RIAN LOSS HUGE FOR ORCHARD'S TITLE CHANCES

AARON KERNAN describes the absence of clubmate Rian O'Neill for Armagh as "an unbelievable miss".

- BY PAT NOLAN AARON KERNAN

O'Neill hasn't featured for the county team since last year's All-Ireland final win over Galway and though he trained with the panel recently, manager Kieran McGeeney said after Saturday's defeat to Kerry it's unlikely the Crossmaglen Rangers man will be involved in Armagh's All-Ireland defence.

Kernan won a string of county medals alongside O'Neill and when asked to quantify his loss to the side, the Boylesports ambassador replied: “You can't. Rian O'Neill is just a unique player. He's the type of person that would put bums in seats. So on a personal level, you'd be very disappointed that he's not getting out to showcase his talents.