Aaron McKay frustration grows as Armagh aim to end long wait
It's now 285 days since Aaron McKay has played a minute of football for Armagh and his frustration is ever growing.
While Saturday's Ulster final against Donegal will come too soon for a player nursing a series of injuries, he is hoping the number doesn't stretch too far beyond the 300 mark with the All-Ireland group stage opener against to-be-determined opposition on the weekend of 24/25 May the key target.
A shock omission from last year's All-Star team, the teak-tough full-back was the hero for the Orchard County in last year's All-Ireland final as he palmed home the only goal of the game in the second half – only his second-ever championship score, with his first coming on debut against Down all the way back in 2017.
Since then, when not injured, he has been an automatic starter. Manager Kieran McGeeney is likely to be equally as impressed with how he read the last play of the final - when the tension was unbearable - to carry the ball out of danger following Joe McElroy's famous block as much as his green flag 20 minutes earlier.
That's his main brief in the team; shutting down opponents and sniffing out trouble, but he can't do that right now - and for the dramatic Ulster semi-final win over Tyrone, it was the Perspex dugout he was sitting behind in the stands that bore the brunt of his irritation.
"Slow, too slow," is how McKay described his recovery from cartilage damage in his hip, osteitis pubis issues as well as a contorted finger that has been strapped up ever since the 2022 All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Galway.
"The plan was to be back for a championship because I knew the league, I wasn't going to be back for the league even way back in say October, November time.
"I knew that because I couldn't even get playing for the club (Dromintee) in August and then I kind of just came to the conclusion that I had to get the operation. So just to be ready for the first group game in the All-Ireland series, anything earlier than that's a bonus."
"Later in your career, you just care about winning rather than being selfish and looking to come back and playing kind of half-legged and costing the team more than you're giving," he added.
"So I think at this stage I'll be happy as long as we win rather than me being an idiot and trying to play and cost us."
Missing the Tyrone game was hard, not being out on the field this Saturday on Ulster final day will be torture.
He's not alone. Only six of the starting 15 from last year's Sam Maguire triumph started against the Red Hands, but those who have deputised have not only filled in, but for the likes of Callum O'Neill and Tomás McCormack, have ensured that the heroes of 2024 have a fight on to wrestle back their jersey.
It's those new faces who will be tasked with key roles in ending Armagh's 17-year wait for an Ulster title against Donegal this weekend – a unique quirk of the current squad with Celtic Crosses aplenty but no provincial medals in the dressing room.
#Geezerout pic.twitter.com/M1jyLrfYaf
— Aaron McKay (@AMcKay95) July 28, 2024
"It was funny, going to Clones last week, I was getting off the bus and I knew I wasn't playing or anything - I wasn't going to be contributing to the game but I'm shaking," he said of the Ulster semi-final and the team's pursuit of the Anglo Celt.
"But on the bus going to the final last July, I was so relaxed and chilled out. I'm like, how am I the polar opposite? I don't know."
McKay's been on the field of play for the last two Ulster finals though as penalties denied them against both Derry and Donegal.
Having also lost penalty shootouts to Galway and Monaghan in the previous two seasons at the All-Ireland quarter-final stage, that loss to the Tir Chonaill County 12 months ago would have been the death knell for most teams.
Not Armagh. They responded by topping their All-Ireland group before knockout wins over Roscommon, Kerry and Galway saw the county lift Sam for just the second time ever.
"Probably without the last two Ulster final defeats, I don't think we'd win the All-Ireland in 2024," McKay argued.
"When you lose something, you also experience loss and learning from it. And also success sometimes can breed complacency so I think if you achieve maybe an Ulster title last year, you can become a wee bit complacent.
"We wouldn't have approached the first group game (against Westmeath) last year (the same)...if we had won Ulster, then it all could have run differently. That's why I say again, if we had a won Ulster, we might not have won the All-Ireland."
The wait for an Ulster title is "unfinished business", according to McKay, and while he won't be able to influence things on the pitch at Clones, he's hoping he can still play a major albeit delayed role in what could end up being another special year for the Orchard County.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
'First stop will be Charleville!' - man of the match Darragh Fitzgibbon relishing Rebels' victory
Official man-of-the-match Darragh Fitzgibbon said he would never have lived it down had he missed the 65 that sent the game to penalties. The Charleville clubman is too close to the Limerick border. He also noted that striving to be as good as their near neighbours has made Cork a better team. 'I knew I was a bit far out for the first free but there was a strong wind and I said I would have a go. Then, the 65, I knew I had to try and nail it. Being so close to Limerick I would never have heard the end of it. I had to score it. 'I have nothing but respect for Limerick for what they've done, six Munster titles in-a-row, four All-Irelands in-a-row and another All-Ireland on to that. They've raised everyone else's level in the country. Everyone tries to get to their level and they've made us better. 'It was two great teams going at it. If you played it probably 10 more times there could have been a different result. But thank God we're on the right side and it is just a great feeling. 'It is a privilege to put on the Cork jersey everyday. Just living your dream really with all of these lads. Trying to make the most of it while you have it because you don't have it for too long.' There was no problem getting psyched up following last month's sub-standard display. 'Of course we were pumped up but if you can't get up for a Munster final you don't deserve to be there. We stayed level headed, we don't get too up or we don't get too down. We won't get too up unless we lift the Liam McCarthy Cup. 'We know we are a long way away from that but it is a reward for all the players. Munster is so hard. Then you come up against one of the greatest teams in their home patch. We gave it our all and it is just great to be on the right side of it. 'Four weeks off is great, important to get the bodies right. Munster championship is a gruelling campaign. We'll just relax now for a few days and we will get back training. 'We know as a group we still have two steps to where we want to go and we'll take nothing for granted.' When asked if he knew he was going to be one of the five players taking a penalty, he answered with a smile, 'as you can see from my penalty I didn't practice any of them. 'First stop will be Charleville! Read More Player ratings: how Cork and Limerick fared in Munster final epic
RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Hard work and red faces led to Cork's Munster success beating Limerick says manager Pat Ryan
Pat Ryan put his Cork side's Munster triumph down to the hard work that was put in over the weeks building up to the final at the Gaelic Grounds. Cork and Limerick produced a battle for the ages in Saturday's decider with the Rebels coming out on top after the sides could not be separated after extra time, eventually winning via a penalty shootout. The two sides met in the round robin phase of the Munster championship at the same venue on 18 May, and it was a one-sided affair with Limerick cruising to victory with 16 points to spare. And Cork also used the embarrassment of that defeat to help motivate the side ahead of the rematch in Limerick on Saturday evening. "Our fellas really dug in. It took an awful lot of effort over the last three weeks," said Ryan, speaking to RTE Sport after the game. "We were embarrassed when we came up here the last time. We had to get over Waterford (the final round robin game), which was a really tough game. "I knew the lads were going to fight on their backs today." Ryan was full of admiration for his opponents who have won four of the last five All-Ireland titles, while they came into the final off the back of six straight provincial crowns. And he was delighted that his side were able to show their best in the decider, going toe to toe with such an esteemed Limerick unit. "This is a brilliant Limerick team," said Ryan. "Going for seven Munsters in a row. It'll never be done again. "Limerick are a brilliant team. They're going to win ball. The last day, they won ball uncontested. Today, they won ball contested. You just try to put pressure on all over the field. "You're going to win some ball, you're going to lose some ball. Our fellas stuck at it today. Limerick stuck at really well as well. For us to get over the line is huge." Ryan credits the entire panel for their continued commitment which was needed to match Limerick throughout the initial 70 minutes, the 20 minutes of extra time and showing composure and quality to hold their nerve and win the shootout. And he was delighted with the way that they faced up to the challenge of taking on Cian Lynch and company, with the Limerick captain tipped to be crowned hurler of the year for the third time. "They've (the subs) shown great commitment to the group. They weren't starting. Some of them were coming back from injuries which puts you behind in the pecking order. "They never complained, they never waned. They trained hard. And we'd no fear of bringing them on today. "People say, 'go man-mark Lynch' but you're not going to be able to stop them. "What you're trying to do is win battles everywhere and limit their play. "The last day, we didn't get stuck into them. We left them with too much space around the place. "I thought Cian Lynch was excellent in the first half. But Ciaran (Joyce) really stuck at it for the whole game. And after the first half I thought he was on top." Cork have earned safe passage into the semi-finals and can now enjoy an extended break to regroup and plan for two more big games in their quest to secure the title. And the victory, coupled with the performance, will now offer the belief needed to go and challenge for top honours later in the summer. "It just gives you more confidence to go forward," said Ryan. "There's an All-Ireland series, we're in the semi-final.
Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Irish Times
Cork end Limerick's Munster dominance after epic battle at the Gaelic Grounds
Munster Hurling Final: Cork 2-27 Limerick 1-30 AET (Cork win 3-2 on penalties) Cork are the new Munster hurling champions, an unexpected outcome that sent hordes of their delirious supporters, in a crowd of 43,580, on to the pitch at the Gaelic Grounds, as Robert Downey accepted the Mick Mackey Cup. Dismissed as having no more realistic ambitions than making inroads into the 16-point mauling suffered at the hands of Limerick less than three weeks previously, their understrength team rallied magnificently to confound the serial champions. It took penalties, a first ever shoot-out in a provincial final, to separate the teams at the end but by hanging on when it looked as if the champions had irresistible momentum in the second half and indeed after Darragh Fitzgibbon had seen their first penalty saved by Nickie Quaid, the new champions were well deserving of their 55th Munster title. The final was a smouldering, frantic affair, loosely refereed by Thomas Walsh, who went down with cramp in extra time and was replaced by James Owens. READ MORE It included an ill-tempered confrontation between the backroom teams at half-time, which will presumably attract the attention of the disciplinary authorities. Cork's goalkeeper Patrick Collins saves a penalty to win the game. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho After the near humiliation of the group match, Cork were viewed by many as akin to a political party, having suffered a landslide defeat and needing two more elections to catch up. Happily, hurling isn't politics and this match was completely different in its dynamic, respective performances and crucially, outcome. Although their bench appeared to compare unfavourably with the multiple All-Ireland winning opponents' reserves, it was the Cork auxiliaries who proved decisive, providing 0-6 of their extra-time scores, the lion's share from Shane Kingston (0-3) and Conor Lehane (0-2), who also hit penalties in the shoot-out. For John Kiely, it was a first defeat in 14 senior finals, spanning leagues, provincial championships and All-Irelands. Having posted a powerfully authoritative display in the group match, which matched their best efforts of recent years, this was a more fallible performance. They hit crucial wides when faced with the prospect of pulling away and winning a seventh successive Munster title, particularly in extra time when they looked a tired collective and even in the penalty shoot-out when their last three efforts were weary strikes. Limerick's Gearoid Hegarty with Cork's Darragh Fitzgibbon. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho Cork brought a greater urgency to their efforts both in defence and in attack, getting pressure on Limerick and disrupting the smooth patterns that had effectively monopolised the previous meeting. They started with intent, opening a three-point lead in the first six minutes and even though they were reeled back in on many occasions, always responded either to equalise or nudge back in front. An attack that managed just 0-3 from play in the entire 70 minutes on the last day out had 1-10 from play by half-time, at which point they led by four, 1-14 to 1-10. The goals had spiced up exchanges, first Aidan O'Connor equalising 1-5 to 0-8 in the 20th minute after a pinpoint ball from Cian Lynch had given him a run at Eoin Downey. His batted effort beat Patrick Collins at the near post. Seven minutes later, a Cork attack ended with Brian Hayes, under real pressure, slipping the ball out to Shane Barrett, who whipped it sharply into the net, putting his team 1-9 to 1-7 ahead. Having regained the initiative, they pulled away by half-time. There had been fine individual moments, especially from debutant Diarmuid Healy, who would finish with 0-3 from play. Referee Thomas Walsh receives assistance from Limerick's Adam English after suffering cramp during extra time. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho Limerick were unable to establish the same puck-out domination even with the wind in the second half, but with the half-forward line of Tom Morrissey, Cian Lynch and Gearóid Hegarty, the Shannonsiders had their go-getters. It was Hegarty, who launched a quick free into the forwards, which Gillane got to and cleverly kicked the ball into Shane O'Brien. The replacement finished emphatically and tied the match at 2-13 to 1-16 after Cork had largely protected the lead in the third quarter. It went point for point for most of the remainder of the contest. When Limerick appeared to be making good the momentum of their goal, Cork kept hitting back. It was all hands on deck with points on the evening for two of their full-back line, veteran Damien Cahalane and Eoin Downey. Limerick lost the better chances. Aaron Gillane had a free before the end of normal time to win it but Horgan also was ready to fire a point when blocked by Kyle Hayes, who was less imposing on this occasion than he had been in May. It was the wides in extra time that really cost the champions. They managed six, some of them really poor shot selection, whereas Cork had just one, a free attempt from Fitzgibbon, who nonetheless had a storming match at centrefield, making up for his subdued outing at centre forward three weeks previously. Cork's Darragh Fitzgibbon celebrates scoring a late point to take the game to penalties. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho It was who took on the final act of extra time, a 65, awarded when the usually flawless Nickie Quaid spilled a long-range free from the same player and it went out of play. It cleared the bar, wiping out Gillane's free for a foul on Cathal O'Neill, which briefly looked to have taken the champions home. Their manager, John Kiely, was unhappy at James Owens playing well over the allotted one minute of injury-time at the end but there had been stoppages within time added on. Finally, the dice were rolled with the first penalty shoot-out in MacCarthy Cup history. Diarmuid Byrnes scored first and Fitzgibbon fired his straight at Quaid before Gillane made it 2-0. But from then on the champions were curiously lacking in conviction and Cork seemingly energised, as they seized the day. LIMERICK: N Quaid; S Finn, D Morrissey, M Casey; D Byrnes (0-1f), K Hayes, B Nash; A English (0-3), W O'Donoghue; G Hegarty (0-2), C Lynch, T Morrissey (0-2); A Gillane (0-9, 7f), A O'Connor (1-1), D Reidy (0-3). Subs: S O'Brien (1-2) for O'Connor (42 mins), P Casey (0-1) for Reidy, C O'Neill for T Morrissey (both 55), D O'Donovan (0-1) for O'Donoghue (65), B Murphy for M Casey, D Hannon (0-1) for Byrnes (both e-t), D Morrissey for Hegarty (79), D Byrnes for Lynch (90). Penalties: Byrnes, Gillane, Murphy (wide), T Morrissey (saved), Hannon (wide). CORK: P Collins; D Cahalane (0-1), E Downey (0-1), S O'Donoghue; M Coleman, C Joyce, C O'Brien; T O'Mahony (0-1), D Fitzgibbon (0-4, 1f, 65); D Healy (0-3), S Barrett (1-3), S Harnedy (0-2); P Horgan (0-7, 4f, B Hayes (0-1), A Connolly (0-1). Subs: R Downey for O'Brien, T O'Connell (0-1) for O'Mahony (both 59 mins), S Kingston (0-3) for Connolly, R O'Flynn for Harnedy (both 65), C Lehane (0-2) for Horgan (70), N O'Leary for O'Donoghue (73), B Roche for Healy (80), A Connolly for Coleman (84). Penalties: Fitzgibbon (saved), Lehane, Kingston, Connolly. Referee: T Walsh (Waterford) replaced by J Owens (Wexford) from 73rd minute.
