McGeeney praises Armagh character in Galway draw

Armagh will now look forward to a trip to Croke Park in two weeks for their quarter-final.

Following a last-gasp draw against Galway, Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney says how his side topped Group One is 'irrelevant' and all that matters is that the beaten Ulster finalists got the job done.

The Orchard County produced a spectacular fightback from five points down to salvage a 1-12 to 0-15 draw in the dying seconds at Markievicz Park.

They have now qualified for the All-Ireland quarter-finals and McGeeney was pleased that they got over the line.

"It’s great to finish top, that’s the big thing," he said.

"How you do it, to me, is irrelevant, so I’m delighted."

'We were better in the second half'

McGeeney admitted he was disappointed with the first half performance from his side, but praised their character to turn it around in the second period.

"We were poor in the first half, very static, had no energy, Galway kept the ball well and made us work," he explained.

"We were much better in the second half. The boys had a purple patch and made the most of it."

He continued: "Every team has a purple patch, whether it’s in the first five minutes or the last five, but credit to them because they did well. I’m very happy for them."

Tiernan Kelly’s goal on the hour mark was the moment of the game, and McGeeney was full of praise for the man he calls ‘TK’.

"TK has been playing exceptionally well," McGeeney added.

"He waited for his chance having only played a bit in the Ulster final. Greg [McCabe] had been playing great, but then he got a knock and TK has got in and kept his place."

'Hard-hitting game' at Markievicz Park

Armagh had to come from five points down to salvage a draw against Galway

Armagh will now look forward to a trip to Croke Park in two weeks for their quarter-final.

Galway will come away from the game with regrets from the bruising encounter, but McGeeney gave them credit for playing their part in a "hard-hitting game".

"Connacht football is hard-hitting, and not in a dirty way," said the Armagh boss.

“Their [Galway] entire half-forward line are 6'4'' – they’re big boys. It was a hard-hitting game, and we only got one scoreable free in 75 minutes of football.

“In fairness to Padraic Joyce, I have known him a long time, and they play tough, hard football. You know you’re going to get that when you play a Connacht team."