Kieran McGeeney, the Armagh manager, has a distinctive approach toward post-match press interactions. It’s common for him to catapult another member of the team management into the spotlight following a victory of importance, but when faced with a loss, he is usually the one addressing the press. A reminder of this was the closing day of their previous league season, where the team faced the possibility of a draw against Tyrone but fell short amidst turns of fortune. Monaghan’s usual struggle to break free from the tensions of imminent demotion in Castlebar, coupled with fluctuating game strengths in Omagh, led to Armagh’s downfall. McGeeney was the one addressing the melancholy state of affairs. He stated his struggle in coming to terms with seeing no glimpse of success amidst the team’s many possible victories that were never actualised, ultimately leading to significant disappointment within the team. McGeeney, who has now spent a decade leading the team, shared his increasing familiarity with the thin line between success and failure. The team suffered relegation a year earlier due to a score difference of minus 3, which was the second-best score in the decade’s relegation history from Division One. Simultaneously, this period witnessed relegated counties on average scoring 24 points lower than their opponents. In the championship, the harsh realities of losing penalty shoot-outs have hardened McGeeney, who experienced defeat in three matches, which deprived them of two places in the All-Ireland semi-finals and, more recently, their first Ulster title in a decade and a half. An added note of frustration was the perception that a heightened sense of caution installed to enhance defensive efforts ended up restricting the team’s best trait – their forwards. Prior to the previous year’s Ulster final, when up against reigning champions Derry, past Armagh joint-manager Brian Canavan vocalised the mounting frustration. He highlighted the collective belief that they possess exceptional players, particularly the forwards, who if set free from constraints to assume a more assertive role, could improve the team’s performance. He commented on the trend of the team fading into the background after initial domination in the field, inevitably allowing their opponents a shot at redemption.
In a case of deja vu, Armagh suffered a loss on penalties in the provincial final and the All-Ireland quarter-final after extra time, although they held winning positions during both matches. They made the same mistakes in the quarter-final game against Monaghan as they did in the previous match against Galway.
This Sunday, after a successful stint in Division Two, McGeeney’s squad returns to Croke Park. Conleith Gilligan of Derry has joined Kieran Donaghy and Ciarán McKeever as coaching staff. New players have been tested, initiating a shift in strategy and a return of a sense of adventure in the team.
Armagh’s former player Aaron Kernan, now a top commentator on GAAGO, recently hung up his club boots with Crossmaglen. He suggests that despite management’s denial, a subtle modification appears to have taken place in the team’s strategy. Even though Armagh’s concession rate is down and they’re scoring more, the management insists they haven’t changed anything.
There were no surprises when Armagh’s undefeated league play ended in second place due to a point surrendered in Cork. From the beginning, Armagh and Donegal were the top picks for promotion under coach Jim McGuinness’s return.
The divisional final is anticipated to be as close as their league game, which ended in a draw, with the Ulster championship just over the horizon. During the league, McGeeney has also broadened his squad.
“According to Kernan, there are two players to watch out for in the championship, namely Peter McGrane, the corner back who is a relative of Paul [a 2002 All-Ireland centrefielder] and Oisín Conaty from Tír na nÓg. The latter, a corner forward player, exhibited impressive performance last weekend, scoring 0-4 from play.
“His dynamism reminds me of Brian Mallon and like Mallon, he’s swift, confident with either foot and is unyielding when in possession. His efforts have been outstanding, garnering praise from Geezer. Also, despite sustaining an injury, Cian McConville’s performance has been exceptional. He’s expected to return shortly,” Kernan notes.
He concedes that the league’s overall standard may not be exceptional but is positive about Armagh’s superior performance. “If someone had suggested last year that Armagh might struggle with Rian O’Neill missing several enterprise games, it would’ve seemed plausible. However, Armagh excelled and easily transitioned out of Division Two, where they had previously faced challenges. They’ve proven their ability to capitalise on the circumstances they face, and I believe they have the right mix of talent to take on a Division One team.”
The goalkeeping position has potentially undergone a shift. Ethan Rafferty, with a new gen style of playing as a 15th outfielder, suffered from a long-term injury. In his stead, Blaine Hughes has brought a more traditional approach to the goalkeeping role.
“Blaine used to play as a goalkeeper for his club, Carrickcruppin, as opposed to Ethan who played as a midfield, half forward. It’s about making the best out of what you have. Blaine has been very consistent, he comes out and gets on the ball if they’re stuck and he’ll kick it back to them. But Ethan used to charge at it with the mindset of a half forward,” Kernan explains.
I believe the minor shift in our gameplay has lessened the impact of Ethan’s absence, given that he was frequently initiating plays and making late ball contacts. Currently, it’s the field players taking on this role, which is fantastic.
I’m already eagerly anticipating the championship.
Allianz Football League Division Two final: Soon, it’s Armagh against Donegal at Croke Park, on Sunday, starting at a quarter to two.