Armagh llustrated just why they are the defending All-Ireland champions as they hit three points in-a-row to deny Tyrone a famous victory in Saturday’s Ulster SFC semi-final in Clones - much to the relief of their manager Kieran McGeeney.
In a game packed with incident and no shortage of drama, the Orchard County boss was to blame for a two-point free scored by Darren McCurry, who finished on the losing team despite an incredible 0-10 haul.
Moments after Peter Harte had split the posts with a classy effort to raise an orange flag, McGeeney kicked a sideline flag onto the pitch in frustration. David Gough was alerted to the incident and booked the Armagh manager and awarded a free to Tyrone as per the new rules on dissent with McCurry opting to go for the two-points.
Read more: Recap as Armagh stun Tyrone with last-gasp winner to seal Ulster SFC spot
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When asked if he owed his players an apology for his moment of ill-displine, McGeeney replied: “I’ll get fined for it, don’t worry about that, they’ll put me on the spot. But, considering, I thought my temper was pretty good on the line.”
His Tyrone counterpart Malachy O’Rourke expressed his disappointment at his side’s failure to close the game out while also questioning some of the decisions by the Meath referee.
Conor Turbitt was awarded a free after the hooter sounded and Rory Grugan converted from 20 metres as the Orchard County progressed to their third successive provincial final.
"There were a couple of controversial call theres, but I suppose it went for both teams," said O'Rourke.
"We're not going to use that as an excuse. We got ourselves in a good position, went out playing our best and were just disappointed we didn't finish it of.”
Scoring the final three points of the game, Armagh’s experience of winning tight game was evident in Clones after Tyrone had fought back from being six points down midway through the second half.
Prior to winning the Sam Maguire last season, Armagh had a reputation for not being able to close out such games, a tag they’ve long since shed.
McGeeney hailed the calmness of his players in the face of a determined late charge from their rivals.
“I don't think it should have been as tight. You just have to react to whatever punches are thrown,” said the Armagh manager.
“I thought the boys did really well under the circumstances. Stayed really calm, I thought we played well and controlled most of the game.
“Tyrone were good too, we put ourselves in a good position with about 20 to go and then there was just the raft of frees but we kept calm near the end and were able to take off the shots.
"I thought we played well throughout the game. I thought the boys played really well to control the game, there were some things beyond our control. I thought they reacted really well to it, to finish out the game. I can't ask more than that.”
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