Just days after Armagh’s exit from the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, 2024 Sam Maguire winner Stefan Campbell has wasted no time making a switch back to soccer — rejoining his hometown club Lurgan Celtic for the 2025/26 season.

The Clan na Gael forward, known affectionately as “Soupy”, missed Armagh’s quarter-final loss to Kerry due to a hand injury, but now turns his attention to the Mid-Ulster Football League where he’ll don the famous green and white once more.

Back Where It All Began

Campbell has a long-standing connection with Lurgan Celtic, having come through their youth system and featured in three previous spells with the senior side. His return is being hailed as a massive coup by the club.

“We are absolutely delighted to announce the return of none other than Stefan ‘Soupy’ Campbell to Lurgan Celtic!” the club posted on social media.

“A household name in GAA circles and a proven attacking force on the soccer pitch, Soupy returns to the Hoops for the 2025/26 season — having last pulled on the green and white in 2018.”

They added: “His return is nothing short of monumental.”

Manager’s Praise

First-team boss Niall Lavery, a former teammate of Campbell’s, didn’t hold back in his praise:

“What a player. I played alongside ‘Soup’ for long enough to see what he can do. A leader in any changing room. He’ll add pace, power, goals and all-round quality to the team.

It’s a brilliant addition that drives the professionalism up considerably. Can’t wait to see Stefan back and scoring goals.”

Soupy Still Committed to GAA

Despite his return to soccer, Campbell will continue to line out for his GAA club, Clan na Gael, over the coming months. He remains a key dual-sport figure in the Armagh sporting community.

His switch follows a similar move from another 2024 All-Ireland winner, Cathal McShane of Tyrone, who recently signed for Strabane Athletic in the NIFL Premier Intermediate League.

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Match Details:

Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024

Time: 7:35 PM

Venue: BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, Armagh

TV: Live on RTÉ

Dublin Look to Extend Strong Start to League Campaign

Dublin head to Armagh this weekend aiming for their third win of the Allianz Football League. Dessie Farrell’s men have impressed so far, bouncing back from a Round 2 loss to Donegal with wins over Kerry and Derry.

Key Performers for Dublin

• Seán Bugler led the scoring in last weekend’s victory over Derry, notching six points.

• Niall Scully struck the net in the 22nd minute, setting Dublin on course for a dominant win.

• Conor Tyrell & Lorcan O’Dell both found the net early in the second half to put the game beyond doubt.

• Con O’Callaghan chipped in with four points, while his brother Niall O’Callaghan put in a solid performance.

With new faces blending well with seasoned stars, Farrell will be eager for another strong showing against the defending All-Ireland champions.

Armagh Seeking Consistency After Mixed League Results

Reigning All-Ireland champions Armagh have had a frustrating league campaign so far. Kieran McGeeney’s side secured a commanding eight-point win over Tyrone but have struggled for consistency, with defeats to Galway and Donegal followed by a draw against Mayo last weekend.

Key Armagh Players to Watch

• Paddy Burns hit the net in the 15th minute against Mayo, giving Armagh a five-point lead at the time.

• Conor Turbitt, Rory Grugan & Ethan Rafferty have provided crucial scores throughout the league.

• Stefan Campbell was vital in halting Mayo’s comeback last weekend.

Armagh will be determined to use home advantage to kickstart their campaign and challenge Dublin for the points.

Dublin v Armagh – Recent Allianz League Meetings

2022 (Croke Park): Dublin 1-13 (16) | Armagh 2-15 (21)

2012 (Croke Park): Dublin 4-17 (29) | Armagh 1-10 (13)

2011 (Athletic Grounds): Armagh 1-11 (14) | Dublin 2-12 (18)

With both teams eager to climb the Division 1 table, expect a fiercely contested encounter in Armagh this Saturday night.

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