Ulster SFC: McGeeney happy with Armagh win after ‘tough week’

Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney admitted his side had endured a “tough week” but praised their response as they powered past Fermanagh to reach the Ulster Championship semi-finals.

The Orchardmen were without a number of key players due to injury, including midfielders Ben Crealey and Callum O’Neill, but still produced a dominant display at Brewster Park, scoring 2-32 in a comprehensive victory.

McGeeney said the circumstances made the performance all the more satisfying.

“We had a tough week with injuries and lost a fair chunk of players,” McGeeney said after.

“But the boys came out and performed. We went to sleep a bit in the second half and had to protect some players too, but they stuck to their task, and we got the victory.”

Despite Armagh’s control, McGeeney acknowledged there were aspects of the performance that will need improvement, particularly after a dip following the break.

“We stepped off, and we were very slack. We were scoring points and they were scoring two-pointers.

“We weren’t as dominant around the middle as we normally are, but the injuries were a big part of that. But if somebody told me before we were going to win by 11 points and score 38 points, I would have said thank you very much.”

The Orchard boss also welcomed the return and impact of several players, including Andrew Murnin, who made his first appearance since the National League clash with Roscommon.

“It was good to get a few boys back out there and get minutes into them, with Andrew, Barry [McCambridge] and Ciaran Mackin back on the pitch,” he added.

“Overall, there are some things to work on, but some great things as well.”

Looking ahead to the semi-final, McGeeney expects another stern test regardless of the opposition, particularly given Armagh’s current injury situation.

“It’s going to be tough no matter who we face,” he said.

“We’ve had a big turnover of players; it’s not ideal. But it was good to get a few boys back today, so it can’t all be bad.”