As Armagh bounced off the Croke Park turf having just demolished the Dubs, Bruce Springsteen’s classic ‘Glory Days’ rang out across the ground.
Are the glory days set to return? It’s hard to judge after just one game, but by Saturday’s showing, Armagh are on the right path.
First half goals from Rian O’Neill and Jason Duffy inspired Armagh to a famous victory. Their first win over Dublin since 2008.
It was a collective effort that saw the Orchard dismiss Dessie Farrell’s side in impressive fashion.
The inside line of Duffy, O’Neill and Aidan Nugent had accounted for 2-5 before the half time whistle had sounded.
Rory Grugan mesmerised the Dublin defence with a spectacular display from centre half forward.
The Mackin brothers, Connaire and Ciaran, were superb while Ben Crealey won his personal battle with Brian Fenton.
Jarly Og Burns bombed up and down as Aidan Forker was his usual trustworthy self at full back.
The subs bench made a massive impact as well. Niall Grimley, Greg McCabe and Stefan Campbell all scored when introduced.
Control
Armagh’s performance was built on a strong defensive structure, an improved kicking game and that bit of star quality up front.
Kieran McGeeney’s men dominated the opening half after a cagey first ten minutes. Armagh outscored the Dubs 2-5 to 0-2 during the second quarter.
While a revival looked on the cards after the turnaround, the Orchard men could always keep on top.
Even after a lucky goal for the Dubs, which deflected off Ciaran and Connaire Mackin before recohering into the net, Armagh remained in control.
And the winning margin could have been larger. McCabe’s powerful effort crashed off Evan Comerford’s crossbar and bounced to safety.
In the end it wasn’t needed. Armagh done enough to rest comfortably in the final few minutes, knowing they had secured a famous win.
It’s Tyrone up next, who would love nothing more than to spoil the orange and white feel-good factor.
Nothing is won in January, as Kieran McGeeney will know, and a big campaign still lies ahead for his side.
But for the fans, they can enjoy this one. And maybe, just maybe, they glory days are just around the corner.
Dublin Team: Evan Comerford, Lee Gannon, David Byrne, Eoin Murchan, Tom Lahiff, Brian Howard 0-1, John Small, Brian Fenton, Emmett O Conghaile, Sean Bugler 0-2, Ciaran Kilkenny 0-1, Niall Scully 0-1, Aaron Byrne, Cormac Costello 0-3 (1f), Ryan Basquel. Subs: Ross McGarry for A. Byrne, Dean Rock 0-3 (3f) for C. Costello, Cameron McCormack 0-1 for E. O’Conghaile Lorcan O’Dell 1-1 for R. Basquel, Sean McMahon for E. Murchan.
Armagh Team: Blaine Hughes, Paddy Burns, Aidan Forker, Mark Shields, Connaire Mackin 0-1, Niall Rowland, Jarly Og Burns, Ciaran Mackin, Ben Crealey, Jemar Hall, Rory Grugan 0-4 (4f), Tiernan Kelly 0-1, Jason Duffy 1-1, Rian O’Neill 1-4 (1f), Aidan Nugent 0-1. Subs: Niall Grimley 0-1 for B. Crealey, Stefan Campbell 0-1 for J. Hall, Greg McCabe 0-1 for N. Rowland, Ross McQuillan for J. Duffy, Mark Shields for R. McQuillan.
