Clodagh can’t wait for Ulster final day

ARMAGH are getting used to lining out on the big days, but their defensive rock Clodagh McCambridge insists the Orchard County aren’t taking it for granted.

Armagh are chasing their fourth Ulster title in a row and for the third consecutive year, Donegal stand between them and the trophy.

“For us, we’ve had experiences that haven’t been as positive as they have been in recent years and it’s always something that we have in the back of our minds that we won’t forget,” said McCambridge.

“You’d never take it for granted going into an Ulster final, it’s always a massive day and we’re really looking forward to showcasing what we can do.

“It’s not something we would necessarily take for granted, it’s always going to be a big occasion and we’re lucky to have featured in the past few.

“But Sunday is just another opportunity to go out and hopefully win a bit of silverware.”

Last year’s provincial showpiece was decided after extra time while Armagh needed a late score to secure a one-point win in the 2021 final. “It’s been the finest of margins between us over the last few years so we’re not expecting anything different this year,” added McCambridge.

Armagh have gone from strength to strength over the past few years while Donegal struggled in Division One this season, suffering relegation. Shane McCormack’s side dismantled Donegal when the sides met in the group stages recently, and Armagh are expecting a reaction this weekend.

“It was probably a different dynamic the last day out, they already had a game under their belt, and we were coming into the game fresh and it probably a bit of a step up for us as well considering that they’ve played in Division One all year.

“We were maybe going into the unknown as to how it was going to go but we’ll not be reading too much into that, it’ll be a completely different game this time around.

“There are always fierce battles with us, especially if you look at the last two finals and they’ve had that experience of Division One football, regardless of how their season has gone.

“They’re a step up from what we’ve faced considering we were competing in Division Two, so we’ll certainly not be underestimating them in any way.”

Armagh’s Division Two crown and promotion to the top tier has filled the team with confidence. “It’s one of those things that we’ve targeted over the past few years, and we just haven’t been able to make that final step, especially last year, getting to the final and being beaten.

“It was great to have the opportunity of a regular league format, getting all those seven games under our belts and then finishing it off with the final as well.

“We’ve definitely built up a lot of momentum and hopefully we can keep that going into the weekend. It’s definitely been massive for the confidence of players and hopefully we can keep that going.”