Kieran McGeeney hailed the resilience of his Armagh heroes after they shocked Kerry to reach their first All-Ireland final in 21 years. The Orchard County came from five points down to storm past Kerry in extra-time, winning a pulsating battle by 1-18 to 1-16. For McGeeney, this semi-final win was vindication for his persistence and methods.
Read More: Armagh into All-Ireland final after proving doubters wrong at Croke Park Read More: Harte reflects on 'great time' as Derry manager as he discusses future plans He has been in the job a decade, has yet to win any silverware and has been subjected to criticism. Today he answered back. McGeeney said: “As a county we have one All-Ireland in 140 years, that is the reality.
“We have won 14 Ulster titles - half of those were won by one team; the other seven by two teams. “Most of the criticism we have got has come from past players. “But I think I have done a decent enough job.
“The hardest thing is the impact the criticism has on my family. I don’t like that bit of it.” He certainly liked everything about this stunning victory, though, from the way Armagh fought back from a five-point second half deficit to the spirit they showed in extra time to secure a two-point win.
McGeeney said: “It is a great achievement but the whole idea about getting to a final is that you want to win it. “Will Armagh as a county go nuts in the next two weeks? Yes, but they are entitled to do so. You want fans to enjoy themselves.
” They.