Mayo manager Kevin McStay was impressed but not overly surprised by Armagh’s never say die attitude last Sunday.
The Orchard County came roaring back into the game during the last ten minutes having trailed by five-points.
Rian O’Neill landed the final score of the game to snatch an important point for Armagh heading into the break in the league.
It was an awesome atmosphere in the Box-It Athletic Grounds and that really stood out to McStay.
Atmosphere
“I know we were five up and I know that’s what a lot of people will concentrate on,” noted McStay after the game. “I’m not really going to go down that road.
“I’m going to concentrate on what got us there. Really good smart play, great attitude, great enthusiasm and energy.
“This is championship stuff essentially out here. Great atmosphere, fantastic ground and we had every sense that Armagh were going to come back at us.
“I tip my hat to them because that wasn’t easy to make good choices with the heat that was on them in the last ten minutes.”
It was the second time that McStay came up against Armagh during his managerial career, but his first in charge of Mayo.
The former RTE pundit was in charge of Roscommon when the sides clashed in a classic match back in 2018.
McStay’s side gained the upper hand in Portlaoise, knocking Kieran McGeeney’s men out of the championship.
The former Mayo footballer admits he’s been impressed with Armagh over the last number of years, particularly for their championship exploits. McStay even went as far as to say that he’s a “ big fan.”
“I’ve been impressed with Armagh for a good while with the effort they put into their championship.
“Kieran (McGeeney) has done a great job. I know it’s taken him time to do it but I’m a big fan.”
