‘He was a great man’ – Kieran McGeeney’s joy at Armagh win overshadowed by death of uncle

“He was a great man, a great character. He would have been roaring and shouting at the TV,” said an emotional McGeeney (right) after Saturday’s 2-12 to 0-12 quarter-final victory.

A minute’s silence was observed before the Armagh v Roscommon game in memory of the Mullaghbawn native.

“Mum and dad didn’t tell me last night [Friday]. It was only this morning there – it was tragic circumstances. Peter was a good man – his son would be one of my best mates.

“So this morning was a bit rough, to be honest. They were supposed to have a surprise party for his sister tonight.

“There were four brothers on my mum’s side – they all played. Raymond would have played for Armagh. Peter and Pat would have hit you harder than the other two, but they always followed us over the years, especially myself. We’d great support from all the Kelly household. A close family. It’s a tough day,” he said.

While delighted with the result, having lost the previous two All-Ireland quarter-finals via penalty shoot-outs, McGeeney did suggest his team didn’t play well against the Roscommon, who played the second half with 14 men after Ruaidhrí Fallon was sent off.

“It was probably our worst performance in Croke Park, but I suppose from the fellas’ point of view it probably shows how far they’ve come on and the way they can play. We’ve played much better; our skills were poor. Going forward, we missed a lot of chances.

“With the extra man, we could have made it a lot easier. In saying that, Barry McCambridge, TJ Kelly, Oisín Conaty – a lot of good ones in that regard. I’m delighted for the fellas; they’ve got the monkey off their back, and hopefully, they’ll go out the next day and really express themselves.

“We were just giving the ball away a bit easily when we didn’t have to. The emotions are a wee bit raw at the minute. It has been a tough 24 hours,” he said.

McGeeney acknowledged how important it was for his side finally to win a quarter-final at HQ.

“It’s just wanting to be there. It’s hard for the fellas; no matter what they do, they struggle to get the credit. I think we had five [All-Ireland semi-final appearances] in 130 years – so it’s a big step for this team.

“It’s an indication that they can step up to that. Even in the other years, we were beaten on penalties, but we definitely showed we could live with [other top teams] in terms of football.”

Meanwhile, Roscommon manager Davy Burke called on the GAA either to scrap the preliminary All-Ireland quarter-finals or give teams an extra week to prepare for their quarter-final appearance.

The Connacht side became the latest team to fall at the last-eight stage of the championship after being obliged to play three key games in two weeks.

“We need to find a week somewhere to give us a chance. Even though I felt we had a chance, don’t get me wrong. But just the way the game transpired and went away from us.

“We have to find a week. It’s only a week, just to give the last 12 teams a chance. Or else do away with the last 12, one or the other,” he suggested.