ARMAGH defender Aaron McKay believes that progression to a first Ulster final since 2008 is absolutely essential for the Orchard squad as they prepare for this weekend's semi-final clash with Monaghan.
A crowd of 2,300 will be in Páirc Esler on Saturday to watch Kieran McGeeney and Séamus McEnaney's sides battle it out for a spot in the final, and the Dromintee half-back is envisioning an atmosphere like those he experienced whilst on the terraces of Clones watching Joe Kernan's great Orchard team – even if the numbers are reduced.
"It's massive for us. When you were growing up you were watching all the O'Rourkes (Cathal, Aidan, Martin and Micheal) in Ulster finals year in, year out. Probably Armagh fans took it for granted, they were in an Ulster final nearly every year.
"As a young fan watching you were thinking it's great and this always going to be happening. We haven't been in an Ulster final since 2008 and there is probably pressure building.
"Even before the Ulster Championship threw in, people were telling you that this was the easiest opportunity for Armagh to get an Ulster final. A bit like England in the Euros, it was a failure if Armagh didn't get to the final. Our own county men were saying that to ourselves.
"Even a few years ago against Cavan, the first drawn game, we threw it away. It was a great opportunity to get to an Ulster final.
"I was chatting to Brendan Donaghy last week, I think he's the only man in the whole squad now with an Ulster medal and has played in an Ulster final. If you compare our squad with the Monaghan squad, they have two Ulster victories. That will stand to them.
"I know some of them have moved on but they still have that core group of lads who have played in Ulster finals and have won them.
"There is a bit of inexperience but there is huge expectancy from Armagh fans to deliver. We're just hopeful we can get through the game."
McKay didn't play in last year's heavy semi-final loss to Donegal having lost his spot in the side. He admits that the 2020 season provided plenty of set-backs, and he is hoping to continue his renaissance in Newry.
"I was suspended for the McKenna Cup, so I missed the start of it. Then I got another suspension for something else and missed more games.
"To be honest when I did get back in, and I think it was the Laois game, I was just terrible. I just wasn't playing at the level required. That's the way the squad is now, it's so competitive that if you're not delivering the goods you can't be playing. That's a healthy thing, you can't be complaining.
"It's about what is best for the team and if you're not playing up to the standard then you're not going to be playing.
"Obviously Covid hit and there was a big break in the league. I was working hard to keep myself fit and to get myself back to that level during lockdown, runs and that.
"I felt that I was moving well with the club when things did get back. Then we were supposed to play Roscommon and I ended up getting Covid. It completely rattled me, I just lost a load of weight, had no endurance in me, no diesel. I probably shouldn't have played in that Roscommon game.
"If you tell 'Geezer' you're okay he'll take your word for it, but it was nearly under false pretences that I was back at that level. I wasn't.
"2020 was a frustrating year in terms of football. Your season was cut short after that Donegal game, another lockdown, more runs on your own, more GPS, having to forward on data. Starting from scratch all over again.
"You just put the head down and get on with it, you can't complain about it. The squad this season is so competitive like, again if you're not playing well you're out.
"We have been unfortunate with some injuries. Shieldsy (Mark Shields) had a really bad injury, Aidan Forker, in the Tyrone game boys were just dropping like flies and we weren't even at half time.
"Boys just need to be ready to jump in, know their role and know what their position demands of them. The competitiveness in the squad at the minute is unbelievable."
