Charlie had a great County career and leaves owing Armagh absolutely nothing and can exit with his head held high. I'm open to correction here, but I reckon he has 2 Ulster Senior Champioship medals, an Ulster Under 21 medal and 3 National League medals (1 x Division 2; 2 x Division 3). He also represented Ireland in the Compromise Rules and has a Railway Cup Winners Medal. Not very long ago, such an accumulation of medals would have made him one of our most decorated footballers ever.
As some have hinted, Charlie was maybe a victim of his own versatility, being excellent at full-back, centre half back and midfield, and as a consequence he never got a regular run and the opportuity to establish himself in one position. However he always gave his all for the team, playing wherever asked.
Charlie suffered a very serious injury in a challenge match against Dublin at the opening of Pearse Og Park some ten years ago but recovered from that to give another decade of great service. However my favourite memories probably pre-date that injury, and I recall him bursting through the Dublin defence in a league game in Crossmaglen (which was the game that had been postponed from the previous week) and smashing the ball to the net - an irresistible force!!
As an Armagh supporter I say a heartfelt thank-you and my hope is that my own Club will enjoy the benefits of this decision in the coming seasons!
