McKeever keen to push on

THE ARMAGH story as we know it is over. The last remains of the 2002 panel linger. For the record they are Enda McNulty, Steven McDonnell, Ronan Clarke, Aidan O’Rourke and Paul Hearty.

A distinct mentality has survived the changing of the guard. Many believed the group Kieran McGeeney guided to their first and only All-Ireland title would go on to dominate the football landscape. Instead they inspired bitter rivals Tyrone to their breakthrough in 2003 and description by some commentators as the team of the decade.

In 2004 Fermanagh shocked a scarily-impressive Armagh side in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Tyrone recovered from the Ulster final defeat of 2005 to beat them in the All-Ireland semi-final. Then in 2006 it was Kerry who dished out retribution for 2002.

They will forever be remembered as the team that never pushed on. For years they openly spoke of the need to prove their greatness by winning another All-Ireland. Like Tyrone in recent times. Like Kerry always.

They firmly believed in their ability to repeat the highest achievement. But it never happened. Fate hindered their sometimes harsh, always passionate, and occasionally brilliant style from becoming the blueprint for success.

A new captain in Ciarán McKeever seems a natural appointment considering the way he seamlessly became an integral part of the old guard before the wave of retirements these past two years – most recently Francie Bellew, Paul McGrane and Paddy McKeever – saw him promoted to the rank of senior player. Can such an inexperienced panel retain their Ulster crown despite the loss of McGrane’s voice and Bellew’s intimidating presence?

“Ah, definitely,” McKeever said. “It’s a big year, every year is a big year. In terms of the boys that have left the panel they were always the men who were dragging you along. The tough got going so it is up to us to stand up and be counted.”

They have gathered seven out of the last 10 provincial titles and in many respects it is seen as a hindrance to their All-Ireland aspirations. “Ulster means a lot to us,” McKeever protests. “Every match you go out in Ulster you want to win it.” He elaborated: “Everyone knows Ulster is a minefield and it is one of the toughest provinces to get out of. End of the day, when we came to Croke Park last year we felt we let ourselves down.”

That defeat to Wexford was another shocking blow under the Croke Park microscope, much like Tyrone and Fermanagh.

Peter McDonnell’s team is currently hampered by a stomach-bug epidemic that forced the cancellation of the press night last week ahead of the Ulster championship quarter-final against Tyrone on Sunday in Clones. The 13 players struck down by vomiting and diarrhoea should recover and be rehydrated sufficiently by the weekend.

A new midfield partnership, in the wake of McGrane’s departure, of Kieran Toner and Charlie Vernon will not see the light of day at least until the Ulster final or round two of the play-offs. Vernon is recovering from a broken jaw sustained against Dublin in a challenge match last month while Toner remains a slight concern.

“Charlie had a brilliant league campaign and he was just getting better and better every match,” said McKeever. “He picked up a knock in a friendly match against Dublin. Knowing Charlie he will be back sooner rather than later.”

That’s what they call a broken jaw in Armagh. A knock.

McKeever insists Armagh football “is littered with leaders” despite the loss of the 2002 core. That statement will be tested rigorously by the All-Ireland champions this Sunday.