The conclusive match between Blaine Hughes and Connor Gleeson is anticipated to hinge greatly on the performance of goalkeepers, who’ve gained pivotal roles in determining Gaelic football games’ outcomes. Hughes and Gleeson have both crafted noteworthy match moments throughout this championship year, but the undeniable turning point of Sunday’s final showdown could rest on the precision of each player’s restarts amid oppositional kick-out pressure. Hughes displayed his determination with admirable deliveries in his previous match against Kerry, while Gleeson’s proficiency for long-distance clearances has been exhibited.
Throughout the current championship, the sole goal conceded by Galway emerged from Gleeson’s kick-out against Armagh, presenting another chance for setback on Sunday. Contemplating the frequency goalkeepers now touch the ball per Match, their decisions fundamentally mould the progression of the subsequent play. The significant impact Hughes and Gleeson may bring on Sunday is not to be underestimated. In this discourse, however, let’s not forget the all-important art of stopping goals!
In a separate match-up, Barry McCambridge versus Shane Walsh, McCambridge’s defensive skills have caught the spotlight during the All-Ireland series. Despite not having started a single game in the Ulster championship, McCambridge has proven to be an indispensable player since the Sam Maguire group stages first round. A remarkable defender, McCambridge’s capacity to alternately advance and retreat on the field has presented challenges for his opponent, who’s left to decide between pursuing him or conserving energy. With a current score of 2-4 in the championship and effective restraint of David Clifford in the previous game against Kerry, McCambridge’s performance will undoubtedly be crucial.
Despite enduring injury-related pain throughout the season, Shane Walsh remains a formidable forward in the game. If he is close to his peak physical condition, his presence will undoubtedly challenge McCambridge on the pitch. In the semi-finals where Galway secured victory over Donegal, Walsh alongside Damien Comer and Rob Finnerty primarily occupied offensive positions while their opponents descended into the field. If a similar scene unfolds this coming Sunday at Croke Park, Armagh must judiciously consider the pay-offs of each potential risk.
Contrarily, Conor Turbitt has proved to be electrifying for Armagh, stepping into the final as the team’s leading scorer, accumulating 3-22 in the championship, inclusive of 0-9 from frees and 0-1 from a mark. Unless something exceptional occurs, it’s highly probable that Turbitt of Clánn Éireann will conclude the year as Armagh’s key scorer, more so than Rian O’Neill (1-12), the team’s secondary scorer. Considering Turbitt’s exceptional form, it’s anticipated that Galway will assign McGrath to him right from the outset. McGrath, an All-Ireland under-20 champion in 2020, has previously gone up against prominent players like Shane McGuigan and Ryan O’Donoghue in recent times. A runner with Galway City Harriers in his youth, the swift and enduring McGrath may not present an imposing physical threat but is likely to be Joyce’s first choice to counter ‘Turbo’, as Turbitt is known amongst his Armagh teammates.
Moreover, the dispute for central field possession will crucially reflect on the match’s result, making it vital to secure and win breaking ball.