We’ve reflected on the past year through the quotes we heard over the last twelve months at both club and county level.
January
“We’re happy enough to grind out a good win, a good competitive game, it’s better than training.” Aidan Forker after Armagh beat Tyrone in McKenna Cup.
“At least with penalties it’s in your hands. I just think ways of taking it out referee’s hands is a good way to finish a game.” Kieran McGeeney after the penalty shootout defeat to Monaghan in the McKenna Cup semi-final.
“When you’re beside them on the field you’re not going to look up to them too much. You’re going to be going as hard as you can to get the result.” Aidan Nugent ahead of the Dublin game in the first round of the NFL.
February
“He’s definitely one of the marquee players in the country at the minute. We had our hands full with him and Armagh utilise him very well.” Dessie Farrell on Rian O’Neill.
“They’re coming. They have quality footballers on view. The challenge is for everybody now to get them, get at them.” Fergal Logan after Armagh defeated Tyrone in the league.
“Last year was probably one of my most prolific years in terms of scoring.” Danny Magee on winning County Hurler of the Year in 2021.
“We’re just getting the chance to go out and show what we’ve been working on over the past few months.” Clodagh McCambridge on Armagh Ladies going for promotion.
“The main thing that turned me off playing for Mayo was the travelling and the distance up and down.” Billy Joe Padden on transferring to Armagh.
March
“It can be absolutely mad to take anyone lightly in this division. So, we certainly won’t be.” Rory Grugan after Mayo defeated Armagh in round four of the league.
“I’m so delighted for these lads because you look at the journey McGeeney’s been on with the team. Probably someone with less stature mightn’t have been given the time.” Brendan Devenney on Armagh ahead of their league clash with Donegal.
April
“It’s my goal (promotion). I can only say of my goal. I’m taking every match as it comes and trying to prepare for every match as best I can.” Terrance ‘Sambo’ McNaughton on the Armagh’s league target.
“Kieran McGeeney will feel they are at the point where they have to get silverware on board because the development has been pretty consistent.” Eamon Fitzmaurice on Armagh’s Ulster hopes via RTE.
May
“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.” Mark Lynch on marking Kieran McGeeney via ‘The GAA Social Podcast’.
“He became an icon in Armagh. It was just phenomenal. It was the fact that he was so quiet and the fact that he’d only appeared on the scene.” Benny Tierney on Francie Bellew via ‘Comhra Le Tomas Podcast’.
June
“That league game, yes it will get a lot of column inches, but I don’t think it will have any bearing on what will happen.” Conor Gormley on Armagh v Tyrone championship meeting.
“I definitely am happy to score them because it’s alright doing that if you are an outfielder but it’s a bit more on your case if you miss them (being a keeper).” Ethan Rafferty on his two points against Tyrone.
“A team has to generate momentum when it’s not going for you. In fairness to our lads, they worked incredibly hard, they worked back, they got big turnovers.” Kieran Donaghy after Armagh beat Donegal in Clones.
“That’s the one thing we’d be worried about I suppose in Galway a little bit, that fact, the momentum is huge.” Declan Meehan ahead of Armagh’s quarter-final clash with Galway.
“I’ve been part of Armagh since I’ve been 12 years of age and they’re the best supporters out there.” Kieran McGeeney on Armagh’s supporters.
“My heart does go out to Kieran McGeeney and the Armagh team and supporters because it’s no way to lose a match.” Padraig Joyce on Armagh losing on penalties.
July
“We showed that we are not too far away from where we want to be and I want to do my part to help the team build towards that next season.” Mark Shields on staying with Armagh for another year.
August
“Hopefully we can get over the line this Sunday and have another All-Ireland in the back pocket.” Leanne Donnelly ahead of the Junior Camogie All-Ireland final.
September
“We just wanted to get back there, we took it one game at a time and we’re one tough game away from it now.” Niall Rowland on the IFC semi-final against Shane O’Neill’s.
October
“Previously we were sitting waiting on it and today we put our hand up. Instead of coming with our hand out we had our hand up.” James Morgan on Cross winning the championship.
“I am honoured to have represented my county 100 times between League and Championship (53 NHL, 47 Championship). Something which I am incredibly proud to have achieved.” Simon Doherty on retiring.
November
“But we never really got a run of momentum and a run of scores to reflect some of the football that we were playing.” Stephen Kernan after Ballybay defeat.
December
“When you go to ask a lot of people for help, they only want to come when they glory is there. But Brendan was the sort of person who dug deep and pushed the team on when nobody else wanted to be there.” Kieran McGeeney on Brendan Donaghy retiring.
