Only the ultimate prize will do for natural born leader

The buzz word on Armagh captain Kieran McGeeney is "leadership". Centre back for the Ulster champions, his role is to lead the defence, whether through holding the centre, orchestrating relief or successfully running the ball out, taking the fight to the opposition.

His strength, according to Tyrone joint-manager Art McRory, whose team were Armagh's first championship victims this year? "His leadership qualities. He's a marvellous leader and leads by example. His support play is marvellous and he's tough as nails."

His strength, according to Damien Cassidy, coach of the Derry team defeated in the Ulster final? "His leadership on the field. He's one player who whenever a game needs to be taken by the scruff of the neck - I know that's a bit of a cliche - is there, who's prepared to stand his ground."

This ability to set example and inspire his team has long been a characteristic from the underage days in Mullaghbawn to this weekend when for the first time Armagh present themselves in Croke Park for a second successive All-Ireland semi-final.

"His determination impressed even from an early age and had an impact on any team he played for. We all felt he would play at the highest level. Although he wasn't always as imposing as he is now, he played minor at 15 and stood out," says Mullaghbawn's Noel Murphy.

The ascent through county football began inauspiciously on June 7th 1992 when he was carted off injured early in the championship match against then All-Ireland champions Down. The following years constituted the golden age of Ulster football but promised more than they delivered for Armagh.

The success of the last two years was hard-earned. The team inched its way towards a breakthrough, won Ulster last year and showed its inexperience against Meath in last year's All-Ireland semi-final.

But now, a year on, they present themselves again, more experienced and hopeful of being able to tame Kerry's blue-chip forwards.

McGeeney's role will be crucial if Armagh are to win. Last year he marked Trevor Giles well in the first half but as Armagh withdrew into themselves, Giles dropped back and began to pick his shots with devastating effect. Tomorrow he will be expected to lead the squeeze on Kerry's attack, beat them to the breaks and initiate Armagh's attacks by acting as an accomplished linkman.

"He's one of Armagh's key support players coming out of defence," says Art McRory. "He was a clubmate of the McNultys (Enda and Justin, Armagh corner backs) at Mullaghbawn and any time they break forward, he's there to take the ball on."

His hunger is also remarkable even in a field where few appetites are easily sated. "He's desperately keen to win an All-Ireland and quite up-front about the fact," says Damien Cassidy.

"He's on the record. Most people tell you they're taking one game at a time - the usual attitude - but he was saying after the Ulster final that it was only an All-Ireland quarter-final. You have to admire him."

His commitment to Armagh was the talk of the National League. Resident in Dublin, where he works for the Irish Sports Council, he transferred his club membership to Na Fianna in Glasnevin.

As the Dublin champions homed in on last March's All-Ireland final - ironically against McGeeney's old south Armagh neighbours Crossmaglen - he continued to endure the 150 miles-plus round trip to present himself for county training even though Crossmaglen's players were excused. Despite a blowpar performance at centrefield in the club final, his contribution to getting Na Fianna there was recognised when he was named club player of the year in Leinster.

The change of club was a blow for Mullaghbawn, with whom he had won an Ulster club title. But there were no hard feelings and last Christmas when McGeeney became the first player from the club to win an All Star at centre back - the position with the highest-quality field in last year's football awards - his home club organised a reception for him.

Other honours should probably have come his way. Despite having been more than useful in the previous year's International Rules series in Dublin, McGeeney didn't make the trip to Australia. He and his county colleagues missed the early sessions because of their championship commitments and on the day of the final trial, they attended the funeral of Oisin McConville's father in Crossmaglen.

It will be a major surprise if he doesn't figure in Ireland's plans this October. But tomorrow is the focus. And for a man who has said about football: "The only thing you can really get out of it is an All-Ireland medal," that focus will be intense.