The Ulster Championship means a great deal to Jim and Donegal, but you could argue that the pressure on Armagh is greater.
Armagh have not won an Ulster title in 16 years. They’ve also experienced some painful defeats in recent years, and while this is year one for McGuinness’ new Donegal, it’s year 10 for Kieran McGeeney.
It is a testament to Armagh that so many of their squad have been together for the past six or seven years. They’ve come through some serious battles together and now have a really rugged, rigid defence that’s as good as any in the country.
Their performances against Fermanagh and Down were patchy but they still won those games and have all of their players fit again.
Ciaran Mackin and Aidan Forker have been huge for them. Peter McGrane and Paddy Burns have been impeccable man-marking full-backs and then you have a top eight that packs so much firepower and attacking quality, from a rejuvenated Rian O’Neill in midfield to the always-dangerous Conor Turbitt up top.
One of the big questions regarding the Armagh line-up, of course, is at the other end of field. Blaine Hughes has been great in goal this year, but Ethan Rafferty appears to be back fit after making the bench against Down two weeks ago.
For me, Armagh will have a better chance of winning the game if Rafferty is involved from the start.
Losing his place for the final would be tough on Hughes, but Rafferty was Armagh’s best player last year.
Given Rafferty’s quality on long-range frees, ability to build attacks and range of kick-outs, this game is crying out for his inclusion. He is a dice worth rolling for McGeeney and his involvement could prove decisive at Clones on Sunday.
