10 YEARS AGO

KIERAN McGeeney’s first league campaign as Armagh manager culminated in a Division Three title as they defeated Fermanagh 0-16 to 0-11 at Croke Park in the final.

The win was impressive against the Erne County, who were also in their first year under Pete McGrath, as defender Finnian Moriarty was sent off after just 27 minutes.

“Any time you play here in a big game, to have those memories is important,” said McGeeney afterwards – and how true it was with the likes of Aidan Forker, Andrew Murnin and Ethan Rafferty learning to win there some nine years before they claimed Sam on the same pitch.

Thomas Treacy made good saves to deny Murnin and Kevin Dyas, but Ciaran McKeever’s half-time introduction iesured that they wouldn’t be denied as the Orchard County ran out comfortable winners.

There was no such joy for Down in the Division Two final as they lost 1-17 to 0-15 against Roscommon at HQ.

Jim McCorry’s side suffered a significant blow before throw-in as play-maker Mark Poland was hospitalised after being hit in the eye with a football during the warm-up.

There were fears of a detached retina, but the Longstone man was released that night after being given the all clear.

His talent was missed though as Roscommon, minus some big names, proved too strong with Down not really able to recover from the loss of Brendan McArdle to a red card.

In the Division One final, Dublin issued a warning as they hammered Cork 1-21 to 2-7.

Both Rebel goals came in the second half when the game was long over as a contest.

20 YEARS AGO

ARMAGH set up a shot at a first Division One title after a 0-19 to 0-14 win over Mayo at Croke Park.

Wexford were also set to chase a first title after shocking Tyrone a week earlier, with Armagh’s game against the Connacht side delayed a week due to weather conditions.

On a crisp afternoon, the sides went toe to toe before Joe Kernan’s side pushed down the accelerator late on with Stevie McDonnell turning in a player of the match display.

The likes of Malachy Mackin, John McEntee, Kieran McGeeney and Oisín McConville, despite a late penalty miss, also caught the eye on a day when the Orchard County sniped 16 points from play.

It was a good weekend all round for Armagh as their hurlers maintained their unbeaten Division 3B record following a 3-13 to 3-5 win over Louth despite losing Brendan Mallon to a red card early in the second half.

Fermanagh claimed the NHL Division Three Shield after a 1-18 to 0-15 win over Leitrim, Jason McManus with the goal.

The Erne footballers came unstuck in the Division Two semi-final against Meath in Clones though with the Royals having five points to spare in the end.

Fermanagh had won their five previous games against Meath so made the short trip to St Tiernach’s Park with plenty of confidence, but they found Trevor Giles and co. too elusive.

Monaghan would be awaiting Meath in the final after their surprise win over Derry.

Also played in Clones, the Oriel County won 1-13 to 1-11 to qualify for the Croke Park decider.

A perfect start proved crucial as Tommy Freeman burst the net in the opening seconds and they showed great character to hold off their opponents given that Rory Woods received his marching orders after just 19 minutes.

Paul Murphy’s goal early in the second half did spark a Derry revival and they cut the gap to one with minutes remaining, but sub Nicholas Corrigan sealed the deal for the home side.

30 YEARS AGO

THE GAA was forced to apologise after thousands of fans were unable to get into Semple Stadium for the NHL Division One semi-final between Clare and Waterford.

Stewarding issues caused major delays and, it was reported, in the end many were admitted for free to allow for the flow of people into the ground.

GAA press officer Danny Lynch apologised for the delays and said steps were being taken to address the issues although maybe Waterford fans would have been glad of the delay after the Banner tanked them by 12 points.

In the McKenna Cup semi-final, Derry just saw off a battling Tyrone

Eamonn Burns’ first-half goal had helped the Oakleafers into a nine-point interval lead, but inspired by goal-scorer Ciaran McBride and centre half-back Feargal Logan, Tyrone fought back before coming up short on a 1-13 to 1-11 scoreline.

The game was a dress rehearsal for their Division One semi-final the following week with Derry’s final date with Monaghan to come later in the season.

Cavan and Donegal played out a 1-9 draw in the Ulster U21 final with the Tir Chonaill County left most relieved with the replay date.

Cavan had led 1-6 to 0-4 at the break at Brewster Park with Dermot McCabe grabbing their goal, but James Ruane raised a green flag for Donegal in the second half to spark a comeback.