IT’S been quite some time since a Tyrone-Armagh game has captured the public imagination like Sunday’s Division One clash at the Athletic Grounds.

The Red Hands have dominated the rivalry in recent times, so much so that it had almost become predictable in nature, but Armagh’s swashbuckling victory over Dublin last Saturday night has undoubtedly energised things and Sunday’s match should be one almighty battle.

While it’s still early in their respective league campaigns, there’s a sense this is a crucial game for both teams – if Tyrone lose, they’ll be playing catch up after sharing the spoils with Monaghan on their first day out last weekend, while victory for Division One newcomers Armagh would represent a massive step towards survival. And from a neutral perspective also, it should make for fascinating viewing – the mooted battle between Padraig Hampsey and Rian O’Neill just one of many potential subplots this weekend.

Former Tyrone goalkeeper Pascal McConnell – the man who guarded the nets in that incredible All-Ireland semi-final meeting between the teams in 2005 – was impressed by Armagh’s expansive attacking game against the Dubs, but he isn’t so sure that they’ll be afforded similar space this Sunday.

“They delivered the ball so directly with so much accuracy. That diagonal ball brings a different dynamic to forward play, it’s the most difficult ball to defend against and if they get a run on you they can be very difference.

“But at the same time, the Athletic Grounds is a smaller pitch that Croke Park. Both sets of players could go defensive when the ball is relinquished and it could become quite claustrophobic and nervy. It could be a terrible game to watch but at the same time there’s two sets of forwards who have the ability to completely ignite it and turn it into a great spectacle.”

In an interview prior to last year’s All-Ireland, Armagh legend Oisin McConville said that there was “hatred” both on-and-off the field between the two counties during the halcyon days of the noughties. Pascal McConnell says it’s not an opinion he can emphasise with.

“I’ve heard that touched upon by certain players involved in that era, but I know from a personal sense, it never entered my own mind.

“I felt the rivalry was one of great respect. I’d grown up watching the likes of Kieran McGeeney, Paul McGrane, the McEntee brothers, Oisin McConville and Diarmaid Marsden. I’d great admiration and respect for those lads and what they achieved.

“It was a barren spell for Tyrone at that time and I’d great respect for the way Armagh kept going to the well and finally reached the Holy Grail in 2002.”