I WOULDN’T pay too much attention to the result of Sunday’s game against Galway in Clonmore.
Challenge games are just that and when I was playing I wasn’t worried whether we won or not.
Armagh had an understrength side and the Galway players were probably disappointed to play against a weakened side, considering they made the journey.
Both sides had games on Saturday night, and some of the Armagh players had training on Sunday morning as well as the match against the Tribesmen.
It may not have been fair to play so many fringe players but no doubt Paddy O’Rourke had his reasons.
I would like to wish Kevin McClorey the quickest of recoveries after being injured in the opening of Abbey’s impressive facilities.
The facilities are second to none and while John McEntee and I were at the school we didn’t see anything like what they have in place now.
I just hope that the school uses it properly and if they do then the Abbey can be back winning titles at Corn na nOg, Ranafast and MacRory level.
There will be a big crowd going to Pairc Esler on Saturday night for the Ulster Minor Championship clash against Monaghan.
It is a massive test for Armagh and if the lads are not focused they won’t win.
Monaghan are a tough side with a lot of neat and strong footballers but Armagh can be confident. We are as good as any team I have seen so far, and if the Orchard lads play to the best of their ability then they should come through.
Armagh manager Paul McShane will have his side well-drilled, and he is a great man for preparing his team. I expect a big game from captain Pete Carragher.
He came to the fore when we needed him against Derry and he will deliver again on Saturday.
It is disappointing that Armagh are not playing against Monaghan before the Senior Ulster Championship clash, but the Armagh lads aren’t complaining about it, so that is the most important thing.
Having met the lads they are remarkably mature and so far they have went about their preparations in the right direction.