It’s not exactly recent history, as Armagh and Kerry haven’t crossed paths in ten years. And it’s been 2006 since the sides met in the championship.
They’ve only clashed in the league four times since 2002, with the Orchard County coming out on top twice.
2012 was their last meeting, and the Orchardmen left with an impressive four-point victory.
2012: Kerry 0-10 Armagh 2-8 (NFL R2)
Armagh were flying high at the beginning of the 2012 league campaign, having drawn against Cork before defeating Kerry.
Armagh hadn’t defeated the Kingdom since 2003. Goals either side of the short whistle earned the victory.
Brian Mallon handed the Orchard an early lead and they headed in at the break 1-4 to 0-3 ahead.
A red card to Tomas O’Se along with a punched John Kingham three-pointer saw Armagh earn the two points on offer.
2011: Armagh 1-9 Kerry 1-13 (NFL R5)
Played in the newly redeveloped Athletic Grounds, Kerry’s bench helped them over the line. They introduced legends like Paul Galvin, Declan O’Sullivan and Aidan O’Mahony.
A young David Moran was also introduced and nailed two fine frees while Bryan Sheehan top scored with 0-4 (4f).
A first half Kieran Toner goal saw the sides level at the break, 1-4 to 0-7 as Steven McDonnell struck 0-5 (3f).
Darren O’Sullivan nailed his side game-winning goal in the second half. Colm Cooper and Kieran O’Leary both chipped in with 0-3 each.
2006: Armagh 1-13 Kerry 3-15 (All-Ireland Quarter Final)
While Kieran Donaghy might now be a fan favourite in the Orchard County, that wasn’t always the case.
The Austin Stacks man was the downfall of Armagh with his second half goal turning the game on its head and in Kerry’s favour.
Despite Armagh leading at the break thanks to a Steven McDonnell goal, a powerful second half performance saw the Kingdom over the line.
2003: Kerry 1-13 Armagh 2-8 (NFL R7)
Kerry gained revenge for Armagh’s All-Ireland triumph in 2002 by defeating the Orchard County by two points.
Joe Kernan’s side were already through to the last four of the league, so perhaps this win meant more to the Kingdom.
Marc O’Se rattled home the game-winning goal as Armagh played out the last quarter without Kieran McGeeney, who had been dismissed for a second yellow card offence.
