McConville dismisses 'nonsense' claims over Burns' All-Star selection

Wicklow football boss Oisin McConville ©INPHO/Tom O'Hanlon

Oisín McConville has hit back at suggestions that Jarly Óg Burns’ All-Star selection was influenced by his father’s position as GAA President, describing the claims as “complete nonsense”.

The Armagh star was the Orchard County’s sole representative on the 2026 All-Star football team following their Ulster championship success.

Some questioned Burns’ inclusion ahead of Oisín Conaty, who had been widely tipped to collect the county’s only award, while others suggested the Silverbridge man benefited from his father Jarlath’s role as GAA President.

However, former Armagh All-Ireland winner McConville insists Burns was fully deserving of the recognition, having produced his best season in an Armagh jersey.

Writing in the Irish Independent, McConville said: “Armagh won the Ulster Championship this year and, although they didn’t get far in the All-Ireland series, they were always going to have at least one representative on the All-Star team. I thought it would come down to Jarly Óg Burns and Oisín Conaty.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but some are suggesting he only got one because his father is the president of the GAA. That is complete nonsense.

“This was easily Burns’ best year in an Armagh jersey. He was instrumental in their Ulster success and a crucial part of the team, so the suggestion that there was any form of nepotism involved is simply ridiculous.”