Oisín McConville: This is Armagh’s opportunity. Here is how they can beat Kerry

The Wicklow manager and 2002 All-Ireland winner is optimistic that Armagh can overcome favourites Kerry in Saturday’s semi-final.

BIG CHANCE: Armagh’s Rian O'Neill celebrates after the quarter-final win. Pic: Ryan Byrne, Inpho

For Oisín McConville, it has been almost 20 years waiting. Armagh are finally back in an All-Ireland semi-final for the first time since 2005 and he is adamant have what it takes to reach the All-Ireland decider.

Speaking on the Irish Examiner’s Gaelic football podcast, the Wicklow manager and 2002 All-Ireland winner was optimistic that Armagh can overcome favourites Kerry in Saturday’s semi-final.

“I wouldn’t be bullish, no. But I do think Armagh have a great chance,” he said.

“I think they have a great chance for a couple of reasons. Armagh physically and athletically can match them. I do believe we have a set of forwards who can cause them massive problems. I think we can hold them in the middle of the field. 

"I do think they will get joy against our defence. It is just how much joy. Could David Clifford, Paudie Clifford and Sean O’Shea be as poor again? These are the things that are keeping me awake at the moment.” 

This will be the first championship clash between the counties since 2006 when Kerry won an All-Ireland quarter-final by eight points. McConville hopes Armagh can strike a balance in their approach.

“Armagh have a good ability now to mix it up in their attacking play but to do that you need to have players high up the pitch. You need to be leaving a Turbitt or Rian O’Neill up there to give you an out ball. I think that would be a good way to play against Kerry. 

"Something similar to the way Armagh played against Derry but obviously Kerry won’t be as naïve. They won’t cough up turnovers the same way that Derry did.” 

As for the unenviable task of tracking David Clifford, McConville suggested Kieran McGeeney will look to their quarter-final Man of the Match.

“It sounds strange, I think Barry McCambridge will pick him up. Even though he did so much damage going forward the last day. I think he is best equipped athletically.” 

Armagh recovered admirably from the heartbreak of another penalty shootout defeat, this time at the hands of Donegal in the Ulster final to top their group. 

McGeeney was far from pleased with their performance in the quarter-final triumph over Roscommon but did stress that also shows how far they have come on. He expects more of them. So does McConville.

“I genuinely believe Armagh are good enough to beat Kerry. I’ve seen enough of Armagh this year to suggest they can be a lot better than they were in the quarter-final and in the Ulster final. 

"I think they are learning very quickly. This is their opportunity. I just think we’ll win.”