Horan on Armagh’s need to go full bore: The most dangerous thing is to ease off

James Horan believes it is not in Armagh's psyche to take their foot off the gas in the final group stage game against Galway, despite having already secured qualification. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Despite already securing a quarter-final spot, Armagh will approach their upcoming Sam Maguire series tie against Galway with full intent, according to former Mayo manager James Horan.

The All-Ireland champions have already topped Group 4 ahead of their fixture at Kingspan Breffni this Saturday. Remarkably, it is the third consecutive year that Armagh have finished top of their group. In 2023 and 2024, the team who finished one place behind them was Galway.

Speaking on the Irish Examiner’s Gaelic football podcast, Horan said Kieran McGeeney’s side will target another win to set them up for their trip to Croke Park in two weeks.

“There is no such thing as a game meaning nothing at this time of the year,” he said.

“In terms of development and growth, that is where Armagh are. Every game, we have talked about their consistency. Armagh I don’t think will change a thing. They have momentum and their belief set is based on hard work and a way of playing.

“They have been doing that for years and years. Look at how much they’ve grown already. Do you think because they have qualified already, they are going to give away that initiative and momentum by dropping down the gears? It is not in their psyche.” 

Horan cited the example of Donegal, who started the National League with three victories in a row before winning one of their final four games. The Ulster champions now must defeat Mayo in their final Group 2 game and hope Tyrone lose out to Cavan.

“It is the most dangerous thing you can do as a manager. I think Donegal are trying to chase that momentum since the third round of the league. They started so well, this force of nature coming at us. I think it is such a dangerous strategy.

“I don’t see them doing anything different. Maybe they will try one or two other players. They might test one different thing on the field, but ultimately it will be the Armagh we know and expect. There will be nothing easy.” 

Meanwhile, despite the recent drama, Horan believes the GAA are right to change the All-Ireland senior football championship format.

A new format will be in place next season with the group phase abolished and replaced by a qualifier-style series.

“It is classic recency bias. This year it is brilliant, every group has something to play for and this weekend has so much to play for. All people want is a bit of drama where anything can happen,” he said.

“It is great this year. Everything seems to be working right this year, with rules and everything else. It is all combining and working out ok. Should we get rid of it? If you take this year on its own, you would say no but what were we saying this time last year or the year before that? Too many games etc. Overall, the sample size of one year isn’t enough to make a decision. Changing it might be the right play.”