‘Absolutely shocked’ McNulty takes blame

Paul Grimley apologised to Armagh supporters last week and while Justin McNulty didn’t go that far, he claimed responsibility for an abject Laois display, admitting that he had come second best to his former team-mate Aidan O’Rourke in the tactical stakes.

Such was the limp, listless nature of the Laois performance, he couldn’t guarantee that there would be any reaction in the qualifiers.

“Shocked, shocked absolutely shocked” were McNulty’s first words when he emerged from the dressing room after keeping his players locked inside for close to 45 minutes.