Impressive win for Grimley’s Armagh built on strong defensive performance

At some stage in your life you end up on the other side of a table having a discussion with your manager about how the previous few weeks has been from a performance perspective.

The purpose is to set training plans in motion, enhance relations with your manager, close performance gaps or maybe just to acknowledge achievement.

This is the annual appraisal or performance review, an opportunity to link overall business goals to individual goals, an opportunity to link your values with your vision and mission. One key tool used in appraisals is the Johari Window Model: a quadrant grid segmented by information classified as ‘Known’ or ‘Unknown’ by the individual, ‘Self’, or team, ‘Others’. It is a self- awareness model which is supposed to help with interpersonal development and group dynamics. Mature teams and/or individuals are at their most effective and productive when they can demonstrate good communication, trust, belief, honesty, discipline and integrity. The Johari model calls this segment the ‘Open/free area’ as the information known to ‘Self’ is also known to ‘Others’ and therefore the amount of blind spots, hidden areas and unknowns are at a minimum.

The key is to maximise this ‘Open’ area.

A second tool used is the ‘willing and able’ model, a simpler quadrant model plotting a person or a team’s ability against their willingness. Yesterday’s match in the Athletic Grounds showcased two teams who fit into opposing quadrants of each model. Armagh were defensively adept and well drilled in the roles that each individual had. They displayed a level of understanding which had not been evidenced in the league and brought a level of intensity sadly unmatched by the opposition.

Home advantage would help this but so did the scuffle as the teams lined up for the parade. An unintentional tactic but a perfect boost for Armagh to dispense of any nerves. This Armagh team may have many problems but, to use the model, their ‘Open’ area is much greater now than in the recent past. Cavan, on the other hand, played with so little passion or hunger. Rarely have I witnessed a team which brought so little to a contest where they were deemed potential victors. The apathy on display was illogical and hard to comprehend considering the league form, duration of last year’s championship run and the phenomenal U21 success.

Cavan, you could argue, have a high level of ability which should enable them to challenge for provincial trophies, but the level of willingness is significantly below that expected. Employers would look at reasons for the lack of willingness and put in place a programme for improvement followed by relocation or removal if unsuccessful.

Watching from the stand it would appear the players didn’t quite expect the numbers or indeed the discipline of the Armagh defence and played like ‘startled birds’. Even this is illogical. You would have expected the plan was to get long early direct ball into David Givney who was listed in midfield but played in full-forward, though the game was long over before they used it on the field.

Terry Hyland, an experienced businessman and manager, now has the unenviable task of managing under performance and setting in place a coaching plan that will motivate his players to turn this display around. As for Paul Grimley, he will be delighted by this result and in particular the defensive foundation which he has built. Success begets success and should alleviate the recent negative publicity around the county’s financial and management structures. The breathing space which he has bought will allow him time to work on the counter-attacking system, which on yesterday’s display, will be greatly enhanced by Aaron Kernan starting on the team.

What a change a year makes, for Armagh fans the horrors of Breffni Park are dead and buried.