In the first round of All-Ireland SFC, Armagh showcased their expertise and determination, ultimately defeating Westmeath with a score of 0-16 to 0-11. Even though their recent defeat in the Ulster final by Donegal was still fresh, Armagh managed to bounce back with this crucial victory on Saturday night.
Westmeath bravely kicked off the match, keeping pace with Armagh initially. However, Armagh’s forward attack proved too potent, with Conor O’Neill, Stefan Campbell, Tiernan Kelly, and Conor Turbitt showing their attacking prowess. Westmeath’s response was half-hearted, with only Sam McCartan, Robbie Forde, and Ronan O’Neill returning fire, tying the game at 0-4 each.
Armagh, however, took control of the game before halftime, with Kieran Mackin and Rory Grugan providing critical points leading to a 0-6 to 0-4 advantage. The second half began with a glimmer of hope for Westmeath as John Heslin and Ronan O’Toole scored some early points.
Westmeath’s efforts to establish a stronger presence on the field were continually rebuffed by a relentless Armagh, especially Grugan, Oisín Conaty, and Turbitt. These three were instrumental in Armagh’s scoreline, with Grugan contributing five points from play and frees.
A deficit surfaced when Armagh moved ahead at 0-10 to 0-6, due mainly to Westmeath’s inability to capitalise on their scoring opportunities. Kieran McGeeney, Armagh’s manager, made some astute strategic changes, bringing Aidan Nugent, Oisín O’Neill, and Barry McCambridge into the fray. Their contributions, combined with Luke Loughlin’s late point for Westmeath, solidified Armagh’s win in a game that lacked definitive momentum.
In a thrilling game, the Armagh team lined up with B Hughes in goal, B McCambridge, A McKay and P McGrane in defence. C O’Neill, C Mackin, and A Forker made up the midfield whilst T Kelly, B Crowley and the trio of J McElroy, R Grugan and S Campbell formed the attack with O Conaty, A Murnin and C Turbitt up front. G McCabe and O O’Neill were brought on as replacements for O’Neill and Crealey, respectively. In addition, the manager made a late swap bringing on A Nugent for Turbitt (59th minute) and J Óg Burns for Murnin (in the 68th minute).
Opposing them, Westmeath had J Daly as keeper with J Gonoud, K Maguire and J Dolan in the back. Midfield saw players such as S McCartan, R Wallace and C Drumm, whilst R Connellan and D McCormack spearheaded the attack. The remaining front players included J Lynam, R O’Toole, C Dillon along with L Loughlin, J Heslin and R Forde. Changes for Westmeath included M Whittaker replaced Dillon (37th minute) and D Lynch for Fire (54th minute), late swaps brought on K Martin for Gonoud (60th minute) and S Smith for Loughlin (in the 68th minute).
The referee in charge was Conor Lane from Cork.