Tears speak louder than words for Armagh coach McDonnell

Coach Peter McDonnell revealed how Armagh players fell to their knees and wept in the dressing room after knocking old rivals Tyrone out of the Championship.

Armagh’s three-point qualifier win was their most significant in the Championship since McDonnell managed the county to their last Ulster title in 2008.

The current team management, headed up by Paul Grimley, maintained their ongoing vow of silence after the weekend breakthrough in Omagh.

But, speaking to Linwoods Armagh TV, McDonnell agreed it was a landmark day for the Orchard County who were yesterday drawn to play Roscommon in Round 3B.

“There’s been a lot of criticism levelled against them (players) and they haven’t stopped,” said McDonnell. “When you walk into a dressing room after an event like this and see lads on their hands and knees crying because of how much it meant to them, there’s something to be truly proud of. People should appreciate how lucky they are that regardless of where we are in the history of Armagh football that there’s young lads there prepared to put life and limb on the line for their county. And the least they can expect is to be embraced and supported by their own.”

Armagh overcame Cavan in Ulster but that game was marred by a fracas beforehand. Both sides received fines and suspensions and Armagh’s media ban appears to be linked to the coverage they received.