ALL-IRELAND MFC FINAL Mayo v Armagh: THERE WERE eyebrows raised around these parts on learning Armagh's only minor football All-Ireland title was captured in 1949. Surely a Kieran McGeeney team or the Crossmaglen boys stormed the citadel before the turn of this century? Seemingly, they were too busy learning how to lose before learning how to win.
That solitary success came in another era but, equally, a period when Armagh threatened to become a sustainable force in Gaelic football.
Armagh underage teams are being watched closely nowadays to see if the seeds planted can eventually blossom, thus proving the rise of the 2002 team was actually the start of something more permanent. Right now, they are a county which cannot even decide upon a new senior manager.
The Armagh of seven years ago now look a spent force with those from the under-21 All-Ireland-winning team of 2004 charged primarily with maintaining a proud tradition. Modern success has been tainted by the failure to repeat the process.
For certain, a reliable blueprint is in place thanks to men like Joe Kernan and Paul Grimley, who were assisted by players like McGeeney, Francie Bellew, Paul McGrane and Stevie McDonnell.
A second minor All-Ireland, and first for 60 years, is needed right now in Armagh.
Mayo’s football story is even more heart-wrenching, as Keith Duggan eloquently explained in his book House of Pain.
The last time they tasted All-Ireland minor success was 1985. There have been many fine teams since. All have failed. Some by minuscule margins, like last year’s excellent group, guided by current senior star Aiden O’Shea.
Tyrone dragged them to a replay in a crammed Pearse Park in Longford as the best teenage footballers on the island traded blows as only minors can. It was a game so good you wished it would never end. Eventually, Mayo left with their pride, but also the bridesmaid’s veil, intact.
Aidan Walsh and Alex Corduff are major players who return from that epic battle, which is a testament to the work being done beneath the surface in Mayo by Ray Dempsey and his colleagues.
Seemingly, we are always one final away from another Mayo sob- story, but the county remains pure football territory, constantly straining for honours. And respect. Just like Armagh.
Something has got to give tomorrow.
By our estimation, and it can only be that as the mind tends to play tricks with the minor body when it enters the Croke Park amphitheatre, although both teams have semi-final experiences under their belts, Armagh appear better equipped.
They removed the remains of last year’s champions Tyrone in the opening Ulster duel. They also spat Kerry out in the semi-final.
Mayo’s accounting for Galway, a decent Roscommon side after a replay, Tipperary and then Down (beaten by Armagh in the Ulster final) deserves respect.
But Armagh have Rory Grugan to land frees, Eugene McVerry is another with an eye for scores and Gavin McParland requires close attention, having registered two goals the last day. Peter Carragher also looks a prized midfielder.
Kerry, despite being backboned by All-Ireland college winners Coláiste na Sceilge, wilted far too easily the last day, but the Tom Markham Cup looks set to visit the Orchard, heaping further misery on Mayo folk in the meantime.
And yet, they must be admired for always coming back for more.
MAYO: M Schlingermann; M Walsh, K Rogers, D Gavin; C Charlton, S McDermott, C Crowe; D Kirby, A Farrell; B Ruttledge, D Coen, F Durkan; A Corduff, A Walsh, C O'Connor.
ARMAGH: TBC.
Referee: E Kinsella(Laois).
