Monaghan Poised for Ulster Final Against Armagh, Says McGrane
Paul McGrane, a seven-time Ulster Championship winner, has expressed confidence that Monaghan will approach the upcoming Ulster Senior Football final against Armagh without fear. The final is scheduled for Sunday, and McGrane believes Monaghan will embrace the challenge.
Kieran McGeeney's Armagh team enters the final as favourites to claim the Anglo-Celt Cup, aiming to end an 18-year drought. Their strong form is highlighted by scoring over 100 points across three Ulster matches, including a commanding 28-point semi-final victory against Down.
Despite a disappointing league campaign, Monaghan have rebounded to reach the final, seeking their first Ulster title since 1988.
McGrane, who captained Armagh to their last Ulster title in 2008, noted that Monaghan's recent victories over Armagh in the 2023 All-Ireland and the 2021 Ulster SFC have bolstered their confidence heading into the match at Clones.
"There's a Monaghan team coming that are Ulster club champions, on their own patch and the display of grit they showed against Derry and to do what they did with the sideline points, they'll relish playing Armagh," he told NI.
"They'll have no fear playing them. The last two big games they played them; in Croke Park [shootout win], they came out the right side of it and in the match in Pairc Esler [a thrilling 4-17 to 2-2 win].
"They'll be going with hunger the same that Armagh have to get over the line and get an Ulster title themselves."
McGrane Highlights Monaghan’s Determination and Armagh’s Challenges
McGrane emphasized that Armagh must be cautious about conceding frees, especially with Monaghan’s Rory Beggan, known for his proficiency in scoring two-pointers, ready to capitalize.
He expressed hope that Armagh will be motivated to overcome their recent setbacks, having suffered three consecutive Ulster final defeats. Key players such as Aidan Forker, Rory Grugan, and Aaron McKay are eager to secure the medal they have long sought.
"From Armagh's point of view, the management deserve immense credit. The turnover of players, they've stayed up in Division One, nurtured the old fellas, transitioned in the young fellas. They've stepped up each part of the championship," McGrane explained.
"They haven't been perfect, but they know they'll have to deliver a big performance. There's fellas there that have soldiered for years and would love to go and get them a medal for all they've done, but it doesn't happen like that.
"I've no doubt there's plenty of hurt in the locker, but you have to go deliver a big performance and hopefully the past experiences help you get over the line."
Ulster Senior Football Championship Final Coverage
The Ulster Senior Football Championship final will be broadcast live on BBC Two NI, as well as on the website and app.
