By Shaun Casey

THERE’S never too much to separate Armagh and Galway in both league and championship and Orchard manager Kieran McGeeney is expecting another difficult encounter when Padraic Joyce’s men travel to the Cathedral City on Saturday evening for their Division One clash.

Armagh made a flying start to the league, boosting their hopes of securing their status by hammering Monaghan by 12 points at Clones. Galway, on the other hand, suffered a first-round defeat at the hands of their rivals Mayo.

Both sides will be keen to pick up the two points on offer in a repeat of the 2024 All-Ireland final. Galway have gained the upper hand in the two meetings since that decider, in last year’s league and championship, and will aim to make it three on the trot.

“It will be a tough game, there is never much between us,” said McGeeney, now in his 12th season in charge. “There is always a point either way and they will be coming to the Athletic Grounds to lay down a marker, so we know what is in front of us.

“Galway will be hungry for points. Scoring difference too, it has been to our detriment in the past. I am happy with last weekend, we probably had chances for goals we put over the bar or missed, so we still have plenty to work on as well.

“The Athletic Grounds has a big fan base, they are passionate and you’ll be hoping there will be a big crowd, Galway and Armagh is always a big game and I am sure they will bring plenty as well.”

Armagh remain without a number of key players such as All-Ireland winning captain Aidan Forker, 2024 Player of the Year candidate Barry McCambridge as well as the likes of Rory Gurgan, Darragh McMullen and Paddy Burns.

Aaron McKay, who didn’t play at all in 2025, lined out at full-back in both of Armagh’s McKenna Cup ties against Down and Tyrone but looks set for another spell on the sidelines, but McGeeney hopes he’ll return sooner rather than later.

“Aaron hurt his hand and we hope he will only be out for a couple of weeks,” he added. “At this time of the year, in a compact season, you don’t want to be taking chances, probably pushing injuries down the line. Hopefully he will be fit for the game after the next one.”