Recent History – Armagh v Kildare

Most of the build up to the game usually centres around Kieran McGeeney’s time over Kildare all those years ago.

Geezer has now managed against his former side three times with the Orchard County, winning on two occasions.

The roles were reversed in 2010, when the 2002 All-Ireland winning captain wore the Kildare bainisteoir bib against his native county.

Armagh have enjoyed plenty of success in recent years against the Leinster side, including a memorable Croke Park win in 2017.

2020: Armagh 0-16 Kildare 0-10 (NFL R3)

One of the last games played in ‘normal times’ before lockdown, restrictions or Covid. Armagh dominated the game, played in horrible conditions.

Aidan Forker came out on top of his personal duel with Daniel Flynn, matching the Kildare dangerman with 0-1 apiece.

Jamie Clarke was sent for an early shower for a second yellow card offence, after hitting 0-2 off the bench.

Rian O’Neill top scored from full forward with 0-4 (3f) as ten Armagh played got on the scoresheet.

Rian O'Neill made his league debut against Kildare
Photo Credit: John Merry

2019: Kildare 0-14 Armagh 1-11 (NFL R1)

Armagh travelled to Newbridge for the opening round of the 2019 season and left with a share of the spoils.

Rian O’Neill and Jarly Og Burns, who were both nominated for All-Stars later that year, made their first league appearances.

Stefan Campbell grabbed the all-important goal for Armagh, and he top scored with 1-1 from play.

Jimmy Hyland nailed a late free to earn the home side a draw as the Lilywhites battled back from five points down.

2017: Kildare 0-17 Armagh 1-17 (Qualifiers R4)

These clash still stands out as one of the highlights of Kieran McGeeney’s reign as the Armagh manager.

Having been disappointingly beaten by Down in the Ulster Championship, Armagh bounced back to reach the last eight of the All-Ireland series.

Jamie Clarke was unplayable under the lights in Croke Park. He swooped over 0-4 while Andrew Murnin claimed the game-winning goal.

Ten Armagh men registered a score with substitutes Ethan Rafferty and Joe McElroy nailing super points after coming off the bench.

2010: Armagh 0-12 Kildare 0-5 (NFL R3)

Kieran McGeeney led his Lilywhites into battle in Crossmaglen, but they were off the pace against his native side.

Armagh powered to victory, on their way to earning promotion to the top tier and winning Division Two.

Steven McDonnell and Stefan Forker shared 0-8 while Paul Kernan, Aaron Kernan and Ronan Austin hit a point apiece.

The home side led from start to finish and build on a commanding 0-7 to 0-2 half time lead to win by seven in the end.