Armagh couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2022 Allianz football league Division 1 campaign, turning in an accomplished display to defeat Dublin at Croke Park.

Rian O'Neill's fingers prints were all over the Orchard County's 2-15 to 1-13 victory as he punished the Dublin defence with his creativity and finishing power.

The Crossmaglen Rangers star, who finished the game with 1-4, and Jason Duffy both found the net during a whirlwind first-half display in which they outscored the Dubs by 2-7 to 0-2 from the 18th minute.

It took Kieran McGeeney's side 13 minutes to open their account with a point from a Rory Grugan free after Brian Howard and Cormac Costello got Dublin up and running but Armagh suddenly went four points clear thanks to O'Neill's well-taken major.

Armagh's Rian O'Neill escapes the shackles of Dublin's Sean Bulger. ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne.

Dublin were always playing catch-up subsequently and a second goal by Duffy - a superb lobbed finish - left them trailing 2-8 to 0-5 at the break in front of a crowd of 22,704 supporters.

Dessie Farrell's team improved after the resumption with Dean Rock arrowing over three frees and fellow substitute Cameron McCormack getting off the mark.

But Connaire Mackin and Stefan Campbell responded with aplomb at the Canal End to ensure the Dubs were kept at arm's length.

Debutant Lorcan O'Dell pulled a goal back for Dublin in the 59th minute to cut the gap to six points but Armagh remained in the ascendancy.

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