gareth Murphy, Clan na Gael’s Callum O’Neill, Mullaghbawn’s Fergal O’Brien and Pearse Og’s Michael McSorley.
1. Aaron O'Neill - Crossmaglen Rangers
If Oisin and Rian O'Neill weren't enough of a handful for defenders, soon they'll have a third brother to contend with! Crossmaglen's Aaron O'Neill has been a marquee forward for the Armagh U20s over the past couple of seasons, but it's at Senior club level where he has really cemented his place. Having broke into the team in the last two years, he has been on fire in this year's league: hitting 1-7 against Clann Eireann, 0-8 against Silverbridge and 0-10 against Clan na Gael. Photo: Brendan Monaghan
2. Gareth Murphy - Killeavy
Gareth Murphy is the one player on this list who has already broken through and made a Championship appearance for Armagh (against Antrim in the Ulster SFC Quarter-final) but there is still so much more to come from the Killeavy man, who captained the Armagh U20s in 2024. The hard-hitting and energetic centre half-back has clearly already impressed manager Kieran McGeeney, but look for him to get more opportunities in 2026. Killeavy have intentions of going on a deep Championship run this year, and Murphy will be central to their success. Photo: John Merry
3. Callum O'Neill - Clan na Gael
Clan na Gael reached the Armagh SFC Championship final in both 2023 and 2024, and exciting prospect Callum O'Neill played a massive role in their success in both campaigns. The attacking wing-back covers an immense amount of ground and can get forward to pick off scores. Think of the role Ross McQuillan and Jarly Og Burns played for Armagh this year - O'Neill is tailor made for it. The Clans man also has tremendous leadership qualities, as he was picked to be the captain of the Armagh Minors in 2022, the St Colman's College MacRory Cup team in 2022-23 and the Armagh U20s this year. Photo: Brendan Monaghan
4. Fergal O'Brien - Mullaghbawn
Mullaghbawn's Fergal O'Brien has been playing Senior club football since he was 17 and in 2024 he had an immense Championship campaign. Playing at centre-half back, he was one of his team's highest scoring players, as he drove forward from deep and fired over points off both feet. O'Brien has a Celtic Cross medal, as he was on the Armagh panel which won the Sam Maguire in 2024, and in 2025 he made the 26-man squad on several occasions. However, with 2026 being his third year on the panel, O'Brien will be determined to really make his mark on the team and show the Orchard fans what he can do. Photo: John Merry