Rian O’Neill needs “a bit of space” according to Oisin McConville with Armagh set to begin their All-Ireland defence without the All-Star attacker.
Despite speculation that the Crossmaglen ace would rejoin the panel after taking some time out at the start of the season, Kieran McGeeney confirmed last month that he doesn’t expect O’Neill to play any part in the 2025 season.
Now McConville, O’Neill’s uncle, has said the player should be given space and time to address “personal issues” and says his absence is a blow for the Orchard County.
READ MORE: 2025 Ulster Senior Football Championship draw, betting odds and fixture information
Speaking on the Second Captains podcast, McConville said: “It will probably be next year before we see him (O’Neill) back.
“It's obviously disappointing and he's a huge miss as far as Armagh are concerned. He has his own personal issues going on and it's going to take a little bit of time. To be honest, football, for him, at this moment in time, is secondary.
I think it's taken him a while to get there but for him, the most important thing is that he gets himself black to where he needs to be.”
He added: “I'm sure football will play a big part as time goes on. He just needs a bit of space, a bit of time. Once he gets that sorted, if he can play the way he's played in the last few years, the sky is the limit for him.”
The All-Ireland champions begin their campaign with a trip to Corrigan Park to face Antrim on Saturday, April 12 with the winners set to face Tyrone or Cavan in the Ulster SFC semi-final.
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
