McGinnity revels in minor miracle that is Fermanagh

PETER McGINNITY is his county’s only Allstar, one of the outstanding midfielders of his generation and an award-winner (at right half-forward) in 1982.

But, he suspects he won't enjoy that distinction long more after Fermanagh's latest giant-killing act saw them claim the scalp of All-Ireland favourites Armagh in Saturday's absorbing contest in Croke Park. One of only two counties never to win a provincial title, they can look forward to a meeting against Mayo in a fortnight, knowing that they are no longer without hope of reaching the heady heights of an All-Ireland final appearance.

McGinnity, an Irish selector in the international series for the last two years but best known as co-commentator with former Armagh captain Jimmy Smyth on BBC Ulster television admits to being just as surprised as everybody else by the team's quite remarkable progression through the qualifier series. Remember that last year they suffered humiliating defeats in Croke Park at the hands of Tyrone, in the League semi-final and then the All-Ireland quarter-final. Earlier this year I saw them hammered by Kerry in the League in Killarney and they looked like a bad junior team.