It was the big statement victory Kieran McGeeney's tenure had been crying out for. The outpouring of joy and relief by the Armagh supporters at the full-time whistle in the Athletic Grounds illustrated what Sunday’s win over Tyrone represented.
They hadn’t just defeated the reigning All-Ireland champions, they’d clinched their biggest Championship victory since ‘Geezer’ took over as boss for the 2015 campaign.
McGeeney was Paul Grimley’s assistant when they defeated Tyrone in the Qualifiers in 2014, but Sunday’s six-point win was far more significant.
Read more: Armagh pitted against Donegal in All-Ireland Senior Football Qualifiers
In the interim years, Armagh have been labelled as 'nearly men' having failed to reach the Ulster final since their last provincial title in 2018.
Last year, they were pipped by Monaghan in a gripping Ulster SFC semi-final clash in Newry.
In Ballybofey in back April, they bowed out of the provincial series following a seven-point loss to Donegal.
They’ll get their opportunity to avenge that particular loss when the sides meet in the second round of the Qualifiers.
Speaking after Sunday’s victory over Tyrone, Armagh assistant boss Kieran Donaghy hailed the resilience of the Orchard players, who bounced back from their lacklustre showing against Donegal with an outstanding performance against the Red Hands.
“Our fellas were very disappointed with the performance against Donegal and, in fairness, you have to give them credit - they really worked hard in the last six weeks,” said Donaghy.
“We asked above and beyond out of them and they were never found wanting.
“When you put in that kind of hard graft and that type of workrate in really hard training sessions, it kind of bonds the group and they’re a really tight group as it is.
“Yeah, I’m just delighted for them really - more so than anything else. “Delighted for Kieran (McGeeney) as a manager, the work he’s put into this group.
“I’m delighted for the group to get through a round, which is what it is.”
When asked if Sunday’s result felt like more than simply getting through to the next round of the Qualifiers, Donaghy replied: “Does it feel like more than a round? It probably does, but we’re realistic enough to know that when we wake up tomorrow morning, the plan will start for whoever we get in the draw.
“And then it will really dawn on us that it was just a round and that we have to really go to work this week and have to be even better.
“There were areas where we’d still look for improvement as a coaching staff and I know those players when they review the game, there were areas that we’ll want to work on and improve on next Tuesday night at training. But it’s a big win, no doubt.”
Armagh’s path to the All-Ireland quarter-finals is now known following Monday morning’s draw.
The Orchardmen will take on Donegal in what is a repeat of the Ulster SFC meeting between the counties in Ballybofey.
On that occasion, a goal from Paddy McBrearty helped Declan Bonner’s men claim a 1-16 to 0-12 victory.
The winners of this weekend’s game will then progress to face one of the provincial champions in the last eight later this month.
“This could be a big step forward if used correctly,” added the Kerry legend.
“You’re playing a provincial loser, so you’re playing a team that has got into a provincial final.
"They’ve had two weeks to regroup after the loss; there are good teams in there. But we fancy ourselves as a good team as well.”
Read more: Armagh vs Tyrone RECAP as Orchard County defeat All-Ireland champions
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