By Shaun Casey

FOUR of Armagh’s last five visits to Croke Park have ended in victory for Kieran McGeeney’s men and former Armagh shot-stopper Philly McEvoy is delighted that the venue is now a “happy hunting ground” for his county.

Before their historic All-Ireland run in 2024, the Orchard County struggled on Jones’ Road. But they defeated Roscommon, Kerry and Galway that season, along with a group stage win over the Dubs last year.

Of course, the 2025 All-Ireland quarter-final ended in a notorious defeat to the Kingdom, but still, Armagh will be confident when they line out against Croke Park in a crucial relegation battle this weekend.

“The guys will feel that it’s a happy hunting ground and to be honest, even when you’re not getting the results in Croke Park, it’s always a big thing to go and play there,” said the Dromintee clubman.

“I felt it always brought the best out of players, especially having the background of winning four of their last five and all the good memories that came from the 2024 run, that’ll all filter through when their approaching Croke Park.

“Granted, it’s a league match and not a big championship day that the boys are probably used to but it should have the feeling of a championship match now because they’re in do or die territory.”

Armagh and Dublin are in danger of dropping out of the top tier and whoever can secure a win in round six will really boost their survival chances, but even if McGeeney’s side don’t solidify their top-tier statue, McEvoy still reckons they’re in a good place.

“A win and they’re pretty much safe but unfortunately if it goes the other way, it’s hard to see a route to safety but the way I would be looking at it, the league is always preparation for championship.

“Armagh are very close to be in a great position going into championship and that’s what it’s all about. In reality, championship probably starts now for Armagh, and this is, in all but name, a championship encounter on Saturday night.

“I feel like this could be the start of Armagh’s season really, they’ve put the groundwork in place to date and they’ve been hampered maybe at the back line slightly but that’s gave others an opportunity to impress.

“The likes of (Aaron) McKay and (Barry) McCambridge hopefully aren’t too far away from making a comeback and introducing those two boys back into the fray will be a major boost.”