ARMAGH'S victory on Saturday was just what the county needed.
Armagh can only beat what is in front of them and while Donegal were woeful we played some nice football and did what we had to do.
Once Jamie Clarke got the two goals the game was over as a contest and Armagh never looked like losing. In fact, they killed the game off, which was important, because traditionally, even when we were winning Ulster titles, we were not great at putting teams to the sword.
It seems with Paddy O'Rourke's Armagh team that when we start well we continue to play well, with the notable exception being what happened against Monaghan at the start of the month.
Maybe the Monaghan game was just a blip and we aren't as bad as we looked that day, but we will find out later in the qualifiers and I fully expect us to get past Fermanagh.
Clarke had an exceptional game, Franny Hanratty was excellent in making his debut but my Man of the Match was Gareth Swift.
He had a tremendous game against Donegal, and while he may not automatically spring to mind as one of the stars, he as been one of Armagh's best players this season and Swift deserves a lot of credit.
Hanratty was good and as we have said before, any team wants their half forward line to look dangerous, and on Saturday that was achieved. Each time Franny won possession he looked like he could turn on the magic and with Swift and Aaron Kernan playing well we looked a strong attacking force. While Hanratty didn't score, he earned a lot of frees and I'm confident we will see much more of Hanratty.
I want to wish Armagh senior hurlers and Armagh Minor footballers the best of luck for the coming weekend. The hurlers take on London in the Nicky Rackard Cup Final in Croke Park, and victory would give the players and county ample reward for the work they have put in over the past six or seven years.
The minors play Cavan in the Ulster semi-final at 7pm in Clones on Sunday evening. It's a strange time to have the match, but it allows everyone to follow their club football during the day and then be able to support the minors.
I took the Minors for a training session on Saturday morning and they are looking sharp and fit and are improving all the team.
Paul McShane and Kieran Robinson have worked wonders with these lads and have instilled belief, much like last year's AllIreland winning minor team. They will get it tough against Cavan but if they play to their ability they should have enough to progress to the Ulster Final on Sunday, July 18.