King to abdicate with good deal of pride

Gone is the euphoria of last season, when Armagh were box-office innocence. This was not about adventure, just survival

Gone is the euphoria of last season, when Armagh were box-office innocence. This was not about adventure, just survival. Kieran McGeeney strides through the gates at Clones and delivers a no-frills verdict.

"There were no surprises there. We knew we were coming up here for a game and we got away by the skin of our teeth. I'll take any win like that, one point or 12, it doesn't matter to me.

"I think our defence, apart from giving away too many frees did okay. We kept them out and with the talent that they have, I don't think they scored too many from play. But I'd say Brian (Canavan) will be giving me a bollocking for giving away so many frees. And I deserve it."

If Brian Canavan is in the mood for delivering harsh words, well he is saving them for later.

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For now it's all smiles.

"Just scored at the vital stages and that was the difference. We are in the final and that's all that counts. We are going to have to up a level now. There were mistakes on both sides, but it was a brilliant match, up and down, very close.

"It is all about getting through, not performance levels. I was pleased with how we came out in the second half with renewed vigour."

Across the way, Pat King is standing in the Fermanagh dressing-room for possibly the last time. He has brought them so far that it would be a shame if King is not around now that the county seems on the cusp of some good years.

"What now? Well, I have given this four years of my life. It hasn't been easy. You don't keep everyone happy, you don't see eye to eye with everyone. I think what should happen now is whatever is best for Fermanagh football.

"I think it's fair to say we have come quite a distance over the four years. We have established ourselves as a first division team and gave first division displays in three championship matches. It would be very difficult for me to continue the role I've been doing.

"Quite possibly fresh enthusiasm might be the best thing to really push Fermanagh the extra little bit that will take them all the way to an Ulster title."

Not so long ago, such talk would have been the stuff of fantasy. But even though they lost yesterday, there was the sense that they have arrived.

"I think that I have done some good for Fermanagh, I don't feel it has been a waste," says King. "I can stop with no regrets."

Which are not the worst words with which to close a quiet and important era.

Keith Duggan

Keith Duggan

Keith Duggan is Washington Correspondent of The Irish Times