The Armagh team shouldn’t be underestimated, as many often do. Guided by Kieran McGeeney, they’ve shown impressive consistency in recent seasons. Despite never lacking in dedication or effort, it’s surprising that this is their first All-Ireland semi-final appearance in almost two decades.
I remember going head-to-head with Armagh during their glory days. The Armagh team had a knack for clinching victories in tight matches. Although not always showcasing the finest football during the Ulster championship, they somehow emerged as winners. A trait the present team seems to lack.
Armagh only required a slight shift in fortune in past seasons to be amongst the prime contenders. Four penalty shoot-out losses in three years would devastate any team, but for Armagh it’s especially bitter given the matches in which they occurred.
The losses took place in two Ulster finals and two All-Ireland quarter-finals. Having won the last Ulster in 2008 and not reached All-Ireland semi-finals since 2005, they appear like unattainable tasks. Nevertheless, the Armagh side deserves recognition for their resilience in dusting off disappointment and giving it a fresh attempt each time.
The fact that they’re still competing speaks volumes about their mentality. Continual defeat by narrow margins could easily lead to feelings of helplessness. Dealing with numerous losses can weigh a player down and provoke self-doubt, leading them to question why they persist in setting themselves up for failure and convincing themselves it will never work.
However, Armagh appears to have adopted a more optimistic view, recognising that they’re within reach of success and seeing the opportunities ahead. Given their extensive experience in closely contested matches, they should find this beneficial in the long run.
Throughout the week, many in Kerry have been speculating that the game will be a replica of the one against Derry. My perspective, however, is quite the opposite. It’s a common tendency here to treat all northern teams the same way, but I perceive Armagh to pose a different kind of challenge.
In contrast to Derry, who had just three long-range kickers in Shane McGuigan, Conor Glass, and Brendan Rodgers, Armagh boasts more, such as Rian O’Neill, Andrew Murnin, Stefan Campbell, and Conor Turbitt, who can all tally a good number of scores from outside the D, and they are positioned in the forwards.
This changes the game plan. If the conditions remain wet, this could affect how the game is played, but in dry conditions, Kerry will need to shift their strategy from the last game and play more aggressively. Welcoming Armagh’s approach would result in conceding too many shooting chances.
I believe this adjustment aligns better with Kerry’s style. A potential worry for McGeeney is that neither of the two Cliffords have delivered a standout performance in the championship thus far. They have a point to prove on Saturday. Considering this factor and the team’s overall drive to play more football, we may witness a stronger Kerry performance this weekend.
As we move further into the stage, it is intriguing to see four such prominent managers. No one will see this as an opportunity for merely gaining extra credit. In past seasons, a team like Donegal, who were underdogs just twelve months ago, might feel a sense of satisfaction from their achievements this far, including the promotion to Division One, clinching the Ulster title, and reaching the All-Ireland semi-final. It’s almost as if we could be on the verge of launching a campaign for Jim to be the Pope.
Donegal’s Jim McGuinness guided the team to victory with a last-minute surge against Armagh.
We recognise that their thoughts aren’t as they seem. Under the coaching of Jim McGuinness, Donegal is now operating at an incredible pace and scoring high. They’ve managed to fend off top teams from Ulster and firmly established themselves against Cork, all whilst providing ample time for recuperation.
My slight apprehension regarding Donegal is their likely lack of access to the same calibre of players as possessed by Galway. Galway is a formidable team, blessed with several outstanding talents — Peadar Mogan’s performance this season has been exceptional and Jason McGee’s anticipated return will bolster their midfield greatly.
Conversely, Donegal lacks players of the stature of Shane Walsh, Damien Comer or Sean Kelly. Despite injuries to all three, they’ve managed to make their mark in Galway’s journey to the semi-finals. Comer’s recent performance may be less than stellar; however, as a key player like him, I don’t anticipate his season coming to an end without making a significant impact.
Pádraic Joyce, the man in charge of Galway, won’t let McGuinness set the rules of play. Engaging two old pals, both of whom are known for their tenacity, promises an interesting match. Joyce’s Galway teams have maintained a strong record against clubs from Ulster and will be well-prepared to meet whatever Donegal brings to Croke Park.
All in all, my prediction is leaning towards a Kerry versus Galway final.