Who was the last fella from an island club to win an All-Ireland? Ger Lynch wearing no.7 as well in 1986?
The beauty of following Galway teams is knowing some lad that conceded wan goal in nine games could completely combust on the big day.
It’ll be another cagey affair decided entirely by whether Comer is fit or not imo.
From my interaction with my various mayo in laws and friends i can confirm this is absolutely true.
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I’d been thinking Galway all week, but Armagh have a fair aul bench there. If they’re only a point or two behind coming into the last ten minutes, Soupy will do the business.
Those last 3 subs are very strong. Soupy and Jarly Óg are better than some of the starters. Aidan Nugent is very good for a Croke Park goal. Got one against Galway in the quarter two years ago and I think he netted in the Intermediate All-Ireland club final back in the winter too. When you add in Ethan and Greg McCabe I reckon there’s 5 starters from 2022 on the bench. Oisin O’ Neill is well capable too. The diminutive Jemar Hall can’t even make the 26. He was one of their best impact players two years ago.
Mick O’Connell from Valentia maybe?
The last three championship meetings have been 2 draws and an Armagh one point win??
My reading of it is that Galway have been the better side in all those games and self destructed.
They are due a win and are a better team in Croke Park.
If we can avoid a Gleeson meltdown I would be hopeful enough. He’s had a couple of horror shows against Armagh in particular. I rewatched the 22 semi there during the week and the goals we let in at the end were comical. Armagh will surely launch a couple of boomers on top of him on Sunday. Especially if they fall behind.
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Bravo, decent ppl
Killeavy hosted our underage in the Feile Peil a good few years ago and the clubs have stayed in contact since. They’ve come down and we’ve gone back up, once against a Stevie McDonnell coached hurling team, no less.
They were good in sending hurling tickets to Limerick over the last few years so it’s nice to be able return the favour.
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Having potentially Sean Kelly and John Daly to come off the bench could be big for Galway as far impact subs. Heaney is a good man to make his presence known too. I’d assume Culhane and either Molloy/DOF/Sweeney would be the other switch in the second half.
Brilliant
Darragh Ó Sé on the Galway football team: The 15 men bidding for All-Ireland glory
Galway named an unchanged side for the final against Armagh
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Galway stand for the National Anthem during the GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Round 2, TEG Cusack Park, Co Westmeath. Photograph: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Fri Jul 26 2024 - 13:44
1. Connor Gleeson
Galway’s Connor Gleeson: His kick-outs are generally decent but can be vulnerable to a well-organised high press. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho
Club: Dunmore MacHales. Age: 31
Very solid presence who gets a slightly unfair time of it for a goalie who has only conceded once in the championship. His kick-outs are generally decent but can be vulnerable to a well-organised high press, as Armagh showed in the group game. A threat from long-range frees.
2. Johnny McGrath
Galway’s Johnny McGrath: their best man-marker. Photograph: Evan Logan/Inpho
Club: Caherlistrane. Age: 23
Galway’s best man-marker, he has taken care of Ryan O’Donoghue, Shane McGuigan, Cormac Costello and Aaron Doherty. Found Conor Turbitt a handful in Markievicz Park so he’ll have him lined up. Old-style corner back who will stay out of the way of his forwards.
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Darragh Ó Sé on the Galway football team: The 15 men bidding for All-Ireland glory
Michael Murphy on Armagh: The 15 Orchard men bidding for historic All-Ireland football glory
Armagh v Galway: Throw-in time, TV details, ticket and team news for All-Ireland football final
Armagh and Galway name starting line-ups for All-Ireland final
3. Seán Fitzgerald
Galway’s Seán Fitzgerald: a physical presence that gets forward. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Club: Barna. Age: 23
Gets forward a lot more than the rest of the Galway full-back line. Serious physical presence, sometimes switches in and out with Seán Mulkerrin. Will probably pick up Andrew Murnin for most of it but could move on to Rian O’Neill if he comes in closer to the square.
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[ Armagh and Galway name starting line-ups for All-Ireland finalOpens in new window ]
4. Jack Glynn
Galway’s Jack Glynn: comfortable on the ball and good defender. Photograph: Tom Maher/Inpho
Club: Claregalway. Age: 23
Plenty of experience for such a young player and a player who has put in a really impressive season. Good man-marker, very comfortable on the ball, gives the rest of the team a sense of security by holding his position and covering off any breakaways.
5. Dylan McHugh
Galway’s Dylan McHugh: one of the best players in Ireland this year. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Club: Corofin. Age: 26
Has made himself favourite for Footballer of the Year over the past month. Aggressive, plays on the front foot and has become a serious leader. One of the players Armagh have to make a plan for – which is not something you would have said at the start of the year.
6. Liam Silke
Liam Silke of Galway: assured on the ball and brave in possession. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Club: Corofin. Age: 28
Like McHugh, a pure Corofin footballer. Good off both feet, very assured on the ball, brave in possession. Hadn’t scored a whole pile all season but showed up huge in attack when everything was in the melting pot in the semi-final. Could be some battle with Rian O’Neill.
7. Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin
Galway’s Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin: an athletic and consistent player. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Club: Oileáin Árann. Age: 24
Has done well to forced himself into the team after missing a so much football with a shattered kneecap a couple of seasons back. Doesn’t get the same amount of mentions as some of the other members of the Galway defence but is very athletic and makes very few mistakes.
8. Paul Conroy
Paul Conroy of Galway: nobody is better at game management. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Club: St James’s. Age: 35
It’s very rare that a player develops into the best version of himself after turning 30 but that’s what Paul Conroy has become. The most consistent midfielder in this year’s championship. Nobody has better game management and his point-taking has been almost faultless. Huge player for Galway.
9. Seán Kelly
Galway’s Sean Kelly: a talismanic leader. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho
Club: Moycullen. Age: 27
The injuries have made it a frustrating year but you’d have to imagine that unless he is completely crocked, Galway will get him on to the pitch. A brilliant leader, with excellent ball skills in tight situations and always liable to pop up where you least expect him. Big leader.
10. Matthew Tierney
Galway’s Matthew Tierney: the modern half forward. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Club: Oughterard. Age: 23
The type of player who could feasibly cut loose and score four points from play in any game. Won’t die wondering anyway – he has licence to shoot and isn’t afraid of the moment. Everything you’d need in a modern half forward – tall, strong, physical and good on the ball.
11. John Maher
Galway’s John Maher: tough gets through a pile of dirty work. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Club: Salthill-Knocknacarra. Age: 25
Hard to believe he only made his debut last year. Patrols the engine room of the Galway attack and gets through a pile of dirty work that allows the others to flourish. Excellent against Dublin and Donegal, he is tough, durable and never gives the ball away. A hardy boy.
12. Cillian McDaid
Cillian McDaid of Galway: capable of great long-range points. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Club: Monivea-Abbey. Age: 26
Completes what is probably Galway’s most formidable line. Another brilliant athlete, but one who probably has more of a finish in him than the other two. His long-range points were the key weapon in beating Dublin and scored a fine goal in the 2022 final as well. Needs watching.
13. Rob Finnerty
Galway’s Rob Finnerty: a very professional corner forward. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho
Club: Salthill-Knocknacarra. Age: 26
Plenty of strings to his bow. A very professional inside forward. Does exactly what he’s there for – if he gets a yard of space, he will pull the trigger and doesn’t miss much. His dependability on the right-footed frees means Shane Walsh doesn’t feel like he has to do everything.
14. Damien Comer
Galway’s Damien Comer: a wrecking ball in full flight. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Club: Annaghdown. Age: 30
A wrecking ball when he’s in full flight. Galway haven’t been able to get the best out of him for a while because his body has been holding him back. But he has found a way to make it work through selflessness and sheer will. If there’s anything in the tank, he’ll produce it.
15. Shane Walsh
Shane Walsh of Galway: brings the X-factor up front. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Club: Kilmacud Crokes. Age: 31
Well-suited by the big game stage, he’s the X-factor in the Galway team. Will be thinking that if he could have a brilliant game against Kerry in the final two years ago, there’s no reason he can’t do the same again. Will kick points for fun if he’s in the mood. The pepper in the sauce.
Management
Galway’s manager Pádraic Joyce: an ambitious, ruthless leader of men. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Considering everything they’ve had to deal with since January on the injury front, it’s been some achievement to get this team to within 70 minutes of an All-Ireland. Pádraic Joyce has always been ambitious, ruthless and a leader of men. This is what he said he’d do from the outset.
Bench
Galway’s Johnny Heaney. Their bench is impressive in depth but lacks star quality. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Galway have impressive depth. All the chopping and changing means they have evolved into a group that can cover most bases. Cein Darcy, Johnny Heaney, Tomo Culhane – they will all come in and do a job for you. The one thing they’re missing is an obvious game-changer, someone to explode on to the pitch and get the crowd going.
Michael Murphy on Armagh: The 15 Orchard men bidding for historic All-Ireland football glory
Kieran McGeeney has patiently assembled a well-drilled side with a potent mixture of experience and youth
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Armagh are bidding for only the county’s second ever All-Ireland title following the breakthrough success of 2002. Photograph: Leah Scholes/Inpho
Fri Jul 26 2024 - 13:44
1. Blaine Hughes
Armagh goalkeeper Blaine Hughes: an All-Star in waiting. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Club: Carrickcruppen. Age: 29
All-Star in waiting. Not easy coming in after Ethan Rafferty had operated as sweeper keeper. Range of kicks, short, mid and long and from short run-ups which keeps opposition press guessing. Conceded just three goals and unlucky not to stop all of them. Has variety of targets for restarts.
2. Paddy Burns
Armagh’s Paddy Burns: tough-tackling defender. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Club: Burren (Down). Age: 30
Teak-tough defender, who likes to keep things simple on the field. Off the field I’ve found him a bubbly and engaging character. The expectation is that he will pick up Rob Finnerty, who has caused them trouble in previous championship meetings.
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Darragh Ó Sé on the Galway football team: The 15 men bidding for All-Ireland glory
Michael Murphy on Armagh: The 15 Orchard men bidding for historic All-Ireland football glory
Armagh v Galway: Throw-in time, TV details, ticket and team news for All-Ireland football final
Armagh and Galway name starting line-ups for All-Ireland final
3. Aaron McKay
Club: Dromintee. Age: 28
Armagh’s Aaron McKay: solid and robust. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
After a rocky start against Seán O’Shea in the semi-final, he did really well and has been so solid, along with his colleagues in this line. Robust, he normally gravitates to the most physical opponent, which will be Comer. Another likely to be in the All-Star conversation.
[ Armagh and Galway name starting line-ups for All-Ireland finalOpens in new window ]
4. Barry McCambridge
Barry McCambridge: the athletic defender has popped up with important goals for Armagh twice this summer. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Club: Clann Éireann. Age: 25
Expected to pick up Shane Walsh, who he struggled to contain in Sligo but marking Walsh is generally about damage limitation. Didn’t appear until the Ulster final but has scored 2-2 in the last two games while putting in good shifts on key forwards, David Clifford and Diarmuid Murtagh.
5. Connaire Mackin
Connaire Mackin of Armagh: his physical presence is needed against Galway. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Club: Shane O’Neill’s. Age: 29
From well-known family and a panellist since 2018, he brings greater experience but more relevantly, a greater physical presence in the central defensive sector than McGrane – necessary for countering Maher, McDaid etc. Suspended for a petulant foul against Derry so this is a big vote of confidence in his discipline.
6. Tiernan Kelly
Tiernan Kelly: has solved a potential trouble spot for Armagh since Ciarán Mackin’s unfortunate injury. Photograph: Leah Scholes/Inpho
Club: Clann Éireann. Age: 23
Only moved in after Ciarán Mackin’s cruciate injury hit, which robbed the team of their plus-one and has filled what I thought would be a void. Cured a potential headache for the team and has got forward with intent to score a goal against Galway.
7. Aidan Forker (captain)
Aidan Forker: a stalwart for Armagh since 2012, the captain remains always capable of landing stylish long-range points. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Club: Maghery. Age: 31
One of the longest-serving players, he debuted in 2012 and is the instigator of those clever attacking set pieces – I’ve yet to see a team as thoroughly coached as Armagh. He has seven points scored this season, many from distance with the outside of the boot. Potential marker for Tierney.
8. Niall Grimley
Niall Grimley: has proved an important addition for Armagh since his return from injury. Photograph: Leah Scholes/Inpho
Club: Madden Raparees. Age: 29
Huge addition since he came in, not having played in the league or the provincial championship – he wasn’t there for the Ulster final – because of injury. Huge performance against Derry on his return and kicked two nice points against Kerry. Has shown characteristic Armagh defiance in face of setbacks.
9. Ben Crealey
Ben Crealey: an awkward opponent, he will relish the midfield battle against Galway. Photograph: Tom Maher/Inpho
Club: Maghery. Age: 26
Every team needs a player like him. I remember matches against him and how awkward he was to handle. Consistently goes about his job effectively and quietly. He will be in the spotlight after Galway’s huge success under long kick-outs in the semi-final but he loves the midfield battles.
10. Joe McElroy
Joe McElroy: has started all league and championship games for Armagh this season. Photograph: Leah Scholes/Inpho
Club: Armagh Harps. Age: 29
He too has started all 16 matches between league and championship. Plays that middle third role and has a massive engine and appetite for work. Also has the ability to man mark. Although I don’t believe Armagh are going to go for many match-ups, he would be a good choice for Cillian McDaid.
11. Rian O’Neill
Rian O’Neill: Armagh talisman is capable of some spectacular inspirational scores. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Club: Crossmaglen Rangers Age: 25
Came up trumps in the semi-final with big scores and that catch at the very end as well as the assist for Turbitt’s last score. Revelling in the freedom of middle sector role. Long-range scoring, from play and frees, is exceptional. Huge opportunity to leave his mark on the final.
12. Oisín Conaty
Oisín Conaty: could be detailed with curbing Dylan McHugh. Contender for Young Player of the Year. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Club: Tír na nÓg. Age: 21
Another to have played every match this year. He man marked Ryan McHugh in the Ulster final and I’m thinking he’ll be deployed on Dylan McHugh. Kicked 0-4 against Roscommon but was wasteful in the semi-final and was replaced. Overall, though, in contention for Young Player of the Year.
13. Rory Grugan
Rory Grugan: experienced stalwart is an important creative influence for Armagh. Photograph: Leah Scholes/Inpho
Club: Ballymacnab. Age: 32
One of the two – with Forker – tempo setters on the team both in defence and attack although his season’s total of 0-14 is not prolific, especially for a free taker. But his main role is creative and he has 2-13 in assists, which is a championship leading total. Another ever-present.
14. Andrew Murnin
Andrew Murnin: an important source of possession and a 50-50 ball-winner for Armagh. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho
Club: St Paul’s. Age: 32
Like Crealey, he is really trusted within the team. He gets more 50-50 ball than anyone. They really believe in his ability to win possession. Hasn’t been regularly on the scoreboard this year but always willing to defend on long kick-outs and is a prime target for Hughes.
15. Conor Turbitt
Conor Turbitt: has proven a potent scoring threat for Armagh in their run to the final. Photograph: Leah Scholes/Inpho
Club: Clann Éireann. Age: 25
Has scored 3-22 (3-13 from play) in a championship which he started slowly for Armagh. Neat and tidy on the ball, he also has blistering pace. His prolific scoring comes after a relatively quiet start this year. Burst into life in the Ulster final, kicking 0-4 against Donegal. Another ever-present.
Bench
Stefan Campbell celebrates a score against Kerry. He has proved a valuable addition from the bench. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
It’s worth saying that Stefan Campbell, Jarly Óg Burns and Oisín O’Neill, Aidan Nugent and Ross McQuillan have made a big impact. Their bench got the better of Kerry. Campbell has kicked 1-10 so far. Overall, it’s 1-23 from the bench as a whole. That’s about three points a game.
Backroom team
Kieran McGeeney: finally rewarded for all his work with an All-Ireland final appearance for his team. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Kieran McGeeney (manager), Ciarán McKeever, Kieran Donaghy, Ciarán McKinney, Conleith Gilligan.
The longest serving intercounty manager, McGeeney’s longevity is admirable and he has kept on track a number of players since 2018. Hasn’t let ego prevent shrewd appointments like Ciarán McKeever and outside coaches, Kieran Donaghy, Ciarán McKinney and Conleith Gilligan. Has allowed more of his personality to emerge this year.
Cracking second captains podcast with Oisin mcconville.
Couple of great stories.
One of the few finals where I’ll be genuinely happy for either county to win.
Kerry had a lad from Valentia over the past decade on the subs iirc
Brendan o Sullivan of Valentia island was on the Kerry subs over the last decade but I’m not certain he won a senior all Ireland.
He was some footballer I saw him play a couple of club games. Different class altogether.
Fairly sure he’d moved to a club in cork too.
If Galway win, you’ll be able to stand in the All-Ireland football champion county and be able to look across the bay at the All-Ireland hurling champion county. Which would be pretty cool.
I can think of one previous time that the All-Ireland football champion county in one province bordered the All-Ireland champion county in another province, but only one. The football county was Galway and the hurling county lost twice in that championship.
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also happened in 1971, offaly again
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