Armagh training camp scuppered after finding Carton House prepped for Manchester United visit

ARMAGH abandoned a training camp at Carton House over the weekend after arriving to find the facilities prepared for Manchester United’s upcoming visit instead.

While a host of other counties are going foreign over the next few weeks, Armagh had chosen another stay at the county Kildare venue, having used it regularly during Kieran McGeeney’s time.

However when the squad arrived early on Friday, the pitches were set up and lined for soccer rather than Gaelic football.

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Armagh did a running session after arrival in the expectation that their request for the pitches to be re-lined for their afternoon session would be met.

When the venue was unable to accommodate that request, an offer was made by Armagh that they would re-line it themselves. That was also turned down.

At that point, Armagh reluctantly decided to abandon their camp without staying and returned home on Friday evening.

The camp had been booked a number of weeks in advance when it became apparent that the 2024 All-Ireland champions wouldn’t be in this year’s Division One league final.

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Because of the timing, two weeks out from their Ulster SFC opener with Tyrone, it left no opportunity for them to replace the camp.

Premier League giants Manchester United will arrive at the five-star venue later this week for a four-day training camp.

Because of the international window and the absence of European and FA Cup football, the Old Trafford side are on an extended break ahead of their next game at home to Leeds on April 13.

They had considered a friendly in Saudi Arabia but, partly due to the escalating trouble in the region, they opted to hop the Irish Sea instead.

Carton House was the base for the Irish rugby team between 2010 and 2019, and has been previously used by Real Madrid and Chelsea during trips to Ireland.

Mickey Harte has regularly taken teams to the venue throughout his managerial career, while Dublin would also have used it.

The size and quality of the pitch surface is understood to be one of the main attractions.

It’s unclear if the venue has as yet refunded the cost of Armagh’s booking.

Carton House have been contacted for comment.

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