Game against Galway 'is going to be a cracker' says Armagh boss Kieran McGeeney

Armagh and Galway will meet in the Championship for the third time in three seasons on Sunday, with the prize for the victors a place in the quarter-final.

The two sides met in an epic encounter in the last eight in 2022, which Galway won on penalties, following a 2-21 to 3-18 draw.

Kieran McGeeney’s men and Padraic Joyce’s side met again last summer, and Armagh booked their place in the quarter-final with a nail-biting 0-16 to 1-12 win over the Tribesmen in Leitrim.

Having played each other so often in recent years, the counties will know each other inside out.

Armagh boss McGeeney was full of praise for his opposite number, Galway manager Padraic Joyce, and he says ‘it’s going to be a cracker of a game’.

“Padraic Joyce has them moving well; he has been fantastic with them,” he said.

“For us, it’s just about trying to keep going that extra step. We know that we are there or thereabouts.

“Padraic has a great defensive structure in place, and he has quality forwards as well. They have had a couple of injuries too, but he still has ample replacements.

“It’s going to be a cracker of a game.”

This season, both counties are once again hoping to be in the conversation come the latter stages of the All-Ireland Series. Galway, having won the Connacht Championship, and Armagh who were runners up in Ulster, have both defeated Derry and Westmeath and neither side can be knocked out this weekend, but an extra week of rest is up for grabs for the victor.

With Armagh’s Andrew Murnin and Paddy Burns carrying knocks, and Galway’s Sean Kelly and Damien Comer a doubt for this weekend, McGeeney says that topping the group – and getting a bye week - is of utmost importance to both sides.

“I think it is a good prize,” he said.

“Having that two weeks, and especially with bangs, Galway are the same as ourselves, they'd like another two weeks to prepare (for a quarter-final).”

Armagh showcased their top form in their recent match against Derry, where they triumphed 3-17 to 0-15. On the other hand, Galway have been on a winning streak, securing victory in five consecutive Championship games, including a remarkable win over Mayo in the provincial championship.

Both teams are currently on a good run of form heading into the upcoming weekend, making it a match not to be missed.

“The Super 16s is a tough competition,” said McGeeney following the win over Derry.

“Everybody has their own thoughts on it, but I think every game means something.

“We've won two games, but we still have to win the last one – it’s the same with Galway. The way it’s designed is as good as anything we have had before.

“We’re fighting for a quarter-final place and Galway will want to atone for last year.”

Armagh’s Niall Grimley spoke to the Newry Reporter after the Derry win and he too looked ahead to this weekend’s game, praising the talent Galway have in their ranks.

“Galway are a top class team, and they have some unbelievable players,” said the Madden man.

“So, we’ll have to knuckle down again. This (the Derry game) is Sunday, we’ll be back to training on Tuesday just like that.

“These wins come and go quick and fast, so you have to recover hard and get back to training on Tuesday, because the competition is fierce, and you have to be at your best every night.”

Grimley returned to Armagh’s starting line-up for his first Championship appearance in two years, and he put in an excellent showing alongside Ben Crealey in midfield.

Another player who put their hand up for more minutes was Ross McQuillan. The Cullyhanna man started on the bench, but was sprung into action just 10 minutes into the game in place of the injured Peter McGrane. McQuillan hit the net and put in a mountain of work in a great performance.

“Ross had a dip in form, but over the last two weeks he has been outstanding in training,” said McGeeney after the Derry game.

“He got his chance today and he was close to Man of the Match. Niall Grimley wouldn’t have been too far behind him.

“He has been working away in the background, he has never stopped and has been pushing, and he put in an outstanding performance for us.

“I’m personally delighted for the two boys and it’s brilliant to have those quality players coming in.”