Kieran McGeeney has defended the current state of Gaelic football, with Armagh not buying into the sentimental revisionism that the game was better back then.
McGeeney led Armagh to three successive wins in Division Two of the National Football League this term and will welcome Donegal and Jim McGuinness to the Athletic Ground next Sunday in what will be one of the most fascinating tactical battles so far this season. right.
Still, much debate continues surrounding modern gaming. Traditionalists of the catch-and-kick era feel that possession-based soccer, lateral passing and screen defense have become spectacles with little adventure or excitement.
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But McGeeney, who captained Armagh to All-Ireland glory in 2002 and quickly transitioned from player to coach, struggles to understand the pessimism.
“We've had some low-scoring games and the football has been terrible,” McGeeney said. “I say it again and again, all I have to do is watch the video. I played it, but it's not as good as people remember. Just like in the '70s and '80s. , it goes on and on.
“We've got to be the most negative sport in the world. I'm always being called grumpy or sad or not smiling, so it always frustrates me. But if I read or send… If you look at the article, it seems like the world is going to be like this.'' It ends with GAA.
“Still, it's not as popular as it is. There's a huge audience. They're making money. I don't know what people want.”
Armagh annihilated Kildare at Netwatch Cullen Park last Sunday, running out 14-point winners overall. Much of the post-match narrative has centered on Kildare's lack of performance and the dire situation the Lilywhites are currently in with the possibility of relegation and perhaps even the possibility of Tail Teen Cup football in the summer. Ta.
It's always great to beat them.Both teams seem to be on track and no quarters will be asked or given, I'm guessing
However, Armagh were impressive last Sunday in breaking through Kildare's resistance. They exposed the holes in the Kildare defense in the first half with quick long balls to the forwards, and every time the Leinster side gained possession Armagh won back huge numbers and created an impregnable defensive structure.
Armagh and Donegal share top spot in the division with six points after three games. Even with four matches remaining, it would be surprising if neither team had secured a promotion spot by the end of the league.
“The players are working hard and we know what will happen this weekend against Donegal. They have scored so many goals and scored so many goals so we have to give our best. Deaf,” McGeeney added.
“If we can beat them, it's always great. Both teams seem to be doing well and the quarters won't be asked or given, I'm guessing. .
“It’s going to be one of those games but it’s our next game and we have Cavan and Fermanagh and the way Ulster are going at the moment every game is going to be tough.”
Ryan O'Neill did not play in Sunday's game against Kildare but was absent and took part in an extensive warm-down session for players who did not play for Carlow.
“We have a lot of guys working hard for a spot, and that's what you want,” McGeeney said. “It’s a good place to be, but in the GAA he’s always dangerous 24 hours away.”
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