Armagh Begin All-Ireland Defence with Win over Derry
Armagh have taken the lead as they begin their defence of the All-Ireland title at home against Ulster rivals Derry. The Ulster finalists have taken a three-point lead at half-time despite a strong finish by Derry, who scored the last three points of the half.
According to a report from the Irish News, the big headline from this game was the return of Rian O’Neill to the Orchard county line-up after missing all county games so far this season. The Crossmaglen forward opened his account for the year with a point halfway through the first half, which was greeted with a shaking roar from the crowd.
The Irish News reports that Oisín Conaty’s three points have helped no end as no less than six players have scored for Kieran McGeeney’s side. Conor Glass and Paul Cassidy have both scored three each to keep their side in the game but they have plenty to do in the second half if they are to overturn the deficit.
Paddy Tally and his Derry side will need to have all of their pent-up potential on show at the Athletic Grounds if they are to give themselves a fighting chance against Geezer’s All-Ireland champions. The Oak Leafs had flashes of good football against Donegal in Ballybofey in the Ulster Championship, with Brendan Rogers putting in an outstanding performance and scoring five points, including two from outside the arc despite playing out of position at fullback.
As noted by the Irish News, Armagh’s Ulster final performance against Donegal was a testament to how hard the Orchardmen are to beat, with Jim McGuinness’s men needing extra-time to nudge past them. With the strength in depth that Armagh possess and the potential return of one of the country’s best shooters in Rian O’Neill, Armagh have a lot to be confident about going into this game, which is a replay of both sides’ last National League fixture.
The Irish News also states that when these two sides met in the All-Ireland series last year, Armagh were equally emphatic in victory, scoring three goals in an 11-point win. That day, Armagh won convincingly by 15 points at home to confirm Derry’s relegation to Division Two.
In their article, the Irish News quotes that “Armagh, however, will be out to make a statement in this All-Ireland ‘Group of Death’, with heavyweight clashes against Dublin and Galway still to come.”
The initial Irish News report also provided details on Derry’s performance and preparation. According to the Irish News, “However, while the provincial championships have been rumbling on, Tally’s side have worked in the background, keeping one eye on their potential opponents.”
It will be interesting to see how both teams perform in the second half, particularly Derry who are looking to overturn the deficit.
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