Armagh v Kerry

[balladmaker]

What a day, and one that KMcG and his troops deserved big time.  It was all about getting over the line any which way they could, and they thankfully did so in some style.  After the Barry goal, it was Armagh's to lose, was a noticeable change of atmosphere in the stadium, and we did have a 16th man there yesterday.

When leaving the Ulster Final after our latest penalty loss, I'd a couple of distinct feelings ... foremostly that all of these heartbreak loses had the potential to galvanise this team into something greater ... and that was evident yesterday.  Also had a feeling then that we would be meeting Donegal again later in the championship, let's see how it goes today.

For now, it feels damn good to be back in an All Ireland Final .... take a bow Geezer and co.!

[David McKeown]

A man who I don't think gets enough credit I'd Blaine Hughes who has been excellent all year. Obviously a very different type of player to Ethan and doesn't offer as much in an attacking sense but his distribution, shot stopping and calmness under the high ball have been excellent all year. Even yesterday when Kerry were really pushed up he was able to lead Armagh players into space in the way you would see a QB do in the NFL. Must be a real contender for an All Star this year and for me a big contributor to Armagh's slight improvement this season.

Blaine, Aaron, Rian, Barry, Turbo all definite all stars for me.

I still think Rory Grugan is Armaghs most important player but probably not in the all star conversation. Not sure that Aaron or Rían are definite all stars. Think both have been a little inconsistent this year to be considered shoo ins. Was reading yesterday before the game that nearly all Turbo's scores from play this year have come since the Ulster final. Not a bad time to come into form.

Yeah Grugan is like a conductor, great player. Funny I think Aaron has been so consistent and underrated for a long time, rewatching bbc earlier and McConville said the same. Rian was super yesterday and against Galway and Derry so he's every chance.

Not saying the won't win them or that they don't deserve them. I'm just not sure they are nailed on yet. Good final performances will likely take them mind

[tonto1888]

A man who I don't think gets enough credit I'd Blaine Hughes who has been excellent all year. Obviously a very different type of player to Ethan and doesn't offer as much in an attacking sense but his distribution, shot stopping and calmness under the high ball have been excellent all year. Even yesterday when Kerry were really pushed up he was able to lead Armagh players into space in the way you would see a QB do in the NFL. Must be a real contender for an All Star this year and for me a big contributor to Armagh's slight improvement this season.

Have to agree. He's been superb

[Armagh18]

Been saying it a long time that we're a match for any team in the country on our day. Absolutely unreal to get over the line against a big team, fitness levels are unreal. Hats off to all involved. Won't fear Donegal or Galway but obviously nothing between the 3 teams left as seen by our recent history with both

[imtommygunn]

I thought you were wrong tbh. Happy enough to be wrong on that and hope you go on and win it.

I just didn't think you had it in you to beat Kerry especially after the first half. You were great though and fully deserved it.

Very hard to call this second semi now. Think it is much of a muchness for Armagh who they play.

[grounded]

I would agree on hughes. Last year when Kerry put the squeeze on Derry's kick outs they had no answer and the same for Dublin against Monaghan. Yesterday hughes had an answer to that (yes so did outfield players but he had to go long and find them).

Agreed on grimley too. Maybe kept Armagh in it a bit in the first half.

Grimley was absolutely outstanding, I thought.

[Armagh18]

I would agree on hughes. Last year when Kerry put the squeeze on Derry's kick outs they had no answer and the same for Dublin against Monaghan. Yesterday hughes had an answer to that (yes so did outfield players but he had to go long and find them).

Agreed on grimley too. Maybe kept Armagh in it a bit in the first half.

Grimley was absolutely outstanding, I thought.

Unreal. What that lads been through with injury and personal tragedy it's an absolute credit to him. Delighted for him

[Armagh18]

I thought you were wrong tbh. Happy enough to be wrong on that and hope you go on and win it.

I just didn't think you had it in you to beat Kerry especially after the first half. You were great though and fully deserved it.

Very hard to call this second semi now. Think it is much of a muchness for Armagh who they play.

Aw the relief is unreal. Finally got that rub of the green, was slightly worried after they got their goal but hats off to the lads and management I am delighted for them.

Think today is too close to call and obviously theres nothing between us and either of them as seen.

[general_lee]

What a team performance from Armagh. It was just pure hard work that won it. Delighted for the players and management, they deserve it.

I actually don't think on the whole that it was a vintage performance, there were even a few players who dare I say had a bit of a stinker, but as a team it was exceptional and semifinals are just about winning.

Kerry looked out on their feet in ET whereas Armagh still looked fairly fresh, some excellent substitutions which contributed to getting them over the line. The Armagh defensive set up remained solid in the second half and ET, reducing a fatiguing Kerry to pot shots.

I think Gough was just ok: he did spot a couple of jersey pulls inside which gifted Armagh easy frees but was still very harsh on over-carrying, especially when the player in possession was being fouled.

There were a few standout contenders for MOTM, Turbo I thought was excellent, Grimley in the middle put in some shift, Hughes in goals assured throughout, McCambridge kept Clifford under wraps, Rian O'Neill a couple of exceptional plays including a wonder score, Soupy the clutch player.

Looking forward to the other semi final this afternoon and the build up to the final!

[AustinPowers]

I would agree on hughes. Last year when Kerry put the squeeze on Derry's kick outs they had no answer and the same for Dublin against Monaghan. Yesterday hughes had an answer to that (yes so did outfield players but he had to go long and find them).

Agreed on grimley too. Maybe kept Armagh in it a bit in the first half.

Grimley was absolutely outstanding, I thought.

Unreal. What that lads been through with injury and personal tragedy it's an absolute credit to him. Delighted for him

100% agree

[SouthOfThe Bann]

Is Julie Davis Armagh Strength and Conditioning coach or Physio.


McGeeney was giving her high praise after the game.

Read an article to say she's not from a traditional GAA back. She seems to be highly regarded though.

[tbrick18]

Having seen both teams first hand this year, I though Armagh could pip them if they could keep it close.
When they went 5 behind and the way kerry started the 2nd half I thought there was only one winner.

But Armagh fitness really told and ultimately won the game. Kerry struggle with the massed defence, and Armagh got it right at the back.

Fair play, deserved winners.
Now that they've got that monkey off the back of being able to win a close game in extra time, nothing to stop them going all the way.

Different pressure now.

[Armagh18]

Good owl debate on rte there. Them Kerry ones really don't like getting beat.

No matter who wins in 2 weeks time, there'll be 8 teams next year with a genuine chance of making a final and I don't think there is very much at all between any team in division 1.

Hopefully todays match is as good a watch as yesterdays, we have unfinished business against both.

[Dougal Maguire]

Why were Armagh playing in black?

[armaghniac]

Is Julie Davis Armagh Strength and Conditioning coach or Physio.


McGeeney was giving her high praise after the game.

Read an article to say she's not from a traditional GAA back. She seems to be highly regarded though.

Davis is S&C, and has obviously done a cracking job, at least compared to Kerry. McGeeney's wife, a Kerry woman, is a physio and is around as well.