Are Armagh now just a second tier team?

Dublin 0-14

Armagh 0-11

A tentative Dublin side ended Armagh’s All-Ireland run in Croke Park on Saturday in a game which was tense throughout despite never reaching its high pre-match billing.

Bernard Brogan senior was at midfield for the Dubs when Armagh reached the decider back in 1977, but an unchecked Bernard Brogan junior gained revenge this time around, cracking over 9 points for the Metropolitans as Armagh essentially fell on their own sword with unforced errors and lost possession.

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At one stage, Armagh had led the game by four points with Dublin looking particularly vulnerable.

Orchard supporters have began to wonder if the success achieved in 2002 is to be an isolated high point in the county’s history as the team slide further down the pecking order both at provincial and national level.

While some fans believe that an amount of progress has been made under Paddy O’Rourke, a Division Two win over Down and a cavalier victory over Donegal in the Championship are the only high points of the campaign.

Whilst both of last Saturday’s participants can look at mistakes or chances which had an overall impact on the outcome, one particular incident stood out.

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With Armagh attempting a late onslaught Brian Mallon’s effort, which was cleared off the line by in-rushing Dublin defender Philly McMahon in the dying minutes, turned the game on its head.

Several of Armagh’s starting fifteen had performed well below par. Andy Mallon, who has struggled this season, had no answer to Bernard Brogan.

Both Brendan Donaghy and Vincent Martin had their moments but Paul Duffy, who has been impressive to date, lost possession in crucial positions on a number of occasions.

It was not a good day either for Charlie Vernon. Aaron Kernan is off form, and up front Jamie Clarke looked skilful but has still got a long way to go.

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Armagh are crying out for a recognised free-kick taker, especially from the 45’. Steven McDonnell’s set piece ratio is questionable, particularly in big games.

Positives, however, surround the contribution made by Ciaran McKeever, who showed leadership throughout and scooped a Dublin effort off the goal line in the second half.

Gareth Swift continues to improve and Brian Mallon looked totally committed following his period of suspension. Mallon struck a great first half point but was foiled for what looked like a match-winning goal.

A disappointing crowd of 26,000 turned up on the day, the fans witnessed both sides surrendering possession on a number of occasions.

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Six different Armagh players found themselves on the scoresheet but apart from Dubs ‘keeper Cluxton, who knocked over a 45’, only Bernard Brogan registered for Dublin in the opening period.

It was obvious that Dublin manager Pat Gilroy had been working on his team’s upper-body strength during the Winter break. They outmuscled Armagh throughout the game and Gilroy’s plan to play a lot of less recognisable players, which has brought some criticism from the Dublin fans, would appear to be paying dividends.

The Dubs had quality players on the bench and Flynn, Andrews and Fennell all scored after being introduced.

As the Armagh players return to club football, almost six full months will pass before another county game is witnessed.

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Even with Steven McDonnell, the sole survivor from 2002, denying rumours of retirement, a fully fit Ronan Clarke will be crucial for a renewed campaign in 2011.

Although looking forward to Division One football next year, Armagh are now viewed as a second-tier team in All-Ireland standards and last weekend’s defeat in Croke Park has strengthened this theory.

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