The Armagh players “gave everything” they could in last Sunday’s Ulster final defeat says manager Kieran McGeeney.
The Orchard County, competing in their first Ulster final in 15 years, lost out to Derry via a penalty shootout.
But Armagh boss McGeeney couldn’t have been prouder of his players after their performance.
“I thought the fellas gave everything, they died with their boots on,” said McGeeney, now in his ninth season as Armagh boss.
“We didn’t play to our potential but then Derry might feel the same. We have something in us, we just need a wee spark to get the flame going.
“We played well, we maybe should have got a couple of more scores, but it was just getting that extra point during ordinary time to draw us level.
“Again, you had some super scores from both teams under pressure. You have to sit back and admire footballers like that.”
Penalties
Penalties may not be the fairest way to settle the game, but you’ll hear no complaints from the Armagh manager.
“What do you do? It’s one of those things that it’s very difficult to prepare for. We take penalties after training; you try to do everything right but it’s in the lap of the Gods.
“Somebody picks the right way, or somebody picks the wrong way, it’s over. It’s tough but it’s just one of those things in sport.
“It’s tough. We played really well today, made a few mistakes but they played really well. I thought it was a brilliant game for the neutrals, I knew it would be tip and tuck.
“It was an intelligent game of football by both teams. A lot of good scores in the clutch moments and small mistakes here and there for both teams. There wasn’t much between us and I suppose it takes something to separate us.”
