TAKE KER TO AVOID THE FANFARE SAYS AARON

BY PAUL SHAUGHNESSY FORMER Armagh star Aaron Kernan believes controlling the hype surrounding the county will be key for the Orchard players at Croke Park tomorrow.

The Crossmaglen man (left) is a four-time Ulster SFC champion himself and knows well how the Armagh fans get behind their team.

“It’s probably the biggest obstacle the Armagh management are going to face,” he said. “To be fair, maybe (Padraic) Joyce in Galway is similar because realistically speaking, all four teams - I can guarantee you supporters and players in their own quiet time will be saying if we get over this game an All-ireland final is a real possibility,” added Kernan.

“In Armagh, it’s been hard to put a lid on it. It’s something management and players will be focussing in on the now, put all their concentration on Galway.”

The character shown by Kieran Mcgeeney’s men has impressed Kernan this summer.

“It’s not the fact that we’ve won, I think it’s the manner that we’ve won in and the style of football we’ve played,” he said.

“The aggression and manliness the boys have shown in a proper way has been huge in terms of generating excitement and enthusiasm from all across the county.”

Their kicking game has caught the eye among supporters and Kernan feels their style of play has excited many after they scored 4-45 on route to this weekend’s quarter-final.

“There is obviously a risk in kicking a ball long and the rewards are what we saw that day against Donegal when Rian (O’neill) kicked the ball into Rory (Grugan), and he put the ball into the top corner of the net.

“It showcased all the best that there is in Gaelic football.”