Armagh need no extra motivation for Ulster Final battle, says Rory Grugan

The Orchard County were forced to bow the knee to Derry after extra-time in last year’s provincial decider before surrendering to Monaghan in the All-Ireland Quarter-Finals. Two years ago it was Galway who proved to be Armagh’s conquerors in the All-Ireland Quarter-Finals by coming out on top in another penalty shoot-out.

Not surprisingly, Armagh feel they have endured enough frustration during those penalty-kicks mishaps with Grugan admitting that steering a pathway to victory in normal time will be very much the team’s goal for Sunday’s showdown against Jim McGuinness’ side.

“While it’s better to have to go into extra-time than lose a game in normal time we still can’t helping feeling that we have had our share of extra-time in the recent past,” admits Grugan.

“This is always in the back of our heads now as we come down the stretch in games and it’s something we want to avoid if at all possible.

“It was difficult to have to absorb the disappointment at the end of last year’s Final against Derry but we will be pulling out all the stops on Sunday to try and get a win in normal time if we can.”

As one of the longest-serving members of the Armagh side Grugan, who is a teacher in St Macartan’s College in Monaghan, is anxious to see the side sample what would be regarded as significant success.

“We are not making any bones about wanting to win what would be our first Ulster title since 2008,” reflects Grugan.

“It was particularly disappointing to lose last year’s Ulster Final in the manner that we did. We want to put things to right this time round. We have watched Donegal beat Derry and Tyrone and know for sure that they will be particularly strong opposition.

“They will be keen to get an Ulster title for Jim McGuinness but we are very hungry to land a title for Kieran McGeeney who has put massive work into Armagh.”

In regaining their place in Division One of the Allianz League and claiming the scalps of Fermanagh and Down to date in the Ulster Championship, Armagh could be said to have made progress yet there is always the gnawing belief that they are capable of doing better.

Not surprisingly, Grugan makes his views on his team’s journey of late very clear indeed.

“I suppose you could say that getting back into Division One of the League and reaching an Ulster Final is progress but it’s not good unless we win the Anglo-Celt Cup this time,” insists Grugan.

“There is a great buzz in Donegal with Jim back on board again and we know we will be up against it. But when all is said and done this is where we really want to be.”

Donegal have been monitoring the fitness of goalkeeper Shaun Patton and skipper Patrick McBrearty in the build-up to the game in the hope that both will be able to make a contribution to Sunday’s game.

There is no doubt that Patton can prove an invaluable asset to Jim McGuinness’ side given the scope and dexterity of his kick-outs allied to his willingness to make a contribution to attacking forays.

McBrearty, who is now the captain of the side, has been given limited game time lately but he is hopeful to play a part in Sunday’s Final.

It was in the closing moments of his team’s last Championship outing against Tyrone that McBrearty reappeared from the substitutes’ bench to swoop for a majestic point from distance that sealed his team’s two-point victory over the Red Hands.

Manager McGuinness believes that his side is primed for success although he is conscious that Armagh’s hunger to take delivery of the Ulster title is nothing short of ravenous.

“We know that Armagh are very keen to land the title because of the heartbreak they have endured in some Championship matches lately,” says McGuinness.

“They obviously have their sights set firmly on the title this time and will be pulling out all the stops to come out on top. For our part, we are keen to go the distance in Ulster. There is no doubt that this has been a demanding Championship and we will have further proof of this on Sunday.”