Armagh capable of another high-level performance in Ulster final, says Bannigan

May 14, 2026

Monaghan's Micheal Bannigan with Aidan Forker of Armagh ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson

Monaghan captain Micheál Bannigan believes Armagh are definitely capable of reaching the heights of their performance against Down in this Sunday’s Ulster SFC final.

Kieran McGeeney’s side demolished their Mourne County counterparts on a 3-33 to 0-14 scoreline two weeks ago to move into their fourth consecutive provincial decider where they’ll look to end an 18-year wait for the Anglo-Celt Cup against the Farney men this weekend.

Speaking to BBC Sport NI this week, Bannigan says it’s up to the Monaghan players to try and match their Orchard counterparts and tear up the script as 4/1 underdogs for the Clones clash.

"I think they definitely can [repeat the Down performance]," said the Aughnamullen clubman. 

"They performed very well the last two games and weren't bad against Tyrone either, but the question is if we can get up there and match them.

"It's another game of football. Win it and you get all the plaudits but you have to put in your head that you're playing Armagh in a game of football and can we be better over 70 minutes?"

Meanwhile, Monaghan boss Gabriel Bannigan has announced his team for Sunday’s showdown with Armagh at St Tiernach's Park (4.15pm).

It shows one change from the win over Derry last Saturday week which sees Darragh McElearney coming into the defence, with Louis Kelly the player missing out after suffering an Achilles injury.

Monaghan (Ulster SFC final v Armagh): Beggan; D McElearney, R O’Toole, D Byrne; C Dowd, K Lavelle, D Ward; M McCarville, K Gallagher; A Carey, M Bannigan, S O’Hanlon; C McCarthy, A Woods, S Looney. 

Subs: K Mulligan, D Garland, R Hanratty, B McCaul, G Mohan, M Maguire, R McAnespie, S Hanratty, O McGorman, J McCarron, R Wylie.


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