Another day, another Armagh retirement as Forker steps away

Armagh's Aidan Forker and Aaron McKay lift the Anglo-Celt Cup ©INPHO/Tom O'Hanlon

Armagh's 2024 All-Ireland SFC winning captain Aidan Forker has announced his inter-county retirement.

The 34-year-old has decided to bow out after 15 seasons in the orange jersey. As well as achieving the ultimate honour when lifting the Sam Maguire Cup two years ago, Forker received an All-Star for his performances at centre back and won an elusive Ulster SFC medal this year after coming off the bench in the final against Monaghan.

Also a two-time Armagh SFC winner with his club Maghery, Forker follows team-mates Ethan Rafferty, Rory Grugan and James Morgan into retirement.

He posted on Instagram: “After 15 seasons, I’ve made the decision to step away from Armagh football. There will probably never be a right time to write these words for me.

“Armagh has been part of my life since I was 18 years old. Some very difficult days and, eventually, days that I could only ever have dreamed about. I’ve loved every bit of it.

“I still remember a cold, wet night in Navan in the O’Fiaich Cup in October 2011, being put in at number 6 alongside men I had grown up looking up to. I could never have imagined where the journey would go.

“There are far too many people to thank properly. Coaches, backroom teams, teammates, friends, supporters and everyone who gave their time to Armagh over those years. So many people gave me opportunities, picked me up after difficult days, challenged me and helped shape me as a footballer and more importantly as a person.

“To every player I shared a changing room with, thank you. Some of the greatest friendships and memories of my life were made in a changing room. The power of team sport. We went through a lot together and I’m proud that we kept coming back. 

“To my club @magherygac – I am so proud to have represented our wee place and the people in it. 

“To the people of Armagh, thank you for allowing me to represent you. I would pat the crest every time I dawned (sic) the jersey to remind myself that pulling on that orange and white jersey was a blessing, never something I took for granted.

“And to my family, especially Eimear and the boys, thank you for allowing me to chase this for as long as I did. You sacrificed more than anyone will ever see. It’s time now for me to give a little more of myself back to you.

“I leave with no regrets. Just enormous gratitude for the blessings I received in my football life. God is good.

“I hope, in some small way, I’ve left the jersey and Armagh football in a better place. I’m so excited for this group for 2027 and beyond. 

“I arrived as an 18 year old who just wanted to play for Armagh. I leave as a husband, a father, and always a proud Armagh man. Thank you for everything.

"Ard Mhacha Abú.”