Kieran McGeeney, the manager of Armagh’s football team, anticipates a “challenging” clash in their Division One opener against Monaghan this Sunday at 14:00 GMT, which will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport NI website.
Last year, Armagh secured their top-flight status for 2026 by winning against Tyrone in their second match, with both teams finishing with equal points, leading to a head-to-head tiebreaker.
Advertisement
In a competitive division, even the smallest margins can determine survival or a spot in the final, so McGeeney understands the significance of each match as they face their Ulster rivals.
“Each game in Division One is crucial,” he remarked. “Monaghan will be aiming for a win and won’t fear facing Armagh. Playing on their home ground will make it even tougher, but I haven’t encountered an easy game in either Division One or Two.”
This season marks McGeeney’s 12th year as manager of his home county, making him the longest-serving manager in both football and hurling across all counties.
Advertisement
While McGeeney maintains continuity on the sidelines, there have been shifts in the player roster, with departures including Stefan Campbell, Niall Grimley, Rian O’Neill, Shane McPartlan, Jemar Hall, Ciaran Higgins, Ciaron O’Hanlon, and Mark Shields.
During the Dr McKenna Cup matches, McGeeney assessed several newcomers such as Aaron O’Neill, Padraig O’Keefe, and Feargal O’Brien, all of whom received opportunities to showcase their talent. He acknowledges that Division One can be “brutal” for new entrants but emphasizes the aim to remain in the top tier.
“We take each game as it comes; every point is hard-earned,” he added. “Last year showed that the location can significantly influence outcomes.”
Advertisement
“It’s vital for Armagh to stay competitive, and remaining in Division One is key, although it’s a daunting task given the number of changes this year. It can be unforgiving, particularly for younger players, but that’s part of the excitement of being thrown into challenging situations.”