ARMAGH’S Niall Grimley feels that there is more to come from his side ahead of Saturday’s Round Three Qualifier against Clare.
The Madden midfielder was in inspirational form when he came off the bench at Markievicz Park to kick (0-6, 0-4 frees) and while happy to be still in the competition he is confident the Orchard men can improve.
“We were probably in and around third or fourth gear there [against Sligo] and we know ourselves that we can lift it up,” said Grimley.
“There are boys coming back from injuries and it takes 20 to 21 men to win games, so we are delighted to be able to bring boys on and kick points.
“Even the likes of Stephen Sheridan, he has come back after a terrible long injury and he kicked a nice score and that is great for the team.”
The Madden midfielder was disappointed with his red card in the Ulster Championship defeat to Fermanagh and he was forced to miss the win over Westmeath, something he didn’t enjoy.
“Against Fermanagh I was disappointed with my stupid red card and it wasn’t easy sitting it out against Westmeath, but I am delighted that Geezer gave me the opportunity to come on as a sub [against Sligo] and I had to take it,” Grimley said.
“It is what it is and hopefully I can play my way back into the team.”
Armagh impressed on the road with their wins against Westmeath (3-16 to 1-11) and Sligo (1-19 to 1-13) and while Clare will be a much sterner test, with Grimley back and in form, Stephen Sheridan bolstering up midfield and Crossmaglen’s Paul Hughes close to fitness, they are edging closer to a place in the Super 8. It’s something that looked unlikely after the loss to Fermanagh in May.
Yet the 23-year-old Grimley refuses to look that far ahead and isn’t reading too much into the recent momentum gained from wins on the road.
“We just have to take it one game at a time and we will go again on Saturday and all we can do is focus on that game, stay injury free and take our chances on the day,” said Grimley.
“It was probably only a few weeks ago against Fermanagh when we weren’t outstanding, but then we went to Westmeath and we got the win, we came to Sligo and got the win and we will take Saturday as it comes and hopefully we will play well enough to get the win.”
The versatile Grimley has become a key player since making his Armagh debut in the Dr McKenna Cup in 2013. He played for Joe Kernan’s Ireland International Rules team last winter and insisted that he is loving playing for his county and he takes huge encouragement from the loyal Armagh supporters.
“It is great, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it,” Grimley said.
“Obviously it is a lot of sacrifice but all those sacrifices are definitely worth it. Without the fans it is probably not worth it and it is like a 16th man whenever you take a nice score and you hear them cheer. We appreciate the fans and it is great to give them a day out too.”
