Irish News Men’s Footballer of the Year Oisin Conaty: “Stefan Campbell probably doesn’t know the impact he had on me coming in”
Having collected The Irish News’ Ulster All-Stars Footballer of the Year title, Oisin Conaty was quick to pay tribute to a departing member of a close-knit Armagh team.Conaty, who also won the Rising Star award after a stellar Sam Maguire-winning season with Armagh in 2024, heaped praise on the recent retiree Stefan Campbell at the event at the ICC Belfast, after a season in which he himself scored 0-22 for the Ulster finalists.“Stef probably doesn’t know the impact he had on me coming in, brought me to some training sessions and stuff and helped me a lot with shooting,” said the 22-year-old forward.Read more:“Geezer (Kieran McGeeney) will probably say he doesn’t like us two on a night out together! In terms of on the pitch, very good, what a man.”Armagh said goodbye to Stefan Campbell, with the veteran forward retiring from inter-county football. PICTURE: Oliver McVeigh 34-year-old Campbell signed for Lurgan Celtic after the conclusion of the intercounty campaign, with Conaty himself having earned a professional contract at Portadown in the past, but the pair’s connection on the GAA pitch has been crucial in recent Armagh success.Having been the last side to win the All-Ireland under the old rules, many doubted McGeeney’s men’s credentials, only for The Orchard to instil themselves as many people’s All-Ireland favourites as the year progressed.Kerry eventually ended their reign in the last eight, despite another fine showing from the Tír na nÓg man, who also won man-of-the-match in the Ulster final against Donegal.Conaty also won the Man of the Match award in this year's Ulster final against Donegal in Clones. PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN
Campbell’s retirement and the decision of Kieran Donaghy to move on as coach represent blows ahead of 2026, as does Barry McCambridge’s injury, but Rory Grugan confirmed with The Irish News this week that he does intend on returning to the panel after a stint travelling in late January.Conaty admits he embraced the FRC’s new rule amendments in 2025, as he also paid tribute to ‘Star’, who was confirmed as a member of Kerry’s backroom team this week.“I’m loving it. Speed is a big part of my game. I found it very enjoyable. Hopefully we push on next year.Oisin McConville (Former Armagh All-Star) and Oisin Conaty (Armagh All-Star and POTY) pictured at the Irish News Ulster All-Stars
PICTURE: Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. (Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye/Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye ) “(Kieran is) just another great man. He had a huge impact on all of us, especially as a forward, looking up to him, playing in All-Ireland finals. He’s just a massive, massive help to me and brought me on a lot in terms of my game.”When prompted on what the goals for next year entail, the attacking ace was keen to focus first and foremost on Armagh’s Division One campaign, as they make it go into a second consecutive season in the top flight.An Anglo Celt Cup remains a primary goal, with Armagh having lost the last three deciders in succession, twice on penalties and once after extra-time.Armagh are still on the hunt for a first Ulster title since 2008, having lost the last three finals, two on penalties (2022, 2023) and one in extra time (2024, pictured). PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN They last held the provincial title after victory over Fermanagh in the replayed final of 2008.Conaty also holds out hope that he and his compatriots can climb the steps of the Hogan Stand for a second time in three years, which would mark a third Celtic Cross in Armagh history.“The goal is to first of all have a good league campaign, hopefully win Ulster this time, whether it’s Donegal, Tyrone, whoever.“And then going for the big one of course, that’s where we want to be.”
