Kernan leads the Orchard County to their first All-Ireland final appearance since 1977

AT half time in Croke Park yesterday, Armagh manager Joe Kernan pulled the jersey he wore in the All-Ireland final against Dublin 25 years ago out of his bag and showed it to his players.

“This is precious to me. I want every one of you to wear these colours on All-Ireland final day. To do that you have to go out there and beat Dublin.”

It was a ploy calculated to draw an added ounce of desire from his Ulster champions, and the former Crossmaglen coach has no doubts that it worked.