To say Oisín Conaty has packed quite a bit into his Armagh career since fully converting from soccer would be something of an understatement.
His GAA pedigree propelled him to the Armagh minors, but soccer was always a huge pull. A promising player with Portadown – Conaty was part of a Northern Ireland U-19 panel – it was only when Kieran McGeeney made overtures that he decided to go all in with the Orchard County.
Portadown's loss has undoubtedly been Armagh’s gain.
This time three years ago, he was yet to make his championship bow. That came in an Ulster semi-final win over Down.
Penalty shootout defeats to Derry (Ulster final) and Monaghan (All-Ireland quarter-final) marked a memorable campaign. Conaty didn’t take one in the Ulster final, but nailed both of his efforts as they went under to the Farney men at Croke Park.
In the stuff of dreams, Conaty ended up with a Celtic Cross, an All-Star and Young Footballer of the Year in 2024, while last year he backed that up with more sizzling displays. He picked up another All-Star – and a YFOTY nomination - despite the Orchard County’s Sam Maguire defence ending at the quarter-final stage.
An outsider might think it has all been plain sailing for the free-wheeling Tír na Nóg attacker, but that's not how Conaty sees it.
"Coming against some of the man-markers in the league, I found it tough at times," he told RTÉ Sport at the launch of the AIB All-Ireland football championship.
When the confidence is lower than it should be, manager Kieran McGeeney is a good sounding board, selector Dennis Hollywood too.
"I remember him (Hollywood) taking me into the gym and putting things on the whiteboard. It doesn’t even need to be on the pitch. The next night we were on the pitch and it was all about reps, what way I was striking the ball."
McGeeney’s mantra to the players is about backing oneself, be prepared to take responsibility if something doesn’t come off. Have the confidence to go again.
Last year Conaty put a specific focus on scores with his weaker left foot. He reaped his rewards and wants to push on again this year.
A self-critical approach is the only way he knows.
"I think that puts you in good stead, that you are looking to improve and getting feedback."
A packed BOX-IT Athletic Grounds will witness the eagerly-awaited Ulster preliminary round clash with Tyrone this weekend. The winner would be favourites against Fermanagh in the next round, but even reaching an Ulster final would mean getting over league champions and Ulster holders Donegal, or an in-form Down side that will play Division 2 football next year.
Conaty hasn’t played an Ulster championship clash on home turf yet – he didn’t feature in the 2023 preliminary win over Antrim – and knows full well that their sizeable fanbase will be out in droves willing the team on.
It’s a long time since Tyrone entered the race for the Angle Celt so far under the radar. A Division 2 campaign that promised a lot delivered little and the hosts are odds on to get off to a winning start.
"Armagh and Tyrone will be hot and heavy," he said. "We played them last year and got over the line with the last kick. They have brilliant players in all positions and we are not underestimating what they can bring.
"The Armagh and Tyrone rivalry in the championship will come into play and it will be a dogfight."
Should a goal opportunity presents itself, don’t expect Conaty to take a conservative approach.
Armagh’s seven fisted points in defeat to Galway at the end of Janaury brought their attacking strategy into sharp focus, especially as they were edged out by the bare minimum by the Tribes. McGeeney bristled at the notion that it was a policy of sorts and for a player who looks to maximise every attack, the idea of refusing to go for goal is something Conaty isn’t on board with.
"It’s just down to backing yourself," he said. "Everything comes into play (in choosing what option to take in front of goal), whether you are winning or losing, what is left on the clock.
"It was blown out of proportion."
His sensational goal against Dublin in Round 5, where Armagh came from 11 points down to overturn the hosts at Croke Park was further evidence that the natural attacking instinct prevails.
"It’s a balance. Geezer (McGeeney) would always say it is about backing yourself."
Watch Armagh v Tyrone in the Ulster Football Championship on Sunday from 4pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app and listen to Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
Watch The Sunday Game from 9.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on all matches on the RTÉ News app and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
