Armagh has definitely made its mark in the Allianz Football League’s Division Two, refusing to fade into the background after five triumphant matches. This streak has safely secured their place in the forthcoming season, a fact that fills manager Kieran McGeeney with immense satisfaction.
He had the pleasure of witnessing his team’s overpowering performance against Cavan in their concluding league game on Saturday evening, a sight that undoubtedly provided a ray of hope for the impending Ulster Championship.
Saturday evening’s game demonstrated Armagh’s rising potential, although the cautious McGeeney isn’t taking any future victories for granted. “The Championship will be a distinctly different challenge, but we are confident that we have duly made up for our relegation from Division One last year. As a team, we strive to compete against the best – this is what truly accelerates improvement. We eagerly anticipate the Ulster Championship, fully aware of how tough it will be,” McGeeney stresses.
From the very beginning of the Saturday game against Cavan, Armagh’s players wasted no time in asserting their command, highlighting their fierce determination and drive. Unfortunately for Cavan, this resulted in an unfortunate decline, leaving them with the consolation goal of securing third place in the Division Two ranking.
Armagh’s first-half play was dominative, keeping the Cavan defence constantly on edge with relentless attacks. The home team’s fervor was almost insurmountable, with Cavan sporadically responding with little effect.
On the other hand, Armagh effortlessly designed scoring opportunities. While Cavan managed to keep pace for the starting 15 minutes of the game, it was soon apparent that control was firmly in Armagh’s hands.
Armagh’s Ben Crealey and Andrew Murnin initiated an early lead in points, a lead that Cavan attempted to counter with Ryan O’Neill and Ciaran Madden scoring. However, this counted for little as Armagh, persistently on the offensive and putting enormous strain on the Cavan defence, took charge authoritatively.
Guided by the likes of Greg McCabe, Rory Grugan, Andrew Murnin, and Conor Turbitt, the host team launched a compelling offensive against their guests’ stronghold. As the match progressed, Grugan and Turbitt skillfully scored, maintaining constant pressure on Cavan’s backline. Armagh solidified their hold on the game in the 28th minute in an impressive turn of events.
Peter McGrane, a recent addition to the team who has demonstrated significant talent, advanced forward, caught an accurate pass and smoothly sent the ball straight into Cavan’s net. Adding to their woes, just prior to the halftime whistle Cavan fell further behind. Armagh was awarded a penalty due to Cillian Brady’s foul on an Armagh player, resulting in a black card. Conor Turbitt successfully converted the penalty, reinforcing Armagh’s leading position with a comfortable 2-12 to 0-4 at halftime.
The second half of the game offered no respite for Cavan, as Armagh introduced a line-up of substitutes, keeping the pressure relentless. Despite Cavan’s attempts at counterattacking, they were persistently thwarted by Armagh’s strategic defence. Following his introduction during the third quarter, Oisin Conaty quickly earned his team two points and was soon followed by Rian O’Neill, who also efficiently scored. Armagh firmly held their opponents within their own half, displaying superior control and poise.
Ross McQuillan swiftly scored upon entering the pitch from the sidelines, further widening the gap for Cavan. It was an unfortunate evening for the visitors as Armagh’s comfortable victory ensured their place in Division One for the upcoming year.
The original tally comprised of B Hughes, A McKay, P Burns, P McGrane (1-0) and G McCabe (0-2) from Armagh. The team was rounded out by A Forker, J McElroy, B McCambridge, B Crealey (0-1), S Campbell (0-1), R Grugan (0-5, from four free kicks), and C Mackin. The forward line consisted of C Turbitt (1-4, including one penalty), A Murnin (0-2), O Conaty (0-4). The substitutes included T Kelly who replaced McCabe, R McQuillan who filled in for Burns and A Nugent replacing Turbitt, all at half-time. Additionally, R O’Neill (0-1) replaced Murnin at the 46th minute, O O’Neill (0-1) came on for Campbell at the 60th minute, and C Mackin stepped in for Crealey at the 64th minute.
In contrast, Cavan’s side featured G O’Rourke, C Reilly, C Brady, and O Kiernan. The team was completed by D McVeety (0-2), N Carolan, and B O’Connell, with K Clarke and J Smith at centre field. The attacking trio comprised of C Madden, G Smith, and R O’Neill (0-3), as well as P Lynch (0-5, including three free kicks) and R Donohoe (0-2). The half-time replacement for Madden was Oisin Brady, while Conor Brady came in for Carolan and Tristan Noaack Hofmann for J Smith. Later substitutions saw O Kiernan for Cillian Brady at 46 minutes and L Fortune for Reilly at the 56th minute. The match was overseen by referee Liam Devenney from Mayo.