Blaine Hughes: Caught in no man’s land when an early Ultan Kelm cross was plucked out of the air by Smyth, but Fermanagh couldn’t capitalise. Otherwise a straightforward afternoon. 7
Paddy Burns: Looked up for it from the off, tigerishly tearing into challenges, getting hands in and ensuring young Cassidy knew he was going to get nothing easy. Stepped forward to up the Armagh ante when Kelm was black carded. Impressive showing. 8
Aaron McKay: Made a brilliant goal-line block to stop Smyth rattling the net six minutes in, and kept the in-form Jones under lock and key. Replaced after picking up a second half yellow card. 7
Peter McGrane: Didn’t catch the eye as he has in previous games this year, but a comfortable afternoon’s work. 7
Cookstown joint-manager Jason Quinn doesn’t underestimate the challenge of Four Masters in the Ulster semi-final
“It was tough on my mum and dad. I knew I was self-destructing. And I also knew the next phase of that, if I had carried on, it was not being here. I was in a very dark place...” - the life and times of Caolan Mooney
Joe McElroy: Handed the task of curtailing the speedy Kelm. Found his pace too hot to handle a few times in the second half, but generally limited the attacking influence of the Erne Gaels man. 7
Ciaran Mackin: Goes about his business with the minimum of fuss and on hand to pick up scraps and land a couple of classy scores as the Orchard cemented their authority. 7.5
Aidan Forker: Played the game at his pace, reading the game well, timing moves forward and floating a couple of dangerous balls into the square to mix things up. 7
Rian O’Neill: Brought back into the starting fold, and helped Armagh establish a foothold around the middle as Fermanagh found themselves hemmed in. Curled over a classy score early on, a few others drifted just wide. 7.5
Ben Crealey: An important presence as Armagh forced Bogue long and dominated the aerial exchanges, providing a platform for what was to come as the first half wore on. 7
Stefan Campbell: His influence with and without the ball is key. With teams wary of what he can do, Campbell’s threat spreads and opens up spaces for others. Bagged a goal in the first half and clipped over two scores as Armagh headed for the finish line. 8
Rory Grugan: See Star Man
Conor Turbitt: A selfless runner, offering pace and width to the Armagh attack. His goal was laid on a plate by Grugan, fairly quiet otherwise. 7
Oisin Conaty: Quiet by high standards set during the League, with his electric pace kept at bay. 6.5
Jarly Og Burns: Proved a handful for Fermanagh in the first half, though even his dad couldn’t have missed the goal he tucked home from a yard out. Could possibly have added another. Great to see him playing with confidence again. 7.5
Andrew Murnin: Such an effective ball-winner, drifted in and out and caused bother wherever he went. Early score got Armagh up and running. 7.5
Substitutes
Oisin O’Neill: Put himself about. Scored point with last kick of the game. 6.5
Barry McCambridge: Came on and scored a point as Armagh eased across the line. 6.5
Connaire Mackin: Replaced O’Neill but didn’t get on much ball. 6
Aidan Nugent: Showed a few promising flashes during his short cameo. 6
Tiernan Kelly: Not on long enough to be rated.
STAR MAN
Rory Grugan (Armagh)
BARELY put a foot wrong. Passing was on point throughout as he conducted the Orchard orchestra, and it was his burst that laid on the first goal for Turbitt that really opened the floodgates. Oozed class. 8.5
