Rian O'Neill of Armagh competes for a throw-ball against Joe O'Connor of Kerry during the All-Ireland SFC semi-final Here’s how Armagh and Kerry rated after their dramatic All-Ireland SFC semi-final at Croke Park. Blaine Hughes – 8 Hardly put a foot wrong in goals and was brave with his kick outs in extra-time when the game was on the line. Paddy Burns – 7 Quietly efficient and made good interception early in second half to kill a Kerry counter attack.
Aaron McKay – 8 Let Sean O’Shea inside for Tom O’Sullivan’s goal chance but was nearly the only time he found himself out of step. Peter McGrane – 7 Kicked an early point after spending a lot of time shadowing Paudie Clifford. Yellow card late in first half made life difficult.
Withdrawn at half-time as Armagh management removed the risk. Barry McCambridge – 8 Tracked David Clifford from early and took some hits there but popped up with a brilliant goal to revive Armagh’s challenge. Tiernan Kelly – 6 Neat and tidy and made his contribution before he was withdrawn before extra-time Aidan Forker – 7 Played a captain’s role early in the second half landing two nice points to keep Armagh ticking over in the third quarter.
Withdrawn on the hour mark and brought back into the game in extra-time. Niall Grimley – 8 Two first half points capped a fine performance. Was still winning dirty ball deep into extra-time.
Has a knack for popping up in the right place. Ben Crealey – 7 No shortage of industry and eff.