Daryl selected for the Northern Ireland squad

14 year old Daryl Johnston from Newtownhamilton has been included in the Northern Ireland squad for a series of soccer matches throughout Europe. Daryl came to prominence while playing in the Carnbane League aged 12 for Tullyvallen winning the Man of the Match Award in the U-13 Cup final. His prolific goalscorer talents did not go unnoticed as he lined out for Portadown in the Lisburn League the following year, culminating with being selected as the Clubman of the Year for season 2010/11. The step up the ladder continued for Daryl as he was tempted by Glenavon to try his luck in the National League. Winner of Player of the Year and Top goalscorer 2011/12 showed just how well he adapted to the step up in class.

Daryl’s progress was being well monitored and it was no surprise when he was asked to participate in the IFA Excellence Programme which ran for 20 weeks with 120 boys from the various Leagues in the six counties. Only 40 of those players would be asked back for a further 3 weeks training programme when a panel of 22 would be then selected to form the Elite development squad. Daryl comfortably made the squad who are now in a tough 5 week training schedule in preparation for their travels across Europe.

Having had the personal experience of seeing Daryl in action on numerous occasions while officiating as a referee it has come as no surprise to me that Darly has made the transition from the lower Leagues to the bigger stage without any fuss. “Aside from his undoubted predatory nature in front of goals Daryl always stood out as a very astute reader of the game, belying his tender years, with passing, movement and involving others in the play second nature to him.”

While it was his ability to score goals that originally saw Daryl called into the National set up, his versatility is such that he has made a name and a niche for himself as an attacking, goalscoring full back in this current 22 man Northern Ireland.

With some of the bigger clubs taking a more keen interest in Daryl let’s hope that he has a very successful tenure with the team where he will be exposed to the watchful eye of talent scouts from a  broader spectrum.

Armagh GAA Round-Up

• Senior League

Culloville draw with Cross Read more

Sean Hoey is All-Ireland Pool Champion

Sean Hoey from Cullyhanna realised a lifetimes ambition on Saturday night last when he was crowned All-Ireland pool champion. Read more

Martin is on a roll on the oche

Local dart enthusiast Martin Carvill is already enjoying a remarkable year on the oche. Martin, who plays regularly in the three local leagues with Charley’s in Newry and District Darts Leagues, the Stags Head in the Dundalk league and Cartwheel in the Crossmaglen and District Darts Leagues, has been to the forefront and an able ambassador for the sport both home and abroad for the past number of years. Read more

Paul calls time on Armagh

Armagh goalkeeper, Paul Hearty, after 12 years service to the County has called time on his inter-county career. Read more

Sweet Memories

As GAA followers throughout the country heard the news, that Steven McDonnell decided to retire from intercounty football their minds were immediately filled by sweet memories of some of his heroic performances during his 13 years of service to Armagh. Read more

Strong Cork team overcome Down

Damian and Peter Turley were drafted into the Down team in place of Dan Gordon and Aidan Branigan while Cork made three changes with Alan Quirke returning in goals and Noel O’Leary and Paudie Kissane resuming as wing backs. Read more

Three in a row

Wandering through the throngs of people from all over Armagh and even different parts of the country who were out on the Kingspan Breffni Park pitch to acclaim Crossmaglen Rangers sixth All-Ireland Club championship victory one could not but realise that you were in the middle of something special. Read more

Armagh are Relegated – Down play Cork in Semi

The hectic last day of League action in Division One A has seen all sorted out with Armagh and Laois relegated as Down along with Cork join Kerry and Mayo who played out a 1-12 apiece draw in the semi-finals. Read more

Cross knock Garrycastle for 6

● CROSSMAGLEN RANGERS 2-19 GARRYCASTLE 1-7

The scoreline tells the tale of this replayed All-Ireland Club final at Kingspan Breffni Park where defending champions Crossmaglen Rangers put in an awesome display to rout challengers Garrycastle. Read more

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