TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final: Armagh Galway (Saturday, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 3.15pm)
The heat is certainly rising ahead of Saturday’s All-Ireland semi-final for Armagh.
Greg McGonigle’s Ulster champions face favourites Galway in Longford, with the Orchard county determined to return to headquarters next month.
It has been 20 years since their sole final appearance.
The weather has been warm all week, but McGonigle says the mood in the camp is equally bright.
Fresh from beating Kildare in the All-Ireland quarter-final, Armagh now find themselves just 60 minutes away from Croke Park once again.
Read more:
Kelly Mallon and Armagh’s All-Ireland final dreams as vivid as ever 18 years on
Having reached the 2024 semi-final on the back of National League success under McGonigle, last season’s relegation play-off with Donegal was a jolt to the system.
They won that convincingly, but the return of the Derry man has propelled them back into the spotlight.
“It’s not me,” he insists.
“It’s the players, and everyone is pushing hard.”
The comeback of Roisin Mulligan last time out was a major boost — she hadn’t kicked a ball since the league — while Meagan McCann and Sarah Quigley have also returned from injury.
Armagh senior ladies football manager Greg McGonigle.
PICTURE: OLIVER MCVEIGH
Selecting a matchday squad from 37 players will not be straightforward.
It is, however, the ideal blend for Armagh. All the boxes are ticked: veterans Caroline O’Hanlon and Kelly Mallon, with 43 years of senior service between them; the effervescent Lauren McConville in her trademark white headband at centre back; the Mackins — Blaithin and sharpshooter Aimee — leading the charge; and minor starlets Cassie Henderson and Erin Melanophy representing the new breed in orange.
McGonigle knows exactly what awaits them. Galway’s record under Daniel Moynihan speaks for itself: 14 wins from 17 championship games, three Connacht titles in succession, and two victories over Mayo this season.
The Ballinasloe native guided the Tribeswomen to the All-Ireland final in his first year, losing to Kerry, and they were beaten at this stage last season by Dublin.
“We rate Galway — they’d be favourites with the bookies,” McGonigle admits, before adding a caveat.
“But I think we’re in a really good place. We’re coming in with a lot of momentum and we’ve come through three tough games.”
Galway’s own path has been steady and assured. Wins over Tyrone and Meath in the round-robin were followed by another comfortable victory over Mayo.
It is not just the results, but the quality of their performances across the season that places them in prime position.
They boast top performers throughout their squad. The starters are crucial, but so too the finishers — Moynihan’s use of his bench has ensured there is never a dip in quality. Among those driving Galway forward is Olivia Divilly, whom Moynihan regards as one of the best forwards in the country.
Olivia Divilly of Galway is regarded as one of the best forwards in the country. PICTURE: INPHO
“She sets a particular standard, and it’s very hard to stop a player with that much ability. More often than not she shows why she’s one of the best in the country. It’s a joy to have her in the squad.”
The Kilkerrin-Clonberne star, who helped her club secure a remarkable four-in-a-row of All-Ireland titles earlier this year, is joined in the county panel by sisters Niamh and Siobhan.
This Galway side has a club — if not a family — feel to it. Captain Kate Geraghty, Nicole Ward, Kate Slevin, Kate Thompson and Roisin Leonard are all household names in ladies football.
They have earned that spotlight, yet remain fully focused on returning to Croke Park. Moynihan says they want to get back there and go one better — but Armagh must be dealt with first.
“Time is ticking fast in the run-up to the game, but that’s what we’re here for and what we’ve been training for since November.”
He acknowledges it will not be straightforward:
“It’s going to be a big battle. Armagh played really well against Kildare, so we know we have a tough job ahead.
“I know Greg was watching us and taking plenty of notes. For us, it’s about going a step further than last year.”
For Armagh, it is a test — but one they feel ready for. Physically and mentally, they are in good shape. Their manager, though, has one lingering question.
McGonigle added: “Can we take Galway down the home stretch?
“We want to make it competitive and ask a few questions of them that haven’t been asked in their three championship games to date.”
Saturday will provide the answer for the teak-tough Derryman.