“I haven’t got a scooby-do what’s going on or why it’s extra time but the passion, skill and bravery on display is intoxicating. What a fantastic spectacle. Are all the games like this or are we witnessing a classic?” #All-Ireland
THESE were the sentiments of a blown away Englishman posting on ‘X’ after watching a hurling match for the first time. The All-Ireland Final on Sunday between Cork and Clare was a classic that had even the most ardent of big ball enthusiasts on the edge of their seats for the entire game.
Sunday’s football final certainly has a degree of novelty in that it is 22 and 23 years, respectively, since Armagh and Galway last won Sam. The Tribesmen come with the experience of having been in the final two years ago, whereas the men from the Orchard County can bounce off the momentum and confidence of coming from five points down to beat Kerry in their semi-final.
Not since 2003 (Tyrone v Armagh) can I remember such a huge demand for tickets or indeed such hype around an All-Ireland final. This decider has captured the public’s imagination and maybe, just maybe, we will see another classic just like last Sunday.
Armagh’s approach on the Galway kick-out will be interesting. When Donegal played them the last day, they were left with a feeling you are ‘damned if you do - damned if you don’t’.
In the first half, Donegal pressed the kick-out and forced Galway to go long. The problem was they didn’t have much success, so it was judged at half-time that the risk they were taking perhaps wasn’t worth the reward they were getting.
So, the decision was taken to drop off in the second half, concede the kick-out and force Galway to play through their defensive shape. That didn’t work either and as Donegal tired, Galway made the overloads and cuts to find the path to goal.
When Kieran McGeeney and his management team weigh it up, the chances are they will look back at the fact Galway won 21 out of 22 on their own restart against Donegal and consider how this gave them a serious platform to go and win the game.
They will also take stock of what has worked for them to date and where their own biggest strengths lie. Galway are a big team especially around the middle third but there is no bigger side in the country than Armagh.
I can see both teams going hard after one another’s kick-outs and if that tactical battle materialises it will be intriguing to see who comes out on top.
Blaine Hughes has had a terrific season and seems to thrive off the pressure of the full press. This balance of possession from kick-outs could have a major bearing on the outcome of the game.
Having successfully navigated their way through ultra-defensive systems, Galway have demonstrated they have the game plan to break down even the most resolute of en masse defence.
Armagh will provide another stiff challenge here but then Galway have also shown that they are arguably as good as any side in the country at keeping the scores out, especially goals.
They have remarkably only conceded one goal in nine Championship games this year. Guess what team scored that goal.
It was Armagh in the last group game back on June 16. McGeeney and his management team will know that at least one goal will be required on Sunday but with their size, athleticism and running power they have the potential to get at least one.
Just like the last day against Kerry, that opportunity might arrive through a speculative ball or a route one delivery to the full-forward line before Galway are set-up.
The Tribesmen have also shown to date that they are much more than a two-man team in their forward line and can get scores from a variety of sources.
Damien Comer hasn’t clicked yet and having failed to score against both Dublin and Donegal, we are all left wondering is his big game about to come?
Eoghan Ban Gallagher and Brendan McCole between them kept the deadly duo of Shane Walsh and Comer to a single point from play.
But Armagh will know players like Rob Finnerty, Matthew Tierney, Cillian McDaid and Paul Conroy, among others, will take a bit of watching too.
Armagh’s ability to keep the goals out has only been second to Galway with six clean sheets kept in their eight games to date.
They will know a 7th would go a long way to seeing them being crowned All-Ireland champions. The other big question is around the fitness of Sean Kelly and whether he starts or not.
I think it is unlikely, but once again the use of the bench and the impact that each side can bring from outside of their starting 15 is going to be massive.
I think Armagh have a great chance but as much as my heart says orange, my head is telling me otherwise. Should Comer and Walsh both hit form on the same day then Armagh could be in bother. Galway by two.