Johnny Murtagh back in the mix as Armagh SFC returns to Crossmaglen

Crossmaglen veteran rejoins senior panel ahead of championship opener

Crossmaglen supporters will see a familiar figure back in black and amber this weekend as Johnny Murtagh prepares for a possible return to Senior Football Championship action in Armagh. The forward, whose last senior championship campaign with the club came in 2015, has been reintegrated into the panel and is hoping for game time in the opening round against Tullysaran.

Murtagh’s association with the club remained strong in intervening seasons as he played with the seconds and frequently topped their scoring charts. That form and his willingness to adapt to different roles prompted senior manager Shane Lennon to recall him to the senior set-up.

• Last senior championship season for Murtagh: 2015 (Ulster Club champions)
• Recent role: prolific scorer for Crossmaglen Seconds; versatile senior substitute
• Injury status: ongoing back spasms, which he says he has been managing for months

Murtagh was among the substitutes when Crossmaglen were beaten in last year’s championship semi-final by rivals Cullyhanna, though he did not take the field. Since rejoining the senior panel he has been used in a number of different capacities — from impact substitute to an aerial target around the square — and has even deputised in goal in a recent league fixture against Clann Eireann.

“I’ve played with the seconds for a good couple of years there and I’m really enjoying my football and really enjoying working with the young lads. If I have anything to offer, I’ll try my best.”

Form, fitness and leadership

Even when the seconds found wins hard to come by, Murtagh’s scoring consistency drew attention. He provided a decisive contribution late in the final round of the league when he came off the bench to score against Culloville, a goal that helped Crossmaglen secure victory and crucially to avoid relegation from the top tier.

That mixture of experience and an apparent willingness to slot into whatever role the team needs has been useful for Lennon’s management team. Murtagh admits his body has not always been cooperative — he says he has been managing back spasms for around four months and has occasionally experienced pain radiating down his leg — but he told reporters he has enjoyed the return to senior work and the chance to support and mentor younger players.

He also reflected on being judged differently from younger team-mates when mistakes are made, highlighting the double standard veterans often face in club football. That observation underlines the delicate balance Crossmaglen must strike as they blend seasoned campaigners with emerging talent in the push for county honours.

What this means for the championship

Crossmaglen begin their Cormac Commercials Armagh SFC campaign against Tullysaran this weekend. The reintroduction of an experienced and versatile option such as Murtagh offers manager Lennon additional tactical choices, whether that be as a late attacking spark, a physical presence in the square or as a temporary solution to unexpected selection problems.

For supporters, the sight of a player who featured in the club’s last Ulster-winning side returning to the senior panel is a reminder of the continuity that underpins club identity in Armagh — even as teams refresh their squads and blood new talent. How much Murtagh contributes on the field in the opening round will depend on selection on matchday and how effectively he manages his fitness in the coming days.

Management will weigh experience against match fitness when naming their side, but Murtagh’s return adds a layer of intrigue to Crossmaglen’s bid in the Armagh SFC, where every game can shape the county championship race.