Close encounters for the third time After failing to defeat Armagh on two previous occasions this summer, Tyrone fans travelled to Croke Park in their thousands seeking a reversal in fortunes. In both the Ulster final and the replay I felt Tyrone were marginally the better team and played the better football. It was Armagh however that played the football at the crucial stages - they finished strongly in both games resulting in their annexing the Anglo Celt cup. The All Ireland semi-final was the antithesis of the previous two games. This time Armagh dominated for long periods but had difficulty in turning their possession into scores. Tyrone's approach lacked the cohesion and fluency that permeated their play in the two Dublin games. Going into the last ten minutes, Armagh were on the ascendancy and had the look of winners. It was make or break time for Tyrone and to my relief the boys really stood up and displayed great character and maturity. The rub of the green that was missing in the Ulster Final encounters went our way this time, much to the delight of our ecstatic supporters. Post match, a few scribes picked up on the fact that it was more than just the spectators celebrating - many of our players were jumping for joy immediately after the final whistle. After competing in such a tense and exciting match and to win a game of such magnitude when all seemed lost a few minutes previously, it is difficult not to show your feelings of relief and unbridled joy. For Tyrone to have lost this game after all that had gone on this summer would have been gut wrenching. Needless to say Mickey Harte wasn't long in reminding us that no medals or trophies were been given out and that Kerry would be a completely different proposition. Whilst devastated at not reaching another All-Ireland Armagh can take some consolation from the fact that they are both Ulster Champions and National League winners for 2005. Most counties would be more than satisfied with this achievement but not Armagh - so high are their expectations. The next few months will have a huge bearing on the future direction of Armagh football. Joe Kernan and his management team will have time to reflect on the big decision around whether or not they remain at the helm. Only Joe will know if the desire is within him but he will have been encouraged with the development and progress made by the younger members of the Orchard County this summer. His decision could ultimately depend on decisions taken by a few of the elder statesmen within the Armagh panel. If Joe is to stay, there is no doubt he will be looking to the likes of McGeeney, McGrane and McNulty to provide the leadership. The outcome of their intentions for 2006 will surely have a big bearing on Joes decision. Armagh are now the benchmark for so many teams in terms of preparation and organisation. For raising the bar to another level they deserve credit - they even took advice from a professional image consultant - such was their thirst for knowledge in order to improve in any way possible. The word "amateur" does not do justice to the efforts made by teams like Armagh nor does it reflect accurately the time and work spent by so many management teams around the country. In the aftermath of the All-Ireland semi final, I spoke to a number of the Armagh players and they were extremely disappointed but gracious in defeat. Recently I was privileged to be part of a discussion panel along with the great Mick O'Dwyer and was delighted to hear him champion the cause of GAA players - Dessie Farrell could do worse than appoint Micko as an honorary member of the GPA. Listening to Micko left me somewhat awestricken - the man's love of the game is so deep and the infectious enthusiasm he displays is remarkable. From one long serving county manager to another - no make that the longest - Sean Boylan. Sean's decision to retire as manager of Meath county footballers has brought to an end the longest ever reign for an inter county manager. Like Micko, Sean just can't help himself but talk about the GAA. His success with the Royals is well documented. He thoroughly enjoyed being in charge of the great All-Ireland winning Meath teams with Lyons, O'Rourke and McEntee to the fore. No one could question the ability of the Meath team in the late 80's - they had quality throughout the field. But Boylan's greatest hour in my opinion was taking a relatively young and inexperienced squad to All Ireland glory in 1996. At the start of that year very few were predicting Meath as eventual winners - Boylan had other ideas. One of the many qualities that Boylan possessed was his humility. Sean Boylan's facial expressions after a game seldom differed. Win, lose or draw he had a smile on his face, shook hands and was ready to speak to anyone. The fact that none of the players he managed were willing to put their names forward against him in the race for management indicates how much respect the man is held in. Two mangers with no such thoughts of retirement, at the moment, are Mickey Harte and Jack O'Connor. In the weeks leading up to the big day both men will ensure that no stone is left unturned in order that their charges perform to their full potential. In Tyrone, the excitement is obvious among our loyal supporters with the hunt for tickets occupying many of their minds. There is a great sense of anticipation in the county but this is mellowed with the realisation that we are taking on the current All-Ireland champions and that it will take a special performance to dethrone them. Finally as a neutral I thoroughly enjoyed the All-Ireland hurling final and congratulate Cork on a fabulous victory. I sincerely hope that the football final proves to be as entertaining but that their Munster neighbours do not emulate their back to back titles! Tweet

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