Jim McGuinness: Kieran Donaghy factor potent in Armagh set-up

Jim McGuinness says something will have to give when joint table-toppers Armagh and Donegal collide at the Box-It Athletic Grounds this coming Sunday.

Both sides are three from three so far in Division 2 but the Orchard men just shade matters thanks to the minimalist of scoring differences.

Armagh lost back-to-back All-Ireland quarter-finals to Galway and Monaghan in 2022 and 2023, as well as last year’s Ulster final to Derry, on penalty shootouts, and those bitter experiences are no doubt fueling their efforts this term.

“You know what you’re going to get with Armagh,” McGuinness told DonegalLive. “They are going to be seriously conditioned, seriously powerful, aggressive and with a very clear gameplan. And on top of all that, they have really good players.

“You also know what you’re going to get with the stadium. It’s got a great atmosphere, a great surface and it feels tight. It’s a brilliant challenge to be looking forward to. These are the types of games you look forward to as a coach and as a player.

“I said to the players they should be relishing it. You’re talking about two sides going into a game with one hundred per cent records. That will add even more spice. Armagh know who they are and where they want to be”.

Kieran McGeeney is a familiar foe to McGuinness, both on the field and along the sideline. Kieran Donaghy broke Donegal hearts in 2014’s All-Ireland final but McGuinness and the Tralee man have become good friends since after working together as GAA pundits on Sky TV.

The Donegal boss says the former Kingdom talisman brings an exciting dimension to Armagh’s style of play.

“Kieran knows his stuff. And there is no doubt he wants to be a manager some stage down the line. When you’re in that position, you’re very hungry. You’re thinking about things all the time.

“Kieran McGeeney has brought him into work with the Armagh forwards and he’s adding value to the set-up. It’s similar with Colm McFadden and ourselves.

“In a subtle way, it’s about passing on your own experiences. And when you’ve been there and done it like those two, that can have a big impact. We’re very lucky to have Colm and Kieran McGeeney is very lucky to have the big fella”.