'There is loads of work to do in the next two weeks' says Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney

The result doesn’t affect their Championship standing, as they had already secured top spot in their group and a place in the All-Ireland SFC Quarter-finals.

However, having led by eight points at the break and ended up on the losing side, Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney says that there is plenty of work for the team to do on the training pitch before they take to Croke Park for the last eight.

“We have plenty to work on, plenty to work on. There is loads of work to do in the two weeks.

“We're going through it at the minute, looking for them to know that there's a lot to improve on. We did a lot of silly stuff, but there was some very good stuff as well. The message was that it's one of those things, we have a lot done and loads to do.”

It was a fantastic contest for the neutral, particularly in the second half as both sides swung momentum back and forth. With nothing at stake for Armagh, McGeeney could appreciate the entertainment of the game, but he says he wouldn’t be too pleased had their been crucial points on the line.

“Yeah, it was a great game,” he said.

“I suppose we can say that because we have the luxury of having through, but if it wasn't you'd be picking holes in some of the stuff that we did as well. But 27 points on any day, it's some scoring.”

Ethan Rafferty had a fine game for Armagh, scoring 0-7, including points from dead balls and from play, saving a penalty and denying Matthew Thompson in a one on one. He has been a key weapon for Armagh this season and will continue to be as they push for the Sam Maguire title.

“Yeah, and we'll still be giving out to him,” McGeeney laughed.

“Listen, he's been playing excellent for us and he was outstanding today. Seven points from your 'keeper is very good, especially the free kick over here on the right-hand side. It was a brilliant two-pointer.

“He did extremely well.”

At the other end, Shane Walsh was close to unplayable for Galway, as he hit 0-9. Sometimes when a forward of his calibre is in form, there is little you can do.

“It's just with the space there is available now, it's hard because you have to watch your back door and your front door and everything.

“Shane's quality, he can kick off both feet, and when he's on his day, it's hard to stop.”

With the result inconsequential, Armagh didn’t risk Ben Crealey, Rory Grugan or Oisin O’Neill who are carrying knocks, but McGeeney is hopeful that those players will be back for the last eight.

“Yeah, we're very hopeful.

"It was tough to lose Paddy [Burns] and Barry [McCambridge] after the first half, they'll be two big players for us. But that's what there's a squad there for and you have to do your best without them.”