ARMAGH EYE SEMI PLACE

But on the touchline a former Orchard County stalwart will be helping to plot their downfall.

Back in 2002, Armagh’s first ever Senior All-Ireland success was delivered by manager Joe Kernan and his assistant Paul Grimley. Kieran McGeeney had the honour of being the first Armagh captain to raise the Sam Maguire. All three have, in the meantime, moved on to pastures new.

Joe Kernan is with Galway, ‘Geezer’ is targeting a Leinster title with Kildare, whilst Paul Grimley will be with Monaghan on Sunday alongside team manager Seamus McEneaney.

“I am with Monaghan at the moment and that’s where my priorities lie,” Grimley told the ‘Mail’. “Firstly I would like to state that Paddy O’Rourke should be commended for the job he has done so far with Armagh.

“He came in at a difficult time following all the controversy but he concentrated on the football end of things which is to his credit.

“When Seamus McEneaney approached me last year regarding the Monaghan set-up, it was casual at first but then I was given a deadline, so I agreed to join the management team. To be honest, I can’t see myself being involved in managing Armagh sides in the future.”

Known as a shrewd tactician, the Armagh City native said he was surprised that Armagh decided against Clones as the venue for Sunday’s game.

“To be honest I thought Armagh would have brought the game to Clones. Over the years they’ve had a great record there, certainly better than Monaghan’s. I thought it was a strange decision,” he said.

Last season the Farney County ended Armagh’s season with the then team boss Peter McDonnell claiming that he had been ‘sabotaged’ by what he described as elements ‘too powerful to overcome’.

But Paul Grimley believes that only football will have a bearing on Sunday’s outcome.

“Genuine football people don’t talk about revenge. Armagh will be hoping to get their tactics right as will Monaghan,” he said.

“To analyse events both on and off the field last season certainly won’t help either side on Sunday.”

Paul Grimley will be looking for a Farney win and, irrespective of events in Celtic Park last time out, Sunday’s game will be Paddy O’Rourke’s biggest test as Armagh manager.

A non-defensive game may suit a more mobile Monaghan outfit. A single score may separate the sides.

The winners will go on to face either Cavan or Fermanagh in the semi-final.The throw-in on Sunday at Casement Park is at 2pm.