Armagh GAA: All-Ireland winner Niall Grimley steps away from Orchard panel

All-Ireland winner Niall Grimley has confirmed he has stepped away from the Armagh panel, but has not ruled out a return to inter-county action in the future.

Grimley was a key member of Armagh’s Sam Maguire-winning side in 2024, earning an All-Star nomination after starting and scoring a point in the final victory over Galway.

The 31-year-old, who helped Madden win their first Armagh title in October, spoke about his decision to step back from county duty on an Armagh GAA, external podcast.

“I met the boss man (Kieran McGeeney) a couple of months ago and made the very tough decision to step away,” he said.

“It’s not a decision that I have taken lightly, a lot of thought has went into it.

“Obviously, I have two kids at the minute, Olivia is coming three [years old] and Kaden’s only coming three months, so it’s just very busy.”

Grimley, who made his senior Armagh debut in 2016, was coy on potentially returning to the Orchard fold in the future.

“I’m just taking time to step away, it could be for three months, could go back next October and give it another rattle, might never go back,” he added.

“I know the lads [have been] unbelievable, they’re only going one direction. It’s been a decision I’ve had to make for myself. I’ve been on the road 10 years, the past couple of years haven’t been easy with injury.

“I’ve two kids now, a lot going on, tough, tough decision. I’d do anything for the Armagh lads, some of them are the best friends in the world, Joe McElroy is as close to me as my brothers.

“It was a tough decision, but it is a decision that I am happy with and one that is right for me and my family right now.”