Armagh deserve praise -

Canavan

Peter Canavan feels that Armagh should be congratulated for their Ulster final win regardless of the disappointment and furore in Tyrone over their provincial decider defeat and the ’inconsistency’ of the match referee.

The All-Ireland winning captain in his monthly column in Hogan Stand magazine admitted that Tyrone had to accept that since they could not get the better of Joe Kernan’s side, then they have to take their hat off and congratulate the Orchard County.

“Tyrone had two opportunities to beat Armagh and we failed to do so,” commented Canavan. “Therefore I congratulate Armagh and believe they are worthy Ulster champions.

“No team has probably ever taken a tougher route to win a provincial title. They played six games defeating the All-Ireland champions of two years ago plus Derry, Fermanagh and Donegal - teams that have appeared in All-Ireland semi-finals in recent years. The achievement of winning five Ulster titles in seven years is a remarkable accomplishment as I consider Ulster to be the toughest and most competitive province to compete in.”

When looking for a reason behind Armagh’s success, Canavan feels that Kieran McGeeney’s leadership and dedication are crucial.

“When looking for reasons for this remarkable level of consistency – one must look no further than their captain Kieran McGeeney.

“It would be an insult to refer to McGeeney as an amateur sportsman. He has captained Armagh to four Ulster titles, a feat that has never been done before or is ever likely to be done again. His continued dedication and leadership is inspiring to those around him in Armagh’s’ pursuit of the Sam Maguire.”

While loath to put the blame for Tyrone’s loss at anyone else’s door but their own, Canavan feels that some of the widespread criticism of the Ulster final replay referee Michael Collins was justified.

“In the aftermath of the Ulster final ’good common sense’ was not the term of reference used to describe the qualities of the refereeing performance,” commented Canavan.

“Whilst I can be accused of being partisan the analysts on TV covering the game cannot. In my opinion their criticism of Michael Collins performance was merited and the inconsistency of the Cork man tarnished a great game of football. My disappointment with the referee must not take away from a great Armagh victory.”