Rian O'Neill named in Armagh panel for Derry clash
All Star Rian O'Neill is a late inclusion in Armagh's panel to face Derry in their All-Ireland series opener at the Athletic Grounds on Saturday (17:00 BST).
The GAA have confirmed that they have approved a late panel change request from Armagh with O'Neill coming in to take the place of captain Aidan Forker.
The Crossmaglen forward, a key part of the Orchard County which lifted the Sam Maguire last year, has yet to feature this season after stepping away from the squad for personal reasons.
Manager Kieran McGeeney said in March that he did not expect O'Neill to feature in 2025 but he was togged out with the team before their Ulster Final defeat to Donegal in Clones two weeks ago.
The hosts' side shows three changes from that extra-time defeat in the provincial decider with Peter McGrane and Jason Duffy coming into the starting panel, the latter named in midfield.
Callum O'Neill and Greg McCabe drop to an experienced bench that also features the likes of Stefan Campbell and Conor Turbitt.
Derry are in championship action for the first time since their 1-25 to 1-15 Ulster preliminary round defeat to Donegal on 6 April.
With Odhran Lynch still missing, Ben McKinless gets the start in goals after being on the bench that day in Ballybofey.
Ruairi Forbes, Conor Doherty and Niall Loughlin also come into the side.
Derry must again do without All Stars Gareth McKinless and Conor McCluskey, although Anton Tohill returns on the bench.
Armagh: Ethan Rafferty; Paddy Burns, Barry McCambridge, Peter McGrane; Ross McQuillan, Rian O'Neill, Jarly Og Burns; Jason Duffy, Ben Crealey; Darragh McMullan, Rory Grugan, Oisin Conaty; Tiernan Kelly, Andrew Murnin, Oisin O'Neill.
Subs: Blaine Hughes, Tomas McCormack, Greg McCabe, Connaire Mackin, Cian McConville, Joe McElroy, Niall Grimley, Callum O'Neill, Stefan Campbell, Conor Turbitt, Shane McPartlan.
Derry: Ben McKinless; Patrick McGurk, Eoin McEvoy, Diarmuid Baker; Ruairi Forbes, Brendan Rogers, Padraig McGrogan; Conor Glass, Conor Doherty; Ciaran McFaul, Paul Cassidy, Ethan Doherty; Niall Loughlin, Shane McGuigan, Niall Toner.
Subs: Louis Regan, Ryan Mulholland, Dan Higgins, Kevin Quinn, Anton Tohill, Tommy Rogers, Ben McCarron, Charlie Diamond, Cahir McMonagle, Caolan Devlin, Danny McDermot.
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