Canavan stills the storm

THERE was one moment less than ten minutes from the end of the affair in Croke Park yesterday when even the great stadium appeared to take a deep breath.

Looking down to the sidelines, I saw Joe Kernan and Mickey Harte desperately trying to get messages to their players. All around us, supporters were doing the same, clearly not realising the futility of their demented efforts. The din was incredible, followers whipped into a frenzy by the passion and effort of the players beneath them. Championship football, tight and taut. It made the hairs stand on the back of your neck.

Yesterday's All-Ireland semi-final was theatre on a grand scale, both Armagh and Tyrone running themselves ragged before 68,000 enthralled spectators.