By Michael McMullan ARMAGH manager Kieran McGeeney agrees that the tough days his team endured on the way to lifting Sam helped their cause. After losing four high pressure games on penalties, the Orchard County kept on trucking and were crowned champions for a second time after a semi-final win over Kerry – after extra-time […]
Grugan: Knowledge is power as Armagh’s biggest day awaits
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July 26, 2024
By Shaun Casey HAVING the experience of Kieran McGeeney and Kieran Donaghy inside the Armagh changing room will help the Orchard County players in the build up to the All-Ireland final, says Rory Grugan. Armagh qualified for their first All-Ireland since 2003 with an extra-time victory over Kerry and they now face Galway, for the […]
To win just twice
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July 26, 2024
By Niall McCoy “THE man who made space made plenty,” my uncle Kevin used to say as he fitted as many of us as he could into his car back in the non-glory days of the early and mid-90s. Those are my earliest GAA memories, going to Mass on a Sunday morning and then back […]
Armagh make one change for Croker showdown
July 25, 2024
By Michael McMullan ARMAGH have made one change to their team for Sunday’s All-Ireland final showdown with Galway at Croke Park (3.30pm). Connaire Mackin comes in for his first start since their win over Derry with Peter McGrane missing out. McGrane started in every league and championship game on the way to the final. Advertisement […]
Sinead Burke – Marooned in Armagh
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July 25, 2024
By Shaun Casey THE scramble for All-Ireland final tickets has surrounded Galway and Armagh for the past few weeks and that’ll only ease up now as the clock ticks towards Sunday. For Sinead Burke, a Galway girl residing in the Orchard County, she has got to experience both sides of it. A former Galway ladies […]
KEVIN CASSIDY: Don’t rule out a draw
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July 25, 2024
THE biggest day of the year is upon us and what is great about this year’s final is that none of us have a clue who is going to win it. I actually don’t think that there is anyone on this island who could make a strong enough case for any team to run out […]
Stefan embracing the super sub role
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July 25, 2024
By Shaun Casey FAN favourite Stefan Campbell is one of those players that makes things happen when he gets the ball. Once his hands capture possession, a burst of energy instantly ripples throughout the crowd. Chalked down as the ultimate super sub, Campbell has had to develop a thick skin to appreciate the role. While […]
McGeeney: Players take their own approaches to the build up
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July 25, 2024
By Shaun Casey FROM a playing perspective, Kieran McGeeney knows all about the big day and what to expect. He lined out as Armagh captain in two All-Ireland finals, 2002 and 2003, winning one and losing one, so he’ll have plenty of wisdom to pass onto his players. Drawing on that experience could help a […]
KEVIN CASSSIDY: Final has makings of a classic
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July 18, 2024
IT wasn’t to be for Donegal on Sunday in Croke Park as the better team won on the day. We were beaten by a more efficient Galway side. I penned here last week that I felt that two things would determine the outcome of this game. Number one was Donegal’s lack of a kicking game and […]
STEVEN POACHER: The two best-coached teams are in the final
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July 18, 2024
WE all heard recently that ’football is dead’ and we also heard ’football is coming home’ but after last weekend it’s evident that neither proposition is true. What a weekend for the Orangemen and what a weekend for Galway. To witness and sample the atmosphere in Croke Park at the final whistle on both days […]