Player Ratings – British Insight:
1. Connor Gleeson’s performance for Armagh was notable, notably getting his fist on an injury-time kick-out for Armagh. However, Armagh conceded the most part of Galway’s kick-out. While Gleeson’s efforts did yield a favourable outcome, Galway failed capitalise on it. Score: 6
2. Johnny McGrath had a good run where he was assigned to contender, Conor Turbitt. Turbitt proved to be Armagh’s chief threat throughout the summer but was effectively silenced during the gameplay by McGrath. Following Turbitt’s removal in the second half, his replacement, Stefan Campbell, managed the only goal of the match. Score: 7
3. Seán Fitzgerald demonstrated a commendable defensive game for Galway. He intercepted several of Armagh’s attempts while successfully neutralising Andrew Murnin as a potent threat. The Galway full back was put to test during the second half’s high balls. Score: 6
4. Jack Glynn managed to keep Rory Grugan from scoring. However, Glynn had to exit the game after 45 minutes. The sudden departure allowed Armagh their only goal of the match, just seconds post Glynn’s exit. Score: 6
Armagh player assessments: Oisín Conaty and Barry McCambridge have been key contributors to the newly crowned All-Ireland champions.
Key instances from Armagh’s All-Ireland victory over Galway.
Players’ ratings for Galway in the All-Ireland finals against Armagh: Armagh 1, Galway 0-13.
Armagh’s triumph at the All-Ireland finals against Galway, marked the second victory for the team from Orchard County.
5. Dylan McHugh demonstrated strong play, with an important turnover early in the second half. This manoeuvre eventually led to Cillian McDaid moving the Tribesmen 0-8 to 0-6 forward. However, some wild shooting in the final 10 minutes did blot his record. Score: 6
6. Liam Silke maintained a fierce rivalry with Rian O’Neill throughout the afternoon. Silke stood out when Galway had control and landed a neat early score off his left foot. His overall game showcased a tenacious grappling for possession. Score: 7.
7. Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin.
Oisín Conaty of Armagh had a strong performance, meddling in different wings and scored 0-3, not quite what he’d hoped for. His impact on the game was minimal, with a rating of 5. Paul Conroy stood out for Galway, scoring the first point and ending the match with 0-3. Two points were scored in the first half, and the remaining in the second, thereby earning him a rating of 8. Céin Darcy contributed significantly in the first half and scored another two points for Galway. He however missed two opportunities in the second half, which could have equalised the score. He earned a rating of 7.
Matthew Tierney had a rating of 6. The sudden departure of Rob Finnerty threw Galway off balance, and Tierney had to relocate to the corner. John Maher’s ability to move quickly across the field and contribute diligently throughout the game played a major factor in Galway’s chances. This earned him a commendable rating of 8. However, Cillian McDaid, who scored a 7 rating, managed to launch a late run to reduce the game deficit despite failing to retain possession in the final moments.
Having been forced off because of an injury just 11 minutes into the game, Robert Finnerty was another underperformer. He had seemed promising, taking advantage of Aaron McKay’s mistake, but was soon limping off the turf. He scored a rating of 5. Damien Comer had a rough time on the pitch, stalked by Aidan Forker and barely able to make a mark. He set up a couple of scores but failed to score himself. He was pulled out before game end and also rated a mediocre 5.
Walsh’s initial goal was only scored in the 42nd minute. His performance comprised three off-target shots and two further attempts that fell short – positions from which Walsh would usually dispatch the ball beyond the black marker. His score: 5.
Coming off the bench, Johnny Heaney was summoned early due to an injury sustained by Finnerty. He featured heavily in the match, even scoring a point in the latter half. However, the overall effectiveness of Galway’s reserve players was lacklustre. Their grade: 5
The manager, Pádraic Joyce, has had his work cut out all season, navigating challenging injury-related circumstances, worsened by Finnerty’s early withdrawal. Despite keeping Seán Kelly on stand-by, the leading lights of Galway’s squad didn’t rise to the occasion on the day. His score: 6.