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Last Updated: Sunday, 11 July, 2004, 10:50 GMT 11:50 UK
Donegal plot Armagh upset
Kieran McGeeney (left) tangles with Adrian Sweeney
Live: BBC2 NI, Radio Ulster MW and on this website.
Croke Park
Sunday, 11 June
Throw-in: 1430BST

Donegal will aim to get revenge on Armagh when the counties meet in Sunday's Ulster Championship final at Croke Park in Dublin.

Armagh beat Donegal in the Championship in the 2002 final and again in an enthralling 2003 semi-final.

Many had anticipated a final between Armagh and All-Ireland champions Tyrone but Donegal tore up the script by beating the holders in the semi-finals.

Now they want to return to their title-winning ways of the early nineties.

Brian McEniff's side have improved their strength and the performances against both Antrim and Tyrone have revealed the fruits of a tough training regime.

Donegal will not now be muscled out of the game which makes them much more formidable opponents, particularly now their stamina will not be found wanting.

"This does not mean we will be basing our game on a predominantly physical approach,'' said McEniff.

''It just means that we do not want to find ourselves at a disadvantage in the physical stakes.

I wonder if there are any favourites any more
Joe Kernan

The game is a re-run of the All-Ireland semi-final of last season when Armagh won a thriller 2-10 to 1-09.

But while Armagh have not be as dominant so far in the Championship, the return of Kieran McGeeney will put a spring in their step when they run out to play an Ulster final which will be played at headquarters for the first time.

''The pitch is wider at Croke Park than anywhere else and we should use that space to our advantage," added McEniff.

''We will suffer if we make into a physical confrontation with Armagh. But on the other hand we have progressed since last year's semi-final defeat.

''As usual we will give them the respect they deserve, but will not show any fear.''

Armagh boss Joe Kernan has dismissed claims that his side go in as big favourites.

''Donegal showed against Tyrone that they are a top-class side,'' he said. ''I wonder if there are any favourites any more.

''Look at the way the Championship has panned out this year.

''But at least we have some of our key players back in action. These boys have plenty of experience of Croke Park and that will be a big help to us.''


Armagh: P Hearty; E McNulty, P Bellew, A Mallon; K Hughes, K McGeeney, A O'Rourke; P Loughran, P McGrane; P McKeever, T McEntee, O McConville; S McDonnell, R Clarke, D Marsden.

Donegal: P Durcan; N McCready, R Sweeney, D Diver; E McGee, B Monaghan, S Carr; B Boyle, S McDermott; C Toye, M Hegarty, B Roper; C McFadden, A Sweeney, B Devenney.

Referee: Michael Collins (Cork).




SEE ALSO
McGeeney starts for Armagh
08 Jul 04  |  Gaelic Games
Donegal name McDermott
07 Jul 04  |  Gaelic Games
Lucky Armagh survive
13 Jun 04  |  Gaelic Games


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