McGeeney Project – Where preparation meets opportunity

Armagh stand the best chance of the four qualifiers in reaching an All-Ireland football semi-final and have been rewarded for their positive play, says Kevin McStay.

The Orchard County blitzed Donegal on Sunday, just eight weeks after their Ulster exit to the same opposition, and have been pitted against Galway in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

Since taking over as Armagh manager in 2015, Kieran McGeeney has had more lows than highs, but the last 18 months has seen significant progress with expectations growing that they can have a serious say in the championship.

With Derry or Clare awaiting in a potential semi-final, hopes are rising that Armagh can reach a first final since the 2003 defeat to Tyrone, 12 months after their sole Sam Maguire success.

Looking ahead to the last eight, former Mayo footballer and Roscommon manager McStay thinks Armagh present a formidable challenge for the Tribesmen.

"Of the four (qualifier) teams, Armagh look the most likely and have the best chance of success," he told the RTÉ GAA podcast, before heaping raise on the job being carried out by 2002 All-Ireland winning captain McGeeney.

"Preparation has met opportunity. That's the way I would look at that journey by McGeeney and Armagh. He’s got his best team out. They are in great shape.

"Beating Tyrone and following it week after with your nemesis Donegal, that means something serious. It really gives them a platform."

⚡️What a start from Armagh as Rory Grugan scored the opening goal within seconds of the throw-in #rtegaa