free hit counter Kieran McGeeney, Padraic Joyce and Jack O’Connor make opening moves ahead of decisive All-Ireland group games – Wanto Ever

Kieran McGeeney, Padraic Joyce and Jack O’Connor make opening moves ahead of decisive All-Ireland group games

ARMAGH boss Kieran McGeeney has resisted the temptation to field an understrength side for tomorrow’s All-Ireland SFC clash with Galway.

Despite already securing top spot in Group 4, the Orchard line-up shows just two changes from the win over Dublin last time out.

24 May 2025; Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney during the national anthem before the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Round 1 match between Armagh and Derry at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds in Armagh. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Kieran McGeeney could’ve rested many frontline players if he wanted
Pádraic Joyce, Galway manager, at a football match.
It’s do or die for Galway
Sportsfile
Kerry manager Jack O'Connor at a football match.
Kerry only have to avoid defeat to Meath in order to top their group
Sportsfile

Niall Grimley replaces Ben Crealey at midfield for the Sam Maguire holders, while Stefan Campbell starts in attack instead of Rory Grugan.

There are also two changes for Galway for the repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final, with Seán Fitzgerald and Cein Darcy drafted in at the expense of Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin and Sam O’Neill.

Damien Comer is named on the bench.

Derry goalkeeper Odhrán Lynch has returned to their starting line-up for the clash with the Dubs in Newry.

Paudie Clifford and Paul Geaney will be among the absentees for injury-hit Kerry, who have made five changes for tomorrow’s Group 2 game against Meath.

Clifford, Geaney and Barry Dan O’Sullivan were all forced off with injuries during the victory over neighbours Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh last time out.

Brian Ó Beaglaioch and Dylan Casey have also made way for the trip to Tullamore.

The meeting with the Royals will see midfielder Mark O’Shea — who impressed as an early substitute against the Rebels — make his first Championship start.

Paul Murphy, Tadhg Morley, Killian Spillane and Dylan Geaney are also included in Jack O’Connor’s team.

Kerry will top their group if they avoid defeat.


 ARMAGH (SFC v Galway): E Rafferty; P Burns, B McCambridge, P McGrane; R McQuillan, T Kelly, J Óg Burns; J Duffy, N Grimley; D McMullan, R O’Neill, O Conaty; S Campbell, A Murnin, C Turbitt.

GALWAY (SFC v Armagh): C Gleeson; J McGrath, S Fitzgerald, J Glynn; D McHugh, S Kelly, L Silke; P Conroy, J Maher; C McDaid, R Finnerty, C Darcy; M Tierney, S Walsh, M Thompson.

DERRY (SFC v Dublin): O Lynch; D Baker, E McEvoy, P McGurk; C Doherty, B Rogers, P McGrogan; C Glass, D Higgins; E Doherty, P Cassidy, C McFaul; S McGuigan, N Loughlin, N Toner.

KERRY (SFC v Meath): S Ryan; P Murphy, J Foley, T O’Sullivan; T Morley, M Breen, G White; J O’Connor, M O’Shea; G O’Sullivan, S O’Shea, M Burns; D Clifford, K Spillane, D Geaney.

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