Sam Maguire 2024 Group 1 - Galway, Armagh, Derry, Westmeath

[naka]

As others have said the wind was a major factor so thought Armagh played sensibly in the first half .
For me murnin was excellent throughout and thought Oisin played really well when he came on.
Whilst we looked comfortable we made a lot of unforced errors which kept them in the game which can't be done on another day.
A win though so hopefully we go to Derry and lay down a marker .

[David McKeown]

Strange I thought Westmeath were very inventive with the high press, thought Hughes had his worst game of the year and didn't think the wind was a massive factor. Shows how we can all see games differently I guess

[Captain Obvious]

Comfortable five-point success over Westmeath an improvement on this match last year which won with a late goal. Sets Armagh up nicely for Derry next.

[armaghniac]

Strange I thought Westmeath were very inventive with the high press, thought Hughes had his worst game of the year and didn't think the wind was a massive factor. Shows how we can all see games differently I guess

Although with the wind in the second half Hughes did kick over the press, Donegal style, on one occasion.
One point about this is that if there is a significant wind, so teams need to change their approach in each half.

[bennydorano]

Am I right in thinking if Armagh don't win the group we have to meet Kerry or Dublin in a Q/F? (plenty of ifs to factor in but looking likely) Can't meet our own group winner, nor Donegal who will win their group.

[Orior]

Am I right in thinking if Armagh don't win the group we have to meet Kerry or Dublin in a Q/F? (plenty of ifs to factor in but looking likely) Can't meet our own group winner, nor Donegal who will win their group.

Bring it.

[David McKeown]

Am I right in thinking if Armagh don't win the group we have to meet Kerry or Dublin in a Q/F? (plenty of ifs to factor in but looking likely) Can't meet our own group winner, nor Donegal who will win their group.

Yes assuming they top their groups

[Armagh18]

Just thinking there, the only knockout game we've had since 2019 against non Ulster opposition was Galway in 2022 and even in the group games the only no Ulster opposition has been Galway and Westmeath x2.

[SouthOfThe Bann]

Will Mcgeeney put an end to Mickey Hartes tenure this weekend?

[Wildweasel74]

Actually expecting to get beat, you down a 1/3rd of the team.But if we get a few back for last 12 game i think we be stronger than all the 2nd placed teams. And that put u into heavy opposition in the quarters, but it is what it is.

[naka]

Derry / Armagh really fancy a draw .
Means all to play for

[JoG2]

Derry / Armagh really fancy a draw .
Means all to play for

The group stages of the AI has alot of detractors, but each group after a game has its own permutations, with teams jostling for a table topping finish, or hoping for a 2nd place finish to gain home advantage in a q/f qualifier. Finish 2nd and it's 3 weekends in a row (potentially if all goes well).

If Sunday's game finishes in a draw, we've Westmeath down the country somewhere and Armagh Galway. Tbh I'm not sure how either Galway or ourselves are fixed atm. On paper Galway has a team that could win an AI. We're shy a half back line that helped propel us to back to back Ulsters and a few brilliant outings @ HQ.
2 more weeks will definitely bring on on the likes of Finnerty and McDaid. But, I wouldn't be surprised if Armagh come away with the 2 points when they meet. Rian O'Neill could be back to strengthen a formidable Armagh side. All Armagh had to do in Clones from the 55th minute on was score another point. That's how close they are to the likes of Donegal who are now being mentioned in the same breath as Kerry and Dublin as potential winners.

Looking like it'll be a sell out at Celtic Pk, it's not knockout, but it'll be some battle with a fair bit riding on the result

[Brendan]

When was Celtic Park ever used so much since the renovation? This be the 3rd full house this year plus really good crowds throughout the league apart from against the Rossies. Lay derelict for years when Derry were down the leagues

[SouthOfThe Bann]

When was Celtic Park ever used so much since the renovation? This be the 3rd full house this year plus really good crowds throughout the Prague apart from against the Rossies. Lay derelict for years when Derry were down the leagues

For a city that's not exactly GAA mad yet but is beginning to grow, surely it's a positive.

[balladmaker]

Been a few years since I've been to Celtic Park.  What's the parking situation like in the area?