McGeeney defends Orchard tactics

IF the six teams left in the All-Ireland football championship were a group of siblings, Joe Kernan’s Armagh side would probably stand out as the ugly sister in most people’s eyes.

Ulster champions they may be, but the Orchard boys have been accused of using overly-defensive, stifling tactics in smothering out opposing teams and the accusation seems to be sticking in many minds. Ulster football has long been accused (rightly or wrongly) of being the most physical of the four provinces and Armagh’s unyielding defensiveness appears to have been highlighted even more by neighbours Donegal, who are everybody’s second-favourite side after their impressive bout with Dublin.

Team captain Kieran McGeeney has been hearing the moans over his side’s apparent dourness for some time now and it’s a gripe that the Na Fianna half-back can’t quite figure out.