“All-Ireland SFC semi-final: Armagh triumphs over Kerry 1-18 to 1-16 in extra time
The struggle proved to be worthwhile for Armagh. Those nail-biting matches that they narrowly lost in the past were mere obstacles before they savoured the victory. They have made it to the All-Ireland final for the first time since 2003, overcoming a five-point deficit at 55 minutes and ultimately defeating Kerry in an extra time.
It feels like Kieran McGeeney’s team’s citation of their dissatisfaction with their past experiences at this stadium. The team took some time to gain momentum but eventually managed to transform the contest into a thrilling, edge of the seat spectacle. However, Kerry would surely contemplate where they lost momentum and why they failed to secure victory when they were dominating the game.
At 47 minutes into normal play, Kerry was leading 1-11 to 0-9, thanks to Paul Murphy’s pivotal goal. However, their score tally grew marginally thereafter, with only 0-5 added during the two periods of extra time. Although Armagh took the opportunity and turned the tide of the match, surely Jack O’Connor’s team would rue the missed chance.
The initial stages of the match looked promising for the Kingdom. Kerry started off energetically, quickly asserting their dominance. Paudie Clifford was an omnipresent force, while Dara Moynihan and Tony Brosnan actively moved around from the wings. Despite Barry McCambridge’s vigilant marking, David Clifford managed to make a significant contribution by scoring a free and setting up a point for Seán O’Shea. By the 15th minute, they were leading 0-6 to 0-2 without any troubles.
It’s been Armagh’s first appearance in an All-Ireland final since 2003, following their exciting victory against Kerry. Final score Armagh 1-18, Kerry 1-16, as the All-Ireland football semi-final played out.
In another important match at Croke Park, Down recorded another significant win against Laois in the Tailteann Cup.”
Armagh did well to not let the day completely leave their grasp. Two swift points by Niall Grimley, one stemming from a chaotic goalmouth altercation and the other when a lapse in concentration from Kerry resulted in a free, were highlights. An additional goal from Rian O’Neill following McCambridge’s interception on Clifford was met with enthusiastic applause from the Armagh supporters. Within 22 minutes, Armagh managed to minimise the gap to a mere point.
However, Armagh were found wanting in crucial areas; failing to achieve an equal score and allowing Kerry to gain points effortlessly. A mark by Paul Geaney quickly advanced into a free opportunity for Clifford, following an ill-advised foul by Paddy Burns. A marking opportunity for Clifford, along with a striking goal by Diarmuid O’Connor, extended Kerry’s advantage to three, with a score of 0-9 to 0-6 at the half-hour mark.
Armagh began showing signs of faltering as the game progressed; uncharacteristically missing opportunities for goals. Andrew Murnin experienced the first failed goal attempt of the game, due to Shane Ryan’s impeccable defence. Oisin Conaty, typically reliable for Armagh, also missed a seemingly easy goal. Ben Crealey too stumbled in his forward dash, adding to Armagh’s wasted score of 1-2.
This allowed Kerry to carry a lead of 0-10 to 0-6 into the half-time break. For Armagh, it was akin to a golfer managing to scrape through a rough round with a score of 73. Despite committing several faux pas typical of an All-Ireland semi-final, they were still within striking distance. And when a beautiful goal by Aidan Forker kicked off the second half, the gap reduced to only a single goal.
However, Kerry had their own series of setbacks, with their goal moments morphing into bumbles. Unexpectedly, Tom O’Sullivan missed two clear goal opportunities within a minute. In the first attempt, he managed to pass the ball to David Clifford for a single point. In the second, he chose to go solo yet ended up unintentionally sending the ball wide.
Armagh remained in the fight. The difference was reduced to a mere two points, 0-11 to 0-9 in the 45th minute, thanks to a free kick by Grugan and an inspirational goal from Forker. Despite Paul Murphy scoring what appeared to be a game-deciding goal, Kieran McGeeney’s team refused to be intimidated. They counterattacked, claiming the following two points via a free from Conor Turbitt and a smooth arc shot by Rian O’Neill.
They desperately needed a goal, which they achieved in similar fashion to Kerry’s. A shot intended for a point fell short – this time kicked by O’Neill, much like Clifford’s earlier effort – and the ball came loose. McCambridge pounced like a handball champion sealing a perfect shot. Kerry scored 1-12 versus Armagh’s 1-11, with 55 minutes elapsed.
The game was anybody’s for the taking. Paudie Clifford emerged to try and secure it for Kerry, giving them a two-point lead just past the hour mark. However, Stefan Campbell, a substitute in the second half, powerfully intervened, securing two consecutive points. And when O’Neill casually stroked a loose ball from 55 meters away, it seemed effortlessly natural for him.
Armagh took the lead for the first time, scoring 1-14 to Kerry’s 1-13 in the 65th minute, however, Dylan Geaney quickly levelled for Kerry with his first contribution, causing the game to go into overtime.
The Kerry players began to crumble under pressure, evident in their numerous cramping incidents – Clifford, O’Shea and Jason Foley all hobbled after failed attempts in overtime. The tide had turned in Armagh’s favour, with Jarly Óg Burns entering the field and instantly scoring. Turbitt wriggled free to extend the gap by two. Ross McQuillan’s swift run into free space pushed them further ahead at 1-17 to 1-14 after 83 minutes, all but guaranteeing Armagh’s victory.
Cillian Burke and Paudie Clifford attempted a comeback for Kerry, although their efforts were akin to a wasp’s final sting. Following this, Turbitt darted away to achieve the clinching score, leading Armagh into the finale.
Team ARMAGH consisted of B Hughes, P Burns, A McKay, B McCambridge (1-0); A Forker (0-2), P McGrane (0-1), T Kelly; N Grimley (0-2), B Crealey; J McElroy, R Grugan (0-1, one free), R O’Neill (0-3); O Conaty; A Murnin, C Turbitt (0-5, three frees). Substitutes were S Campbell (0-2) for McGrane (at half-time), J Duffy for Conaty (at 49 minutes), A Nugent for Crealey (at 57 minutes), R McQuillan (0-1) for Forker (at 60 minutes), O O’Neill for Murnin (at 62 minutes), J Óg Burns (0-1) for Turbitt (during extra time), S McParland for Kelly (during extra time), Turbitt for Nugent (at 80 minutes), Conaty for Grugan (at 85 minutes).
In Team KERRY, members were S Ryan; T O’Sullivan, J Foley, T Morley; G White, P Murphy (1-0), B Ó Beaglaíoch; D O’Connor (0-1), J O’Connor; T Brosnan (0-1), P Clifford (capt; 0-2), D Moynihan (0-1); D Clifford (0-4, with two frees, 1 mark), S O’Shea (0-5, one free, one 45), P Geaney. The extras numbered C Burke (0-1) for Moynihan (at 47 minutes), K Spillane for Geaney (at 47 minutes), D Geaney (0-1) for Brosnan (at 59 minutes), G O’Sullivan for Ó Beaglaíoch (at 65 minutes), BD O’Sullivan for J O’Connor (at 70 minutes), M Breen for White (during extra time), D Casey for Foley (at 78 minutes), Steven O’Brien for D O’Connor (half-time, extra time), Sean O’Brien for Murphy (at 85 minutes).
The Umpire was David Gough from Meath.
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