Kernan lets rip at ‘schoolboys’

ARMAGH manager Joe Kernan let rip after watching his All-Ireland football finalists struggle for the majority of yesterday’s second-round Allianz Football League defeat at Pearse Stadium.

Galway 0-16 Armagh 0-8

Kernan said that his players hadn't proved themselves, adding that their discipline had let them down. He also said that some of Armagh's play had been "schoolboy stuff." Galway manager John O'Mahony may have been as upbeat as many of the team's supporters who went home contentedly after enjoying some copy-book play in the first 25 minutes especially, but admitted to being gratified by the improvement achieved in a week. It was evident from the early stages that the influence of players like Kieran McGeeney and Paul McGrane (both recovering from injuries) was badly missed by Armagh. It was to be seen in the way Galway gained an early psychological advantage by controlling midfield, making steady headway at half-forward and, in general, by having a near-commanding presence on the field. After 20 minutes, the home side led 0-5 to 0-1 after kicking some excellent scores (all but one from play).