Armagh breeze past Down

Armagh ended their goal drought hitting 4 in a comfortable 4.10 to 0.12 win over Down yesterday to reach the Ulster senior decider against Derry in a fortnight like the Lynas family from Lurgan pictured) the fans will return in huge numbers.

Kieran Mc Geeney's side will know that the biggest test of the season still lies ahead, but the orchard men have found a level of consistancy which will make them contenders both at a provincial and at national level.

Ironically it was Derry who were defeated back in 1977 when the side managed by Gerry O Neill marched to the All Ireland final.

The strength of the squad was utilised with Rian O Neill making a comeback and Tir Na Nog's Oisin Conathy tasting his first flavour of championship football.

With the rain somewhat spoiling the spectacle, strikes from Murnin, who had an outstanding outing, a rasper from Shane McParland, who carved out a solo effort, a finish from close in from Ciaran Mackin and a cheeky near post-strike from Rian O’Neill, who enjoyed the moment, brought the curtain down as the rain fell and Down staggered to defeat.

The Mourne men, who won the recent Ulster under 20 title while building for the future,  have quality players in Pat Havern, Danny Magill, Daniel Guinness, and full back Pierce Laverty but couldn't match the winners who took charge before the end of the first quarter and never looked like being threatened. 

Even without some of the players who have thrived this season, namely James Morgan, Barry Mc Cambridge, and Tiernan Kelly, Armagh utilized a talented bench springing Connaire Mackin, Stephan Campbell, Ross Mc Quillan, Aidan Nugent, Callum Comisky and Oisin Conaty.

A reward for the fans in the outing would have brought credence to the fact that 11 different players got on the score sheet for Kieran Mc Geeney’s side.

With the group permutations, and an Uster final pending, the name of Peter Mc Donnell has again come to the fore, he was the last Armagh manager to win an Ulster title, will Kieran Mc Geeney be added to the list? Add to the list another quality player from the Clan Na Gael club, Shane McParland, who looks like he has been around for years. Murnin’s movement off the ball is superb, Forker was the best player from both teams, Mr consistency, catalyst, leader, all the terms have been used. consider this, the players who can't make the squad, a barometer of the future?