Armagh's position underlined as Tyrone mount challenge in championship season
Armagh remain firmly established among Ulster's leading counties after a championship season that produced several tight encounters and signalled a shifting competitive order across the province.
Speaking after an engrossing All-Ireland series, Aaron Kernan — the four-time Ulster Championship winner now involved with Meath — suggested Tyrone have pushed into third place in the Ulster pecking order behind Armagh and Donegal. Kernan's assessment reflects results and performances that have excited supporters and added fresh pressure to established powers.
“Realistically, you’d probably say Tyrone are third now,” said Kernan.
The season has been notable for tight margins. Tyrone endured a disappointing National League campaign, finishing below Derry and just above Cavan, but their championship run told a different story. Despite missing the injured Canavan brothers, Darragh and Ruairi, the county reached the All-Ireland quarter-final stage after a series of high-drama victories.
- Tyrone lost to eventual champions Armagh in Ulster by a single point.
- They beat Connacht champions Roscommon in the first round of the All-Ireland series.
- Tyrone then edged Mayo by a point to progress directly to the quarter-finals.
- They pushed defending champions Kerry hard in the All-Ireland quarter-final but were narrowly beaten.
The Red Hands' run included a number of standout performances from both emerging and established players. Kernan highlighted young talents such as Joey Clarke, Ronan Cassidy, Ethan Jordan and Eoin McElholm, who have blended with experienced campaigners including Niall Morgan, Peter Teague, Brian Kennedy, Conn Kilpatrick, Mattie Donnelly and Kieran McGeary. Key moments included last‑gasp interventions that swung close games in Tyrone's favour.
One of the season's defining matches was Tyrone’s narrow victory over Mayo where contributions from the bench were decisive. Darren McCurry came off the bench to score six points, while goalkeeper Niall Morgan converted a late free to secure the one-point win. McCurry continued to produce match-turning cameos in the quarter-final against Kerry, scoring ten points as Tyrone pushed the Kingdom to the wire.
While Tyrone's championship form has raised hopes among their supporters, Kernan suggested the county still occupy third place in Ulster, behind the counties he regards as the top pair: Armagh and Donegal. That view underlines a wider perception that, despite strong showings from multiple teams across Ulster, Armagh’s championship success places them at the summit of the province for now.
Monaghan's campaign also deserves mention: they reached the Ulster final and progressed to the All-Ireland quarter-final stage, a reminder that the provincial landscape remains competitive and capable of producing surprise results.
| Match | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Tyrone v Armagh (Ulster) | Armagh won by one point |
| Tyrone v Roscommon (All-Ireland) | Tyrone won |
| Tyrone v Mayo (All-Ireland) | Tyrone won by one point |
| Tyrone v Kerry (All-Ireland quarter-final) | Kerry edged Tyrone |
For Armagh, the assessment that they remain one of the province's leading teams will be welcomed by supporters and management. Tyrone's rise, however, sets up a sharper provincial rivalry going forward. The emergence of talented younger players across several counties suggests Ulster will remain fiercely contested in the seasons ahead.
Local followers of the game in Armagh will watch closely to see how teams respond to this season’s results, how injuries and player development affect squads, and whether the province's hierarchy alters as counties rebuild and new talents emerge.
