IT is impossible to contemplate the scale of what this Armagh football group has achieved without placing in the realm of a journey.
Forever surrounded by bile and noise, irrespective of context, their general and figurehead took the heaviest fire.
Kieran McGeeney has pointed out that folk ‘cannot have it both ways’. Whether they ended up losing a lead or clawing one back from the jaws of defeat, they seemed to be in the crosshairs, regardless.
The ledger for McGeeney and his group is well chronicled, without an Ulster title in ten years, pockmarked with many bruising defeats along the way. McGeeney has had to navigate the choppiest of waters, often close to home.
Nevertheless, this swirl of disdain from outside the tent has had the galvanising effect of forging an iron brotherhood within. Doubtless, it was the cornerstone of Sunday’s All Ireland success.
Armagh are amazing All-Ireland champions. A brilliant story of hope and resolve, a compelling chapter in Armagh’s and the GAA’s history. Their hunger was raw. Always believing in the man alongside. Sunday’s success was a victory for the unit.
The approach and style of Sunday’s protagonists might not have suited every palette but that made it no less compelling. Structured and disciplined in all aspects, the final 10 mins brought the final to the boil as chaos replaced organisation, errors superceding systems. Armagh’s return rate was greater than Galway’s, they got their scores more effectively and Aaron McKay’s goal turned the tide.
Armagh had their repertoire of set plays on display, the most obvious being the signalled overload on one flank or the other. The target was to suck Galway over, creating the one on one, usually for Conor Turbitt, on the opposite side. It was interesting as much for the lack of stealth as anything tactical. Even the seagull knew what was coming.
Ulster’s season of unparalleled success across club, underage, intercounty men’s and Ladies, schools and Colleges is noteworthy. It gives rise to a conversation about a power shift north and a potential Ulster potential domination of the intercounty game. Hardly? One thing is clear: Ulster’s innovation when it comes to football thinkers.
There is a real passion to grow and curiosity in how the game is viewed and played up there. Clever thinkers, across all ages, are examining key aspects of the gamer and how they can be remoulded to their advantage.
Over the last two decades we have had Tyrone change the intensity at which football was played. From 2003, on they played magnificent football at a level and intensity previously unseen. Their tackling was as ferocious, their intensity frightening.
Donegal, in Jim McGuinness’ first stint in charge, brought a new style of defensive football that delivered success and gave others a template to consider. Many followed.
Derry under Rory Gallagher further evolved the game, flooding the attacking third with runners as a counterfoil to plus-ones and plus-twos.
Now we’ve Armagh as All-Ireland champions with a deep and structured defensive system, fused with a pacy counter-attacking game, makes them a very tough nut to crack.
Monaghan, Tyrone and Derry minor and u20 teams have also been playing and utilising football systems beyond their years. Skilful, fast, strong with incredible decision-making and understanding.
The level of coaching in Ulster is ahead of all other provinces. There is quest to understand the game, bringing it forward, what skills are needed, what plays to execute, what position to take up and vacate.
The awareness of Ulster’s young players suggests coaching fundamentals of a level hitherto unseen. Ulster facilities and academies are well-funded and run, coaches are happy to deep-dive into a continuous learning process of self-development. Their seminars and resources are constantly looking and searching for improvements. They are setting the bar, their curiosity is unrelenting, and the challenge is now there for all others.
There will be multiple changes across the intercounty landscape over the coming weeks. There will be players and managers that have had enough, there will be players let go; there will be managers encouraged to move and there will be poaching of Talented backroom experts.
I wonder did the All-Ireland finalists on Sunday take a good look around the dressing room before they left as victors or vanquished because, in all likelihood, the same group of players and management will never be together in a dressing room again. There is a sadness about end-of-seasons as everyone can sense changes coming.
Kieran McGeeney may well have to fend of interest from Kerry for a certain member of his backroom team, as will Padraic Joyce. Kieran Donaghy’s commitment to the Armagh journey has been immense. Heart and soul commitment. That 10-hour journey is not easy, and his services will be in demand. On Padraic’s side, Cian O’Neill, experienced and knowledgeable, will also sought after.
The 2025 football season will see changes. FRC proposals will be voted for in October, and whatever is approved will be in place for next year’s league and championship. The positive intent is to enhance the game as a playing and viewing experience.
Depending on one’s perspective, Sunday’s finale to the season, may have brought that challenge into sharper focus.
