Evergreen Karl O'Connell still leading the way for Monaghan

SPLENDID ISOLATION: Monaghan's Karl O'Connell surrounded by Joe McElroy and Armagh colleagues. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady

The first thing to say about Karl O’Connell is that he doesn’t look anything like a man who will celebrate a 35th birthday next month. One glance at the Tyholland defender and he could pass for a guy 10 years younger. His performances buy into that.

Monaghan manager Vinny Corey spoke on Saturday night about how they had taken their evergreen defender off with five minutes of extra-time remaining against Armagh only for O’Connell to berate them for the act and demand a reinstatement.