Beer and BBQ key to Kieran Donaghy committing to Armagh cause

The first time Kieran Donaghy entered the national consciousness, he was number two to an Armagh man – and it's more or less the same two decades later as he prepares to help Kieran McGeeney’s side to victory at Croke Park against his native county this evening.

Back in 2004, TG4’s The Underdogs was in season two and saw the side – made up of players yet to feature for their county at championship level – claim an extra-time win over Kerry in Tralee.

'Ó Muirí stars as Underdogs take Kerry's scalp,' the headline in the Irish Independent read the next day, referencing the 1-04 plundered by Armagh man Barra Ó Muirí in the half-forward line.

Further analysis by then – and current – Kerry boss Jack O’Connor centered on the midfield battle between Donaghy and Michael Quirke, an All-Ireland winner just weeks previous.

There was more than enough evidence for Donaghy to be called into the senior squad having been on the fringes the previous season and after a successful playing career that included four Celtic Crosses and three All-Stars – he will today try and down O’Connor and his right-hand man Quirke as the Orchard County target a first All-Ireland final appearance since 2003.

Ó Muirí’s career was less stellar that Donaghy's. Joe Kernan did pick up the phone and invite him into the panel for the 2005 Dr McKenna Cup and the Newtown, St Michael’s player hit 2-04 of their 2-10 tally in the games against Down and Derry and added a further point against Queen’s.

There would also be a cameo off the bench in a league pummelling of Galway, but Crossmaglen’s All-Ireland Club semi-final loss to Portlaoise the following week brought with it the axe as their contingent returned to the panel.

Armagh would go on to annex the Division 1 title for