No solo work for Oisin this time

And it was none other than his namesake - Oisin McConville.

The former Armagh man signed shirts and chatted with family and friends in the Derrytrasna boy's home.

The 10-year-old Oisin was lost for words as he and his idol posed for pictures, his mother Brenda said: "He can't believe it and we can't believe Oisin is here - he's a real hero in this house.

"And maybe one day we'll see another Oisin McConville in Armagh colours."

Last week's visit by GAA hero Oisin was not the first time the two have met although it may be the first young Oisin remembers.

"We have a picture of the two on my son's first birthday, and he signed a picture of Oisin when he was a baby

"When Oisin was born we thought he would be a girl and had names picked out and were lost for names when he came out a boy.

"Then my husband, Adrian, was flicking through the paper and saw a picture of Oisin and said 'what about him' - although I'm sure the football had something to do with it."

The visit came about as a chance meeting of family friends, Brenda went on: "We were chatting with friends on New Year's and mentioned that Oisin was named after Oisin.

"A friend said they knew someone who knew the Gaelic man and I asked if they could get a picture or an autograph for my son.

"And then a week later they rang to say they could do better than a picture and he could visit."

The Crossmaglen Rangers man spent the afternoon in the McConville house with team mate, John McEntee.

Oisin said: "It's great to be able to come out and actually meet the people who have offered their support over the years.

"It's great to get such a fantastic welcome - especially now that I'm a has-been."

McConville’s genius during his club and inter-county days made him a household name throughout Ireland.

He last played for Armagh in the summer of 2008 and, speaking to the 'MAIL', he stood by his retirement at county level.

McConville went on: "It was time, but as an Armagh supporter and having been so involved with the team I will always be supporting the lads and hoping they do well.

"There is a great management behind the team and maybe one day I could become part of that set-up."

Oisin is in preparation for the new season ahead with 'Cross', he added: "You win nothing in January or February, but you can certainly lay a good base for the season ahead."