After watching his side fall over the line against underdogs Down, Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney suggested that the winners of tomorrow’s second semi-final between Tyrone and Donegal will not “be shaking in their boots after watching that”.
However, he insisted that because it was the Ulster Championship, he wasn’t surprised by Down’s heroic challenge, which just fell short. Armagh substitute Jason Duffy kicked the winning point deep in injury time.
“In Ulster, you are never surprised by the challenge. What can you say? Ulster has always been the same.”
Three of Armagh’s second-half substitutes Duffy, Aidan Nugent and Oisín O’Neill hit the last three scores as Armagh turned a two-point deficit on its head in the closing minutes, having conceded an own goal in the first half and another goal early in the second period.
“They all did well. I am very happy with the way the boys dug the game out. It wasn’t pretty. But we knew that’s the way they were going to come and play.
“A lot of stuff went against us. Balls bounced for Down, own goal, a few frees, that sort of thing. I was really delighted with the way they kept their composure under a lot of stress. We have lost a lot of those games over the years so to win it was really, really good. I am delighted for the boys.”
Meanwhile, devastated Down boss Conor Laverty said he was heartbroken.
“We put a lot of time and effort into that game. We put our life on hold since the Antrim game We really believed we could win.
“We totally believed in the game plan, but just coming down the straight we just didn’t tag on a few scores that just what left us coming up short.
“At this level, you have to be so clinical. We had spoken about this and our ability to get to that 14, 15, 16-point margin. We have to get better at that. It is the one area we are working hard at and the players are really applying themselves, too.”
Laverty said that having watched Armagh go after Fermanagh in the early stages of the quarter-final, Down believed they couldn’t be cautious early.
“We wanted to be a bit more secure in defence. A lot of the pieces of the jigsaw fell into place, but just the final piece let us down and that’s the heart-breaking thing. But I don’t think anybody could ask any more of the players in terms of effort and attitude. I think did the jersey proud.”
Down will now miss out on the Sam Maguire Cup for the third year on the spin, which Laverty acknowledged was a disappointment.
“No reflection on any other competition, but our aim was to get promoted and we wanted to get into the Sam Maguire. But we will give the next competition [the Tailteann Cup] our utmost respect,” he said.
Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan’s exclusive take on the day’s news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.
News Related-
Pedestrian in his 70s dies after being struck by a lorry in Co Laois
-
Vermont shooting updates: Burlington police reveal suspect’s eerie reaction to arrest
-
Grace Dent says her ‘heart is broken’ as she exits I’m A Celebrity early
-
Stromer’s ST3 Urban E-Bike Goes Fancy With Minimalist Design, Modern Tech
-
Under-pressure Justice Minister announces review of the use of force for gardaí
-
My appearance has changed because of ageing, says Jennifer Lawrence
-
Man allegedly stabbed in the head during row in Co Wexford direct provision centre
-
Children escape without injury after petrol bomb allegedly thrown at house in Cork City
-
Wexford gardai investigating assault as man is bitten in the face during Main Street altercation
-
Child minder’s husband handed eight year sentence for abusing two children
-
The full list of the best London restaurants, cafes and takeaways revealed at the Good Food Awards
-
Mazda CEO Says EVs 'Not Taking Off' In The U.S.—Except Teslas
-
Leitrim locals set up checkpoint to deter asylum seekers
-
Ask A Doctor: Can You Get Shingles More Than Once?