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Cork v Armagh will give us a better idea of how footballers are fixed

EchoLive.ie, 21 Mar

Ger McCarthy looks at Armagh's progression on and off the pitch ahead

of the Orchard County’s visit to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday

Ian Maguire of Cork in action against Aidan Forker of Armagh during the

2019 league tie. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

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Ger McCarthy

Proof, not that it was necessarily needed, that Armagh GAA is zeroing

in on its long-term future was underlined by a recent announcement.

A picture of Armagh GAA President and 1977 All-Ireland final captain

Jimmy Smyth turning the sod alongside fellow county board members was

circulated last month. That ceremonial photo marked the beginning of a

new 11 million euro training complex development in Portadown.

Those training facilities will (initially) boast two sand-based

floodlit pitches and a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning hub

and be completed by the end of this year. Next, phase two will kick in

with the addition of two more sand-fibre grass pitches over subsequent

years.

Ian Maguire: There is huge resilience in the squad, you just can not

undervalue this win

There are many other elements to Armagh GAA’s impressive complex design

including one standout feature that caught this reporter’s eye.

A decision to include a sports dome 3G pitch and inflatable bubble to

facilitate all-weather training and, presumably, club and school

matches represents the wisest of moves. Would you expect anything less

from such a progressive football-mad county?

Right now, far too many county boards and provincial organisations are

mulling over the cost of upgrading their stadiums. Facilities that lie

empty for three-quarters of the year.

In contrast, Armagh GAA has moved in the opposite direction. Building

modern training facilities to cope with this country’s ever-worsening

climate makes financial sense. It also gives Armagh’s emerging

footballers, both male and female, an increased chance of future

success.

How? Irrespective of all the heavy rainfall between November and April,

Armagh’s coaches and players will no longer have to deal with the

headache of securing suitable playing facilities once their new sports

dome 3G pitch and inflatable bubble is operational.

As for the current campaign, Kieran McGeeney’s tenth year in charge of

the Orchard County is progressing in positive fashion.

Ross McQuillan of Armagh in action against Ciarán Brady of Cavan.

Picture: Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile Ross McQuillan of Armagh in action

against Ciarán Brady of Cavan. Picture: Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile

Last weekend’s 2-21 to 0-11 victory over Cavan sealed promotion to

Division 1. All that a year on from experiencing a surprise relegation

from the top tier.

Armagh’s place in this year’s Division 2 National League decider with

Donegal is also secured. That’s another tough but welcome test for

McGeeney’s players before the Ulster SFC begins on April 14th with a

trip to Enniskillen and meeting with Fermanagh.

In terms of form, five National League wins and a draw from six outings

is an admirable return before taking the field against Cork on Saturday

night.

Last weekend’s win over Cavan was a typical modern-day Armagh

performance under McGeeney. It was physical but, positive, on the

front-foot football. Racing into a seven-point first-half lead, the

Orchard County never allowed Cavan into the game. First-half goals from

Peter McGrane and the in-form Conor Turbitt (penalty) enabled Armagh to

run out convincing winners.

There’s quality everywhere you look throughout the current Armagh

senior panel and especially in a free-scoring full-forward line that

regularly includes Conor Turbitt, Rory Grugan and Cian McConville.

So, John Cleary’s defence will have their hands full looking to contain

a team that has amassed 2-16 (twice), 0-12, 1-9 (against Donegal), 0-15

and 2-21 in this season’s league.

As for Cork, a third consecutive National League victory was attained

thanks to another gutsy comeback triumph, this time against Meath in

Páirc Tailteann. The Rebels contain as many quality forwards as

Saturday night’s opponents. Brian Hurley, Chris Óg Jones and Steven

Sherlock are hitting form at the most opportune moment. They will need

to carry that form into the Armagh game.

IDEAL

In terms of preparation, the Rebels’ four-day training camp in Portugal

has come at the right time with Cork looking to finish the league with

a fourth consecutive win.

The permutations surrounding Cork’s 2024 All-Ireland Sam Maguire SFC

participation means this is not a game, despite avoiding relegation,

where Cork’s players can take their foot off the gas.

A date with Limerick in the Munster SFC looms large on the horizon. So,

imagine what a fourth straight National League victory over one of this

year’s Division 2 finalists would do for Cork heading into that

provincial clash.

Consistency of performance has seen Cork win their last three matches

prior to losing two utterly winnable clashes with Louth and Cavan.

Slowly raising their levels of performance under John Cleary, Cork will

know exactly where they stand following what should be a physical clash

with an All-Ireland contender at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Cork footballers league form shows they're shaping up for when it

matters