Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney isn't letting a dominant Ulster semi-final performance go to his head, despite his side's emphatic 3-33 to 0-14 victory over Down in Clones. The Orchard County powered into their fourth successive Ulster final, but McGeeney was quick to keep expectations in check.

"It's great to get into an Ulster final again," McGeeney told BBC Sport NI. "But in terms of the scoreline, I wouldn't read that much into it." He pointed to Down's grueling week, noting that after their intense battle with Donegal, the momentum could swing either way. "Either it was going to give them a bit of energy or sap them, and their performance last week probably paid its toll."

Building on a high-scoring quarter-final win over Fermanagh, Armagh looked unstoppable, but McGeeney knows how quickly the tide can turn in modern football. "Some days, things can run for you. Down was 5-2 up when Greg McCabe had a chance to score, and if that went in, the game could have taken a different trajectory altogether." He also highlighted the evolving nature of the sport, where two-pointers can flip a 12- or 14-point lead in minutes. "Teams can hit two-pointers now and turn things around very quickly, so you always have to stay switched on."

The second half offered a chance to blood fresh talent, with Aaron O'Neill and Tomas Galvin making their championship debuts. "It was good to see lads like Aaron and Tomas on," McGeeney said. "I told Aaron when he came on to pull the trigger, and he did and got a two-pointer." With Armagh managing several injuries, including key players like Barry McCambridge, Ciaran Mackin, and Andrew Murnin returning to match fitness, squad depth is proving crucial. A late change involving Ross McQuillan also underscored the team's adaptability.

Armagh now face Monaghan in the Ulster final on Sunday, 17 May, but McGeeney remains grounded. For fans of the Orchard County, this win is a statement—but for the manager, it's just another step in a long journey.