Armagh and Galway will contest the 2024 All-Ireland SFC Final at Croke Park on Sunday. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Sunday July 28
All-Ireland SFC Final
Armagh v Galway, Croke Park, 3.30pm, RTE/BBC
A novel All-Ireland SFC pairing carries real intrigue.
That Armagh and Galway have plenty of recent championship history too, merely adds to the sense of anticipation. This promises to be a hard fought and compelling encounter.
Since 2022 Armagh and Galway have clashed on three occasions in summer fare. In 2022 Galway won an epic quarter-final on penalties. Last Armagh edged Galway out by the narrowest of margins in the group stages. Back in June the teams drew at Markievicz Park. So, it should be similarly tight and tense at GAA headquarters.
The resilience demonstrated by both counties in recent years bodes well. Kieran McGeeney and Padraic Joyce deserve immense credit for their perseverance and maintaining belief.
Armagh have been improving for a decade and McGeeney brings a panel stocked with quality footballers to the Jones Road venue. When inspiration was required Armagh found a way to outlast Kerry in the penultimate round.
Significant contributions were made by substitutes, including Stefan Campbell and Jarly Óg Burns, who made decisive plays following their introductions.
Galway's squad depth was a key feature in crucial Croke Park triumphs over Dublin and Donegal. Ravaged by injuries throughout 2024, Galway's options have increased and players such as Johnny Heaney, John Daly, and Kieran Molloy were summoned from the bench in the win over Jim McGuinness' outfit.
Galway manager Pádraic Joyce and Armagh boss Kieran McGeeney pictured before last month's All-Ireland SFC clash at Markievicz Park. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Those three players were key figures when Galway reached the 2022 decider. The experience gleaned during that campaign and on final day is beneficial entering Sunday's showpiece.
Armagh, though, are well versed in high pressure situations. Penalty shootout heartbreaks have been endured in recent times, but Armagh plough on defiantly. Since the Ulster final loss to Donegal, McGeeney's charges have impressed.
The triumphs over Roscommon and Kerry showcased Armagh's durability with Aaron McKay, Barry McCambridge, Rory Grugan, and the splendid Conor Turbitt all delivering.
Rian O'Neill's relevance to the Armagh cause shouldn't be underestimated too and Galway will be fully aware of the threat posed by a talented Orchard outfit.
Gritty Galway have stitched together a nine match unbeaten sequence with Johnny McGrath, Dylan McHugh, Paul Conroy, and the industrious John Maher influential figures.
Rob Finnerty has been excellent in attack, with Damien Comer and Shane Walsh also extremely capable of producing quality displays on the grand stage.
Sam Maguire hasn't rested in Armagh since 2002 when Kieran McGeeney was the captain and talisman. Galway were victorious a year previously, when Joyce supplied 10 sweet points in the final. So, a long wait will be ended. Armagh and Galway is set to go the distance.
Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Paddy Burns, Aaron McKay, Barry McCambridge; Connaire Mackin, Tiernan Kelly, Aidan Forker; Niall Grimley, Ben Crealey; Joe McElroy, Rian O'Neill, Oisín Conaty; Rory Grugan, Andrew Murnin, Conor Turbitt.
Subs: Ethan Rafferty, Greg McCabe, Peter McGrane, Ciaran Higgins, Ross McQuillan, Shane McPartlan, Jason Duffy, Oisín O'Neill, Stefan Campbell, Aidan Nugent, Jarly Óg Burns.
Galway: Connor Gleeson; Johnny McGrath, Seán Fitzgerald, Jack Glynn; Dylan McHugh, Liam Silke, Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin; Paul Conroy, Seán Kelly; Matthew Tierney, John Maher, Cillian McDaid; Rob Finnerty, Damien Comer, Shane Walsh.
Subs: Conor Flaherty, John Daly, Eoghan Kelly, Daniel O'Flaherty, Kieran Molloy, Cathal Sweeney, Céin D'Arcy, Johnny Heaney, Liam Ó Conghaile, Tomo Culhane, Niall Daly.
