Armagh suffered a major setback this afternoon, being relegated to Division 2 of the National Football League on the back of their defeat to Tyrone in Omagh.
A victory against their Ulster rivals would have been enough to secure their place in the top flight for the 2024 season, although they were unable to get over the line. After a closely fought contest, Tyrone would run out winners on a scoreline of 0-18 to 0-16.
Of course, Armagh's task was not made any easier by the absence of Rian O'Neill. Their star forward was not available for this weekend's game, with some odd rumours going around about the reason for his time away from the team.
Kieran McGeeney clears up Rian O'Neill rumours
All sorts of rumours had gone around relating to Rian O'Neill and Armagh, including a bust up with Kieran McGeeney, an injury that would rule him out for the rest of the year, or even that he had moved abroad.
However, the issue has now been cleared up.
Speaking to RTÉ after the Tyrone game, McGeeney confirmed that the player had suffered a muscle injury. In saying that, it was not as serious as had been rumoured and he is hopeful that the forward will be available for the first round of the Ulster championship against Antrim.
Straight from the horse’s mouth…
After a week of rumours, WhatsApp voice notes and all sorts…Kieran McGeeney gives his take on Rian O’Neill’s injury and how long he is likely to be out for.
📻Speaking on @sundaysport on @RTERadio1 @RTEgaa @RTEsport pic.twitter.com/P0Mtx6w8Zx— Damien O'Meara (@damien_omeara) March 26, 2023
Needless to say, we haven't been in a boxing match. There's five of us have a shiner in there, so we thought it might add to the story.
He took a small nick on the leg. It was actually on Tuesday evening, so the rumour mill was in overdrive before he even got it.
He seems to be okay. He's a big lad with big muscles, but there's a small nick in it. He can still run and stuff like that, but it's something you have to be cautious about...
He's running. Because he has big legs, you have to be careful about those things. His brother Oisin had it a couple of years ago and it took us a while.
Hopefully he will be back for the Antrim game.
That clears that up.
In fact, the player was in attendance at today's game.
Armagh fans can breath a sigh of relief knowing that Rian O'Neill will be back in the team sooner rather than later.
SEE ALSO: Andy Moran Hammers GAA Over Scheduling As Leitrim Face Quick Turnaround
