Ward’s Donegal braced for Armagh repeat

By Shaun Casey

DONEGAL were deserving eight-points winners when they faced off against Armagh in the semi-final of the Ulster Minor League, but the championship is a different ball game, says Donegal boss Barry Ward.

Joseph Gibbons, Matthew Enright and Joe Doherty all raised green flags while star man Tomas Carr chipped in with 0-4 that day, although Donegal lost out to Tyrone by two points in the league final.

That familiarity with Armagh, who defeated Ward’s men last season in the Ulster Championship semi-final, means his team know exactly what to expect when they travel to the Cathedral City on Saturday.

“We played Armagh in the championship last year too, in the semi-final, and they came out on top that day,” said Ward. “We’ve had a bit of experience with Armagh and even in the league, but it’s championship now.

“The league is very competitive in Ulster, and it gives you great games and a chance to run the panel and see what you have, but everything is always building towards the championship, and it definitely brings another layer of intensity to it.”

Donegal hit a trio of three-pointers in the opening round of the Ulster Championship against Monaghan as they claimed a two-point victory, 3-10 to 3-8, to book their place in the second round.

Armagh, likewise, won their first-round clash with Antrim and had five points to spare over the Saffrons in the end. Both sides come into Saturday’s encounter with a championship victory already under their belts.

“That’s first round, it was key to get over it because you just don’t know,” added Ward. “Each team has prepared, and every team is aiming towards the championship and in the first-0round game, it’s so important to get over the line as it sets you up going forward.”

In the aforementioned league encounter, played at the end of March, it was Donegal who enjoyed home advantage over their Ulster rivals. This time around however, Armagh will enjoy the comforts of the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds.

While it’s a long spin for Ward and his team for a 12pm throw in time, he insists it isn’t an issue as Donegal are well used to travelling at this stage and they knew the possibilities before the draw took place.

The format of the competition has changed this season, with the four first-round winners now facing off in round two while the losers must make their way through the qualifiers.

“The winners went into a draw and the first two out got home advantage, so that’s Armagh and Tyrone this round. There was a bit of explaining to do to the lads around how it was all done.

“I suppose it was a bit simpler last year with the two groups but one of the things about Donegal is that we’re well used to travelling. The lads have to travel to training and every game is a bit of a spin so it’s not really of relevance to us, we’re well used to it.”