Like Tyrone, Armagh pulled in a new management team over the close season but so much for a transition time in the two Ulster counties, the record in the Suzuki national league speaks for itself,  played  five won three drew one and lost one and is it a real surprise that Tyrone and Armagh will meet again this weekend for a place in the last four.

Jim Finnegan was appointed at the end of last year and the former county star has been happy with the way Armagh have responded to him and the way they have rolled up their sleeves in this national league campaign. Finnegan was also impressed by Tyrone last Sunday as the sides played out a thrilling draw a Crossmaglen, but it was his Armagh side that finished stronger in their final league clash,

“Yes we finished stronger there against Tyrone but it was a good game, it was a game of high intensity throughout too and I have to say that it wont be the last time we face Tyrone in 2008”

A hint there perhaps to the Ulster championship this Summer but there’s plenty of football that has to be played before that, Finnegan admitted he is happy to be playing Tyrone again though this weekend again,

“ Its better than looking for challenge games at this stage in the season, we are aiming to develop as a new unit and competitive football is the way to do that, we want  to reach the semi-final but I know it will be very hard to get past this Tyrone side, they are an improving force but I am looking forward to it”

Also looking forward to the game is Michaela O’Neill, she admits though that it will be another big test,

“ That was a good game for us, we have take plenty from it , we had the chances to beat Armagh but we conceded soft enough frees, that proved costly but I know we have the players to deliver.”

There is expected to be one enforced change though as Eilish Gormley is set to miss out after picking up a knock on Sunday.