Armagh hoping to secure their Division 1 status with win over Derry this weekend

Mobile phones will be buzzing all around the Athletic Grounds on Sunday, as supporters check score updates and social media to see 'have we done enough to stay up?'

Heading into this weekend’s final round of fixtures nobody can say for certain who is going to join Derry in being relegated to next year's Division Two. But one thing seems pretty sure: it is going to be a dramatic day with four sides still unsure of their safety – and Armagh are caught right in the middle of it.

Should Armagh and Tyrone, who host Dublin at the same time, finish on the same amount of points, then Armagh will finish above the Red Hand, having defeated them 1-23 to 0-18 earlier in the campaign.

However, Kerry – who are on six points – could still be leapfrogged by both Ulster counties should they lose away to Galway. Furthermore Mayo, who sit on seven points, could be pulled into a multi-way tie should they lose against Donegal.

Should there be a three or four-way tie on seven points, Armagh's points difference, which stands at -8, may leave them in danger, even if they defeat Derry.

However, despite whatever happens at Healy Park, Pearse Stadium and MacHale Park, all Armagh can control is their own game, and they will be pushing for a win, hoping that it will be enough to keep their heads above water.

Despite the Oak Leaf County having had their fate sealed with a defeat against Mayo last Sunday, Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney is taking nothing for granted.

“Derry, outside of the Dublin game, have been very impressive,” he told Armagh TV.

“They’re a bit like us a couple of years ago, where they have just been nicked by a point or two in games, despite the fact that they have been really strong.

“We have it all to do still, but we’re intent on staying up in the first division and hopefully giving the Armagh fans something to cheer about for the last game.

“It will be all hands to the pump, and we’ll have a go at it.”

McGeeney has had to deal with a number of injuries throughout the league, but Armagh supporters were delighted to welcome two important players, Ciaran Mackin and Joe McElroy, back to the team against Kerry.

Mackin had been out since last June due to a cruciate ligament injury, whilst McElroy had missed Armagh’s first five league games of 2025, having been voted as the county’s Player of the Year for 2024.

Both men will give the team a shot in the arm heading into the Championship. But before looking too far ahead, Armagh have a job to do on Sunday in terms of staying up.

They find themselves in this position after a hot and cold campaign which has seen them produce both excellent performances and below-par displays.

Thankfully for the Orchard County, they have picked up all five of their points at the Box-It Athletic Grounds, and they will be hoping that their fans can will them to another top performance and an important win.