Former Derry star Mark Lynch spoke about coming up against Kieran McGeeney after bursting onto the intercounty scene.
Lynch discussed a range of topics on the hugely popular ‘The GAA Social’ podcast with Thomas Niblock and Oisin McConville.
The Banagher man detailed he’s battle with cancer, his career and Derry’s recent 11-point win over rivals Tyrone.
Lynch was a star minor for the Derry side that claimed All-Ireland glory in 2002. He broke into the senior squad soon after.
Hailed by Niblock as the best minor he ever saw, Lynch went on to describe coming up against Kieran McGeeney in 2005.
Armagh had saw off Fermanagh and Donegal, after a replay, to set up a last four date with Derry.
Geezer, as always, was the rock of the defence, but Lynch felt he could take on the All-Ireland winning captain.
Taking on McGeeney
“We played yourselves (speaking to McConville) in Casement in an Ulster semi-final,” recalled Lynch.
“I was just off the minors at that stage, and they were talking, building up, I was going to be marking Kieran McGeeney.
“Ah this young fella here could run Kieran McGeeney into the ground’ and I think subconsciously, I maybe thought that myself.
“I was going to go by Kieran, I’m not sure what age Kieran McGeeney was at that time.”
Lynch admitted he looked up to not only McGeeney but a lot of the Armagh team. “He was probably, amongst a lot of these players, I looked up to them massively.
“We won the minors the same year they won the seniors, so they came back to the Carrickdale and stuff and came in with the cup and all.
“We considered them as people we looked up to as well as obviously our own Derry players.
“So, I sort of bought into that and I stepped out to McGeeney, and I got two roastings that day.
“One from Kieran and it was a baking hot day, so I got two roastings that day. That’s a quick learning curve for me that day.”
