Nugent: 'You need to knuckle down and work and fair play, the boys said this is what we want to do'

That was way back in November of 2022 when, following relegation from the senior ranks, the players got together for pre-season training and, with a number of key figures returning to the setup, talked about going well beyond a mere Armagh intermediate title.

Aidan Nugent of Cullyhanna pictured ahead of the AIB All-Ireland Club IFC Final, between Cill na Mathra and St Patrick's Cullyhanna. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

That St Pat's Cullyhanna are Ulster champions and preparing for Sunday's AIB All-Ireland club intermediate final isn't entirely a surprise to Aidan Nugent.

He hasn't taken their historic run to Croke Park and date with Cork's Cill na Martra for granted but did predict a long season at the beginning of it all.