McGeeney admits Armagh were below par despite dramatic extra-time win over Tyrone

Garth Kenny — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:29:05 +0000

McGeeney admits Armagh were below par despite dramatic extra-time win over Tyrone

Kieran McGeeney admitted Armagh were far from their best despite securing a dramatic 1-17 to 1-16 extra-time victory over Tyrone in their Ulster Senior Football Championship preliminary round clash at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds. The Orchard County needed every ounce of resolve to get over the line against their old rivals, with Conor Turbitt landing the decisive late point after a tense and bruising encounter. Armagh were also forced to dig deep after Darragh McMullen was sent off for a second yellow card in the closing stages of normal time. Speaking afterwards, McGeeney was honest in his assessment of the performance and conceded it had been one of Armagh’s poorest displays of the season.

“We weren’t great, to be honest I thought it was probably our worst performance of the year,” McGeeney told RTÉ.

Even so, the Armagh boss was pleased by the resilience his side showed when the game was in the balance, particularly after going down to 14 men for a significant period of extra-time.

"To be treated in that way is very hard to take."

"Needless to say, we won't be back."

Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney wasn't pleased as his side were forced to abandon their training camp plans at Carton House recently due to Manchester United using the same venue. pic.twitter.com/JHepC8xgzA
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) April 12, 2026

“In saying that, it would have been easier to put the heads down. We were down to 14 men for a big part of the game in extra-time. “The most important part is the fellas dug really deep and you have to be proud of them in that regard. They’re not playing well and being able to work out a game, especially against Tyrone. “It wasn’t our best performance, but definitely showed a lot of character.”

While Tyrone came into the championship under pressure following an underwhelming Allianz Football League Division Two campaign, McGeeney said he never expected anything other than a fierce contest. Armagh and Tyrone have built up a fierce rivalry over the years, and McGeeney said he had warned beforehand that the tie would be decided by the finest of margins.

“I’ve never played against Tyrone where it hasn’t gone down to the wire. I was telling everybody this week it’ll be down to a one-point game, a two-point game. “I suppose all the experts know better but we’re delighted to come out of it; showed real composure,” he added.

The result sends Armagh into the next stage of the Ulster championship, but McGeeney will know there is plenty of room for improvement if his side are to make a serious impact over the coming weeks. For all the quality within the Armagh panel, this was a day when grit and nerve mattered more than fluency. Against a Tyrone side that refused to go away, the All-Ireland champions had to scrap for every score and every possession. In the end, Turbitt’s late intervention proved decisive, ensuring Armagh survived a major scare and kept their provincial ambitions alive.

The post McGeeney admits Armagh were below par despite dramatic extra-time win over Tyrone appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Dublin Face Tough Test Against All-Ireland Champions Armagh in Allianz League Clash

Garth Kenny — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 18:15:04 +0000

Dublin Face All-Ireland Champions Armagh in Key Allianz League Clash

Match Details:

Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024

Time: 7:35 PM

Venue: BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, Armagh

TV: Live on RTÉ

Dublin Look to Extend Strong Start to League Campaign

Dublin head to Armagh this weekend aiming for their third win of the Allianz Football League. Dessie Farrell’s men have impressed so far, bouncing back from a Round 2 loss to Donegal with wins over Kerry and Derry.

Key Performers for Dublin

• Seán Bugler led the scoring in last weekend’s victory over Derry, notching six points.

• Niall Scully struck the net in the 22nd minute, setting Dublin on course for a dominant win.

• Conor Tyrell & Lorcan O’Dell both found the net early in the second half to put the game beyond doubt.

• Con O’Callaghan chipped in with four points, while his brother Niall O’Callaghan put in a solid performance.

With new faces blending well with seasoned stars, Farrell will be eager for another strong showing against the defending All-Ireland champions.

Armagh Seeking Consistency After Mixed League Results

Reigning All-Ireland champions Armagh have had a frustrating league campaign so far. Kieran McGeeney’s side secured a commanding eight-point win over Tyrone but have struggled for consistency, with defeats to Galway and Donegal followed by a draw against Mayo last weekend.

Key Armagh Players to Watch

• Paddy Burns hit the net in the 15th minute against Mayo, giving Armagh a five-point lead at the time.

• Conor Turbitt, Rory Grugan & Ethan Rafferty have provided crucial scores throughout the league.

• Stefan Campbell was vital in halting Mayo’s comeback last weekend.

Armagh will be determined to use home advantage to kickstart their campaign and challenge Dublin for the points.

Dublin v Armagh – Recent Allianz League Meetings

2022 (Croke Park): Dublin 1-13 (16) | Armagh 2-15 (21)

2012 (Croke Park): Dublin 4-17 (29) | Armagh 1-10 (13)

2011 (Athletic Grounds): Armagh 1-11 (14) | Dublin 2-12 (18)

With both teams eager to climb the Division 1 table, expect a fiercely contested encounter in Armagh this Saturday night.

The post Dublin Face Tough Test Against All-Ireland Champions Armagh in Allianz League Clash appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Conor Turbitt Archives - SportsNewsIreland

McGeeney admits Armagh were below par despite dramatic extra-time win over Tyrone