Delight for McDonnell as normal service is resumed

ONE of the first men to make his way onto the field to congratulate Peter McDonnell yesterday was his predecessor Joe Kernan.

“Enjoy tonight,” were Big Joe’s parting words as the two men reflected on the county’s first championship win since 2006.

“I am extremely happy,” said McDonnell, whose taciturn nature could hardly be more different to the ebullient Kernan. “People suggested before this game that Armagh would have their sights set on other things and other days which was an absolute load of nonsense. Armagh had never won a championship game against Cavan here and they had lost their last three championship games, so we had no right to take Cavan for granted. Everything was put into this performance which was workmanlike and solid.”