In a final of fine margins, this could be Tribe’s chance to deliver Sam
GALWAY and Armagh have formed an unlikely rivalry over the past couple of years.
Their quarter-final two years ago was the genesis of it. I was lucky enough to be there that day; it was a special atmosphere.
Armagh supporters bring a unique colour and noise to big occasions which would remind you of Dutch fans at a major tournament, and not just because of the splash of orange.
Galway haven’t been found wanting in this department either and the scenes as ‘N17’ rang out around Croke Park after they beat Dublin would be at the centre of any Championship highlights reel.
But who will be celebrating come 5pm tomorrow?
For Galway, I think there are a number of factors that will give them real confidence going into this.
Firstly, they have the experience of being here before two years ago and were within five minutes of winning the All-ireland against Kerry.
They have seen and lived through the build up to the final itself and the aftermath. They know what it looks and feels like.
Does that count for anything? I think it does.
Secondly, they are a much more cohesive unit than they were two years ago. They are not as reliant on Shane Walsh and Damien Comer for scores.
They don’t need another Walsh masterclass in this final to get them over the line. They just need those boys chipping in because the team dynamics are better.
Finally, we all talked about their lack of a bench back then, but they are much stronger in that department now.
The appointment of Sean Hurson as referee is an interesting one. He made a huge call in the final two years ago that helped swing the game Kerry’s way.
But referees are human and I won’t be surprised if, because of something in the deep subconscious, Hurson sides with Galway on a marginal call going down the stretch this time.
We all saw from the hurling last Sunday how crucial these calls can be to the outcome.
Armagh, on the other hand, are back in the final for the first time since 2003.
Their captain back then was Kieran Mcgeeney, who is now in his 10th year as manager.
In that time the only silverware they have won is the Division Three title back in 2018.
What an incredible story it would be if he can now add Sam Maguire to that list.
There is a lot to like about this
Armagh team. They are a resilient bunch. They have had setbacks and criticism from all sides but they now find themselves within 70 minutes of the Holy Grail.
When they are in full flight they are a joy to watch. They seem to be really at their best when faced with adversity.
An example of such was the quarter-final two years ago when they were seven points down in the closing stages and somehow managed to bring it to extra time.
They did something similar when they were six down in the group game against Galway this year.
They are a team that never knows when they are beaten.
A big criticism in the past was their ability to close out and be brave enough to win big games.
They showed in the semi-final against Kerry that that is now a string to their bow.