Armagh 2002: A team before their time

Twenty years ago Armagh won their first All-Ireland SFC title and in the process ripped by the template for how intercounty football teams trained and prepared for the championship.

Armagh captain Kieran McGeeney leads his side in the pre match parade ahead of their 2002 Ulster SFC clash with Fermanagh at St Tiernach’s Park in Clones. Photo by Damien Eagers/Sportsfile

TWO decades, gone in the blink of an eye from when Joe Kernan stood on the Croke Park sideline with his hands clasped tight to his face in disbelief. Armagh had won their first All-Ireland, beating Kerry in the process.

If you find yourself idly wondering when exactly the game became, well, ‘the modern game’, the year 2002 is a handy signpost. In terms of preparation, how they went about their business, the lessons of leadership and management, raising of standards, there’s seldom been a crew quite like that Armagh team.