Innocence gone as Armagh master art of survival

They are now learning how to avoid defeat with the tightest of margins.

Conor McStay of Mayo is tackled by Armagh goalkeeper Ethan Rafferty, centre, and team-mates Callum Cumiskey and Rory Grugan during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Armagh and Mayo at Box-It Athletic Grounds in Armagh. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

AS the first half ebbed away with referee Maurice Deegan yet to blow for the break, former Donegal footballer Kevin Cassidy had seen enough of last year’s Championship meeting between Donegal and Armagh in Ballybofey.

He whipped out his phone and tweeted; ‘1. Armagh tackling is criminal. 2. Armagh kickout strategy killing them. 3. Donegal wides keeping Armagh in the game.’ When the Tweet was posted, the score was a mere 0-8 to 0-6 in favour of Donegal. The second point came from a pointed free after Michael Langan claimed a kickout. Ryan McHugh was fouled for another Michael Murphy free. Langan was fouled after taking another kickout by Tiernan Kelly – another pointed free. Jarly Óg Burns fouled Jamie Brennan – another free.