Former Kerry footballer and manager Eamon Fitzmaurice has backed Armagh to win the Ulster Championship this season.
2008 was the last time the Orchard County got their hands on the Anglo Celt Cup. They have failed to even reach the final in the intervening years.
They begin their journey against Donegal in Ballybofey this weekend, a tough assignment for Kieran McGeeney’s side.
Before the championship kicked off on Saturday evening, four of The Sunday Game pundits gave their predictions for the year.
All four called their winners for each of the provinces, with Fitzmaurice the only one to tip Armagh for Ulster.
Everyone picked Dublin and Kerry for the Leinster and Munster championships. Connaught and Ulster weren’t as straight forward.
Tips
Both Kevin McStay and Noelle Healy gave Donegal the nod ahead of the Ulster championship and expect them to defeat Armagh along the way.
“Whoever wins Donegal v Armagh has a tap-in of a semi-final against Cavan or Antrim,” said McStay.
“Donegal will be hugely primed for Armagh, and I think they will take Ulster,” continued the former Mayo forward.
Healy agreed and suggested the absence of the suspended trio Stefan Campbell, Aidan Mackin and Ciaran Mackin will be too big of a hurdle for Armagh to topple.
“Armagh could struggle with the few players missing and I’d fancy Donegal for Ulster.” Said the ex-Dublin star.
Four-time All-Star winner and recently retired Mayo defender believes that Tyrone will retain their crown this season.
Fitzmaurice
Fitzmaurice, who played against Armagh in the 2002 All-Ireland final, suggest Kieran McGeeney’s side can land some silverware this season.
“Kieran McGeeney will feel they are at the point where they have to get silverware on board because the development has been pretty consistent.”
Armagh impressive secured their division one spot, with early wins over Dublin and Tyrone proving crucial.
It’s all about the championship now. And Donegal will ask plenty of questions this weekend.
