Kieran ​McGeeney gives his take on Armagh’s resounding victory

“These things can come and go,” he responded, when asked about Armagh’s superb efficiency in front of the posts, as they notched 3-33.

“You look at Donegal’s efficiency in the All-Ireland Final as well. It's one of those things. Some days, things can run far. I think it was when Down were 0-5 to 0-2 up, the ball bobbled in front of our goal. [Aaron] McKay got his body behind it and knocked it out. Cian [McConville] picked up the break. If that had went in, the game could take a different trajectory altogether. Those are the things that can change games.

“Our efficiency was good. We knew at half-time, we've seen before that 12-14 point leads aren't what they were before, especially with teams that can hit two-pointers. We said we had to go out and play another half, like we did in the last 20 minutes of the first half. In fairness, the boys did.

“They were good in front of goal and they moved the ball well. But eaten bread is soon forgotten; it’s back to the grindstone tomorrow.”

Armagh get their match-ups right

Armagh managed Down’s key men superbly, with Jarly Og Burns winning RTE’s Man of the Match award, in part for his job against Down star Odhran Murdock. Furthermore, Aaron McKay kept Down’s chief scoring threat Pat Havern quiet.

“Again, like the other day, I thought Jarly Og was exceptional today. He's an exceptional player for us,” said McGeeney.

“He's done a good job there. But I wouldn't be taken away from Odhran either, he's one of the best midfielders in the country. I think the boys stuck to their task today and did a decent job.”

Kick-outs success

One of the keys to Armagh’s exceptional performance was the joy they had on their own kick-outs, as they won all but one of them.

Blaine Hughes deserves a lot of credit for his performance, and McGeeney admitted that it’s not an easy choice between the Carrickcruppen man, who was nominated for an All Star in 2024 or Ethan Rafferty, who was nominated for an All Star in 2025.

“We're very lucky in the fact that that happens,” said McGeeney.

“Being a goalkeeper is an all-or-nothing job. When you're on it, everybody gives you credit. When it goes against you, it's very difficult because you rely so much on the other players for movement.

“Our movement was better today. They definitely were up for that. But again, you have to take into consideration Down’s energy on the back of last week.

“It's tough to follow those games back-to-back.

McGeeney was asked how he keeps everyone happy, to which he said: “I don't. It's that simple. I don't.

“I keep them very unhappy. That's mainly my job. If I was keeping them happy, then it wouldn't work. It's a meritocracy, whether we like it or not. The best fellas will get playing some game time and you try to keep the competition levels high. But, again, Blaine's done his job today.

“It was Ethan last week and he was exceptional last time as well. From general play, he was very good for us as well. I just think competition is always better. But, again, the goalkeeper's a tough, tough job. You make one mistake, you're the villain.

“But you have to be 100% good to be the hero. Both of them getting a wee bit of credit over the last week doesn't go amiss because it's not too often you get it as a goalkeeper.”

An evolving panel

The Armagh boss was then asked as to whether the competition levels keeps his players on their toes.

“I hope so. Panels are always strong when you win,” said McGeeney.

“That's the thing. We know we have some good players, but we've had a massive turnover. In terms of quality players, again, Soupy [Stefan Campbell], Shane [McPartlan], Jimmy [Jemar Hall], Niall [Grimley], Rian [O’Neill], as well as the ones that are injured too at the minute. I'd rather them all back, if I'm being honest.

“But, listen, the players that are standing in are doing a good job. But you're always as good as the next one. Unfortunately or fortunately, that's just the way sport is measured.

“Like I said, eating bread is soon forgotten.”

Two of those players who are adding to Armagh’s depth are Tomas Galvin and Aaron O’Neill, who made their inter-county debuts on Sunday, with O’Neill in particular catching the eye with a fabulous two-pointer.

With Daniel Magee and Ryan Duffy having made their debuts last week, that’s four players that McGeeney has been able to blood in, in the last two games.

“Aaron did really well when he came on, I told him to make sure to pull the trigger, you probably don't have to tell an O'Neill twice. And he did and he got a good two-pointer,” said McGeeney.

“It was good to see him on. He's been starting to show some signs in training, Tomas Galvin as well. Just unfortunately one of the balls bounced out of his hands. Daniel did very well when he came on again.”