Sean Armstrong | Niall Bogue | Paddy Bradley | Kevin Cassidy
Colm Cooper | Shane Curran | Brian Dooher | Mattie Forde | Thomas Freeman
Raymond Gallagher | Paul Galvin | Oisin McConville | Ciaran McDonald
Stephen McDonnell | Michael Meehan | Conor Mortimer | Eoin Mulligan
Ross Munnelly | Stephen O'Neill | Tomas Ó Sé | Darragh Ó Sé
Colm Parkinson | Ciaran Whelan

One of the coolest and sharpest-shooting forwards in football, Oisin McConville was a star performer for Armagh in their All-Ireland success last September. He scored 1-2 in the final against Kerry, and was honoured later that year with an All Star award.

In 1997 he first broke onto the senior team with Armagh, and at the same time made his name as one of the best club players in the country with the All-Ireland success of Crossmaglen.

The 2003 championship started with the disappointing loss to Monaghan, but McConville is confident that the qualifier series, also known as the back-door, can still take Armagh into the All-Ireland final and the successful defence of their title.

What are your hopes for the year?
After losing the first round in Ulster we have to come through the qualifiers now, but we do see that as a definite route to another All-Ireland. And we are so lucky to have it. Losing to Monaghan was a big disappointment, but they had been building up for the game for six months and in fairness to them played very well.

What was your greatest moment?
Winning the All-Ireland last year, by far. What I remember most about that day was the final whistle, and all the supporters running onto the field. That was definitely the most incredible moment.

Who is the toughest player you have ever been up against?
I always remember the very strong defending of Galway’s corner back Kieran Fitzgerald. After that you always get tough defenders in Ulster, and right now I think Donegal’s Kevin Cassidy is about as tough as you get here.

Who was your childhood hero?
I never really had one hero when I was starting out in football, but as I got older the player I most admired was Maurice Fitzgerald of Kerry. It was just unreal the things he could do, with both feet. He was just magical.

What advice do you give to young footballers?
The most important thing is to practise the very basic skills of kicking and catching. When you have mastered the basics the more difficult things will come easier. I’m 26 now and still practising those same skills, and that helps to perfect the harder things like solo runs and high catching.

© June 2003

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