STEFAN ‘Soupy’ Campbell says he was “slightly disappointed” to learn he never received a GAA Allstar nominee on Thursday morning – but visiting the pupils of Our Lady’s Tullysaran Primary School was the “perfect lift”.
The All-Ireland winning attacker was one of the surprise omissions in the 45-strong list, with 18 nominations going to forwards.
Campbell and Niall Grimley were guests at Tullysaran Primary School where his team-mate Aidan Forker is vice-principal.
Both Forker and Grimley won nominations.
The three players fielded questions from the pupils and photographs were taken with the Sam Maguire Cup.
“Aidan and me were chatting this morning and the nominations were released for the Allstars and I was obviously omitted,” said Campbell.
“I was slightly disappointed coming down the road to be honest. But this is where it really matters.
“I know where I’m rated, I know where I’m loved and that’s why we try and bend over backwards for these kids. This is where our true support is and let’s hope it’s not another 22 years for the next one.”
Campbell notched 1-10 for Armagh in the 2024 Championship. He started in four Championship games – Fermanagh, Down, Westmeath and Derry – and was equally influential coming off the bench in the other games.
His two second-half points from play in the All-Ireland semi-final win over Kerry were key in Armagh reaching the decider.
“As soon as I came into the school this morning it was the perfect lift,” Campbell added.
“That’s where it really matters. But seeing the likes of Niall Grimley and Paddy Burns who haven’t been in the spotlight as often as they should, they’re now reaping the rewards that they deserve.
“I’m genuinely delighted for my team-mates [11 Armagh players received nominations] and let’s hope Barry [McCambridge] and Oisin [Conaty] get their rewards too [both nominated in POTY and Young POTY categories]. It’s going to be a massive night for the county as Armagh will be at the top table which is what matters.”
Armagh team-mate Niall Grimley, who was nominated among the six midfielders alongside team-mate Ben Crealey, was also surprised Campbell never made the cut.
“I was surprised a few Armagh lads missed out and ‘Soupy’ was one of them,” said Grimley. “I thought he’d a brilliant year. But we all have All-Ireland medals which is the important thing.”