Kieran McGeeney shrugs off training request snub ahead of Armagh defeat

McGeeney said not being allowed train at the Inniskeen Grattans ground was not a factor in his side's defeat to Louth

Kieran McGeeney: "The reality is that there's going to be big teams out this time next weekend." Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Kieran McGeeney has played down the significance of the venue row with Louth ahead of their Championship clash in Inniskeen.

Armagh were knocked back with a request to train at Páirc Grattan, home of Monaghan club Inniskeen Grattans, ahead of their All-Ireland SFC Round 2A clash with Louth.

Louth had home advantage but opted to play the game there in the absence of a similarly sized stadium in their own county.

The gamble paid off as Louth maintained their 100% winning record at the ground, claiming their fourth win from four competitive outings there. They beat Meath and Cork in Inniskeen in the 2024 Championship, and Meath again in a crucial League clash last year.

Armagh requested a training session at the ground last week but were knocked back.

"You ask for it and you're told, no," said McGeeney. "That's about as far as it goes."

Asked if any other county had knocked back a similar Armagh request this year, McGeeney shook his head.

"No, but that's their prerogative," said the 2024 All-Ireland winning manager.

Geezer maintained that the pitch, or their lack of access to it beforehand, wasn't a problem on the day.

"No, it's just another pitch," he said. "It's all green grass, and goal posts. Some pitches would play tight and others wouldn't but no, it's a big enough pitch and it's in good nick."

Armagh will go into Monday morning's Round 3 draw with All-Ireland holders Kerry, Dublin and last year's semi-finalists Meath all potential opponents.

"The reality is that there's going to be big teams out this time next weekend," said McGeeney. "They're all in one group so somebody is going to lose out. It just depends on who bounces back best from losing the previous weekend."