Tralee arm-wrestle a missed opportunity for Armagh

Leaving Tralee on Saturday night, I felt it was an opportunity lost for Armagh.

Beforehand, we were expecting a free-flowing game. It was anything but that.

Reading back Enda McGinley's column on Tuesday, discussing the continued relevance of the blanket defence, I shouldn't have been too shocked.

But nonetheless I had anticipated that the Armagh that'd show up would be the flamboyant, free-flowing, free-spirited outfit we've seen in recent seasons.

Obviously, their approach at the weekend was conditioned by the intimidation factor posed by the Kerry attack, particularly with their two Galacticos (David Clifford and Sean O'Shea) back in the starting side.

It was impressive how they handled Kerry's attack. But I felt it was an opportunity for Armagh on Saturday night. I think they could have taken the points had they been a bit more ambitious and adventurous.

On the TV coverage, Colm Cooper highlighted the role of Rian O'Neill in the first half, and how he played very deep. Armagh had a wind at their back at the time too. It was frustrating to see one of the hottest and best forwards in the country, playing in a deeper role. We saw the difference when he was shoved into full-forward and the danger he posed when he handled possession inside.

Kerry, after the two Cliffords and O'Shea were (largely) snuffed out, reacted well and different leaders emerged. The half-back line, in particular, were pivotal in dragging them over the line. Tadhg Morley, Paul Murphy and Stefan Okunbor were all outstanding on the night.

From a neutral perspective, I thought we'd see more fireworks. But that's the nature of defensive set-ups and how the current game has evolved.

There was a 21 minute period in the second half where Armagh didn't score,