Armagh and Galway meet again after prophetic text message

Padraic Joyce messaged Kieran McGeeney to say "see you in the final" after Galway and Armagh's group-stage draw a month ago

All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final - Armagh v Galway

Date: Sunday, 28 July Venue: Croke Park, Dublin Throw-in: 15:30 BST

Coverage: Watch on BBC iPlayer, BBC Two NI, BBC Sport website & app; listen on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Ulster; live text updates, radio, report, reaction & highlights on BBC Sport website & app

After drawing with Armagh in the All-Ireland group stage at Markievicz Park in June, Galway boss Padraic Joyce sent a text to his opposite number Kieran McGeeney.

"See you in the final" was the message from Joyce. Unapologetically bold in the moment, Joyce's text proved prophetic with the counties set to cross swords again in Sunday's All-Ireland Football final at Croke Park.

It will be a huge occasion for both teams. While Galway reached the 2022 final, which they lost to Kerry, they have not lifted the Sam Maguire Cup since 2001 when Joyce was the star of the team.

Armagh, on the other hand, are back in Gaelic football's showpiece for the first time since 2003. The Orchard County's only triumph came in 2002 when McGeeney captained the county to a memorable win over Kerry.

Galway's experience of All-Ireland finals runs much deeper. While Armagh have only appeared in four deciders, the Tribesmen have reached this stage on 23 occasions, winning nine times.

Like last week's thrilling hurling decider, which saw Clare beat Cork in extra-time, this final pairing has a fresh feel to it.

It is the first time they have met at this stage, while it is the first football final since 2010 not to feature one of Dublin, Kerry or Mayo. Interestingly, Armagh's last final appearance against Tyrone in 2003 was also a novel pairing. It remains the only all-Ulster All-Ireland decider in history.

Neither side has lost in normal play in this year's championship. Galway's last defeat was to Kerry in Division One in March while Armagh's only championship reverse was on penalties to Donegal in the Ulster final.

As you would expect, All-Ireland final buzz has gripped both counties. Armagh has been awash with orange and white bunting and flags in recent days, with bursts of maroon across Galway.

And by lunchtime on Sunday, excitable swarms of Armagh and Galway fans will descend on Jones' Road before Croke Park's gates open having travelled from the north and west of the island respectively.

Even the most ardent Armagh supporter would not have envisaged their season lasting this long after watching their side fall to Donegal in the Ulster final.

Such a heartbreaking defeat - Armagh's fourth shootout reverse over the past three seasons - would have broken some teams, but McGeeney's side are made of stern stuff and have turned their fortunes around, topping their group before seeing off Roscommon and Kerry in the knockout stages.

Aaron McKay has been an ultra-consistent performer in the Armagh defence this season

After the Ulster final, Armagh chose not to wallow. Since then, their form has been excellent. Aaron McKay, an ever-present since the second round of the league, has been a rock at the back. He will have his hands full against Damien Comer, who did not feature in the Markievicz Park game.

Tiernan Kelly has stepped up in Ciaran Mackin's absence, while Ben Crealey and Niall Grimley have been hugely impressive in midfield.

With Conor Turbitt's scoring power, Rory Grugan's creativity and Rian O'Neill's penchant for delivering in clutch moments, Armagh will be confident in their starting 15, while the likes of Ross McQuillan, Stefan Campbell and Jarly Og Burns can have a big say off the bench like they did against Kerry.

"We know each other really well," Armagh coach Ciaran McKeever, who was previously captain under McGeeney, said of Galway.

"We know their management team really well, have huge respect for them and their players. We'll be delving into those matches we've played against them, looking for wee nuggets and areas we can fix.

"Sunday will take on a life of its own. You can prepare for a lot of things on these types of occasions that might not occur. Other things might crop up but we have full faith in our players that they can figure it out on the pitch on the day."

Rob Finnerty, who kicked 0-3 in the Markievicz Park game, will be one of Galway's main attacking threats

In contrast to Armagh, Galway entered the Sam Maguire series with their chests puffed out after winning a third Connacht title in a row.

While they had to settle for second in their group behind Armagh, a preliminary quarter-final win over Monaghan was followed by a stunning defeat of holders Dublin that blew the championship wide open and paved the way for semi-final success against Donegal.

There have been question marks over the fitness of Comer, Shane Walsh and captain Sean Kelly, but all three have been named to start.

But even if Comer and Walsh don't fire in attack, Joyce has a considerable level of talent at his disposal. Rob Finnerty is having an excellent season, Paul Conroy has been immense in midfield, while in Dylan McHugh, Liam Silke and Sean Mulkerrin they have one of the most dynamic half-back lines around.

"We have a bit of experience in the lead-up to an All-Ireland final but we're looking at it like another game," said Kelly.

"We're unbeaten in this championship and we aim to keep that way."

Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Paddy Burns, Aaron McKay, Barry McCambridge; Connaire Mackin, Tiernan Kelly, Aidan Forker; Niall Grimley, Ben Crealey; Joe McElroy, Rian O'Neill, Oisin Conaty; Rory Grugan, Andrew Murnin, Conor Turbitt.

Subs: Ethan Rafferty, Greg McCabe, Peter McGrane, Ciaran Higgins, Ross McQuillan, Shane McPartlan, Jason Duffy, Oisin O'Neill, Stefan Campbell, Aidan Nugent, Jarly Og Burns.

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Johnny McGrath, Sean Fitzgerald, Jack Glynn; Dylan McHugh, Liam Silke, Sean Mulkerrin; Paul Conroy, Sean Kelly; Matthew Tierney, John Maher, Cillian McDaid; Rob Finnerty, Damien Comer, Shane Walsh.

Subs: Conor Flaherty, John Daly, Eoghan Kelly, Daniel O'Flaherty, Kieran Molloy, Cathal Sweeney, Cein D'Arcy, Johnny Heaney, Liam O Conghaile, Tomo Culhane, Niall Daly.

Referee: Sean Hurson (Tyrone)