'They have serious quality': Armagh captain Aidan Forker praises the impact of Darragh McMullen and Tomas McCormack

Young players Tomas McCormack and Darragh McMullen were introduced to the Armagh squad in 2024, made their mark in 2025 and now in 2026, are two of the team’s best players.

Team captain Aidan Forker heaped praise on the duo for the work they have put in.

Aidan Forker has described Darragh McMullen as ‘pure quality’.

placeholder image — Aidan Forker has described Darragh McMullen as ‘pure quality’.

“In 2024, Tomas and Dmac probably didn't get a minute, and I would have seen them as potential starters at that stage,” he said.

“Then, they got their chance and they're holding it, because they have got a lot of training done. They have serious athleticism and serious quality.

Aidan Forker has praised Tomas McCormack for coming into the Armagh team and holding down his place.

“The likes of Darragh, I don't think there is anybody better. He is pure quality, and he's only going to get better. I think he can go as far as he wants to in this sport.

“Those fellas do a lot of work on themselves and are obviously brilliant boys. It's hard whenever you're in the B Team trying to stop them.”

Armagh lost 10 players at the start of the season due to retirements or stepping away from the panel, including key men such as Rian O’Neill, Niall Grimley and Stefan Campbell. However, the player pool continues to deepen with new, young players stepping in and stepping up.

“That's a credit to the quality of coaching and the environment which we have created,” said Forker.

“No one is allowed to rest or be passive within the group. Everyone has their own goals and improvement plan. Everyone wants to be better and that's all feeding into what we want to be as a group. I don't think there is anyone better, in terms of the quality of coaching.”