Orchard to reap reward

Fermanagh v Armagh: Well, it's been a good run. But just like last year, Fermanagh look set to crash against the rock of inevitability at the All-Ireland quarter-final stage.

All the old signs point to a defeat and a heavy one at that. A Fermanagh victory over the Orchard is as unlikely as a successful duel with the Red Hand.

Last year, they defied the odds and made it to Croke Park only to be squashed like an ant by a Tyrone team fulfilling its destiny. Mickey Harte's charges dished out a 1-21 to 0-5 thumping to a vastly experienced Fermanagh side who had been waiting years for a day out in Dublin.

The sight of Tyrone coming onto the hallowed turf put household names like Gallagher and Brewster into shock. A meagre five-point return said it all.

Then there is Armagh. They showed they are arguably the best in the land with the breathtaking demolition of Donegal on Ulster final day - though Donegal's downward spiral since has taken some of the sheen off that result.

Go back to the recent history books and things look utterly grim for Fermanagh.

The year 1993 will always be remembered as a dark hour. After letting the initial Ulster preliminary-round match in Irvinestown slip through their fingers, a decent Fermanagh team travelled to the Athletic Grounds and proceeded to outplay Armagh for a second time.

They held an eight-point lead entering the final furlong and the few faithful in attendance were taking great pleasure in watching Armagh fans file quietly out the gate.

Enter Dennis Hollywood. A bit-part player, Hollywood came off the bench for a rare Armagh appearance only to carve his name into Ulster championship folklore by scoring 2-1. Big John Grimley fired a third goal, in stoppage time, to salvage a remarkable victory for Armagh.

The last meeting between the two took place in the 2002 Ulster semi-final. It was Armagh's golden year and an eight-point hiding duly followed for Fermanagh; this from largely the same pack of wolves that come searching for blood again today.

The only difference is the eyes the Armagh men will stare into today have changed. In the past, it would have been unthinkable that Fermanagh would hold a fit Tom Brewster in reserve. Today it's likely. Whisper it, but Charlie Mulgrew brings down a young team who know no fear.

The key lies in the success of St Michael's, Enniskillen. Several of the present team have tasted McCrory Cup success from the feeder school, significantly by beating top schools from Tyrone and Armagh. They arrive with no baggage. No nerves.

Of course, there is a flip side. Armagh have too much talent, too much power, and are too wise to let upstarts from over the county line end their year. More than likely, a titanic rerun of last year's All-Ireland final awaits them in the last four, so motivation is strong. Also, their familiarity with Fermanagh's new wave could mean the shackles going onto Mark Little and James Sherry early on.

All it takes is for one or two superstars in their forward line to catch fire and Fermanagh could be destroyed.

This is the beauty of Armagh. If by some miracle, Steven McDonnell is silenced, Diarmuid Marsden may find his groove. If Paddy McKeever goes walkabout, there is always the magic of Oisín McConville.

Armagh's hunger should see them prevail. For Fermanagh, the game needs to be close if this generation are to grow accustomed to trips to the capital in August.