Eight observations from the Gaelic football championship

Armagh became reliably competitive. Little has truly changed over the last four years. This outfit push to stay in the race as the home straight approaches and finally, an opponent couldn’t last with them.

EIGHT OBSERVATIONS: The Armagh team celebrate with the Sam Maguire Cup on stage at the Athletic Grounds. Picture: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

“When you manage a team, eventually you are going to be disliked.” That was, in its own Kieran McGeeney way, the most realistic of all managerial greetings. Nine years ago, he saw dark storms approaching. That ensured he was well-equipped to persevere through it.

On the 28 August 2014, the news broke that McGeeney had been handed a five-year term at the helm of his native county. 9 years and 11 months later, they are All-Ireland champions. In between there was a five-year run with only one Ulster championship win. A litany of heartbreaking losses came after. He was the subject of a vote of confidence at county board level this time last year.