36 out of 37 — Crossmaglen's winning record that encourages complacency

IT was over an hour after the end of last year’s Ulster final and the delighted whoops and roars from the Crossmaglen dressing-room were still to be heard around the Athletics Ground in Armagh.

The win in extra-time against Scotstown had brought Cross an 11th Ulster title since 1996 and maintained their impeccable and incredible record of never actually losing an Ulster final.

In fact, counting Armagh and All-Ireland finals they’ve won 36 of the last 37 deciders they’ve contested, their one setback the 2009 All-Ireland final. And yet after eventually putting Scotstown away they celebrated like it was their first step onto the winners’ podium.