Ten years have passed since Armagh last crashed into the blue wave of Dublin, and they return to Croke Park this weekend.
Dublin hold a big place in the Armagh GAA story and blasts from the past immediately shoot into the mind.
That 2002 All-Ireland semi-final is one of the brightest parts of Armagh’s history, beating the Dubs in their backyard.
The last game between the two counties wasn’t as memorable however. Certainly not for the Armagh contingent that gathered in headquarters!
2012: Dublin 4-17 Armagh 1-10 (NFL R4)
A Diarmaid Connolly-inspired Dublin humiliated Paddy O’Rourke’s men and Armagh would ultimately be relegated.
Connolly ran riot and finished with 3-3. The hosts controlled the contest from start to finish, with Tomas Quinn also netting.
Caolan Rafferty raised a green flag in the second half while Brian Mallon top scored for the Orchard County with 0-4.
Only Brendan Donaghy, Aidan Forker and Stefan Campbell from Kieran McGeeney’s current squad played that day.
2011: Armagh 1-11 Dublin 2-12 (NFL R1)
Connolly was again on fire as Dublin travelled to the Athletic Grounds for the opening of Armagh’s newly revamped home ground.
The St Vincent’s star, along with the then Player of the Year Bernard Brogan, both hit the net in the four-point win.
Charlie Vernon rattled home a first half major for the hosts. His clubmate Gareth Swift top scored along with Steven McDonnell with 0-4 each.
Rory Grugan made his national league debut during that contest while Brendan Donaghy lined out at full back.
2010: Dublin 0-14 Armagh 0-11 (All-Ireland Qualifiers R2)
The 2010 encounter was the most recent of five championship meetings Armagh and Dublin have shared.
The two teams took very different directions after this clash. The Dubs secured their first of a string of All-Ireland titles in 2011 while Armagh were relegated from the top tier the following season.
Bernard Brogan almost matched Armagh’s tally by hitting 0-9 (4f) himself. Michael Fitzsimmons is the only Dublin player still lining out in 2022.
Philly McMahon cleared a Brian Mallon goal-bound effort off the line to secure victory for Pat Gilroy’s men.
2008: Armagh 3-13 Dublin 1-10 (NFL R4)
Goals from Steven McDonnell, Ronan Clarke and Charlie Vernon made this an easy outing in Crossmaglen.
Newly appointed Orchard manager Peter McDonnell got off to a mixed start in the league but fielded a quality outfit to down the Dubs.
Bernard Brogan netted Dublin’s only major as he finished with a personal haul of 1-3.
Five of Armagh’s starting team registered scores while all four Kernan brothers, Paul, Stephen, Aaron and Tony played from the start on their home patch.
