Armagh at home to Roscommon in league opener

Armagh will encounter four home games in the 2027 National Football League according to the provisional fixtures which have been circulated to the counties.

And these will include hosting the All-Ireland champions Mayo in March.

Armagh will entertain Roscommon in the opening round at Box-It Athletic Grounds on Sunday, January 24.

On that occasion the unveiling of the new names given to various stands in the ground will take place.

The main stand has been named after Alf Murray, a former GAA President and, the terrace stand directly across at the Drumarg side, will be named after another Armagh legendary Gael, Pappy Fearon.

The remaining two stands have also been named. The section which once sited the former Pearse Og clubhouse and now houses the big screen has been named Cathedral View and the section at the scoreboard end will be known as Friary Terrace.

The remaining Armagh fixtures are Kerry away in Round 2, Cork at home in Round 3, Galway away Round 4, Donegal away Round 5, Mayo at home Round 6 and Meath at home Round 7.

So as it stands Armagh will start and complete their 2027 league programme with home games.

Armagh were fortunate to survive in Division 1 last year, Galway’s late rally to defeat Dublin, saving them the drop.

Despite their opening win against Monaghan, McGeeney’s side failed to pick up another league point until the penultimate outing against Dublin in Croke Park, which they won.

It was Kerry at home in the final round and though Armagh trailed by ten points to no score at one stage they produced a sensational comeback to draw and end their programme with 5 league points.

But it took that Galway victory to avoid relegation.

In fairness Armagh went through the league last year plagued with absenteeism, mainly injuries and on occasions only featured a handful of their 2024 All-Ireland winning side.

Twelve members of that squad, including key players Stefan Campbell, Rory Grugan and Ethan Rafferty, have since announced their retirement.

With the Dr McKenna Cup starting in early January it will give management the opportunity of running their eye over new talent.