Armagh are back in the Ulster Senior Football Championship final for the fourth consecutive year, hoping to finally turn heartbreak into triumph. After three straight defeats in the provincial decider, they face Monaghan on Sunday in Clones with redemption on their minds.
In sport, there's no room for sentiment—only results matter. Armagh's footballers know this better than most. Despite capturing the county's second-ever All-Ireland title in 2024, the Ulster final has been a source of crushing disappointment for three years running. It's not just the losses that hurt; it's the way they've unfolded.
The Orchard County's last taste of Ulster glory came in 2008, when Paul McGrane lifted the Anglo-Celt Cup for the 14th time. Fifteen long years passed before Armagh returned to the final stage, only to be met with a string of agonising near-misses.
In 2023, Kieran McGeeney's men faced defending champions Derry in a pulsating decider. The match went to penalties, and Oak Leaf goalkeeper Odhran Lynch emerged as the hero, leaving Armagh empty-handed. A year later, it was a similar story against Donegal. Jim McGuinness's side prevailed in another shootout, and Armagh were left crestfallen once more.
Last year, the sides met again in the final. This time, there were no penalties—just the gut-wrenching sight of Niall O'Donnell steering over the winning point late in extra-time. Three finals, three different opponents, but the same outcome: Armagh walking away with nothing but what-ifs.
Now, they have another shot at provincial glory, with Monaghan standing in their way. Will lady luck finally shine on Armagh? Team coach Conleith Gilligan knows it will take more than fortune to end the 18-year wait for Ulster honours.
"The supporters maybe feel it a wee bit more passionately, and like the players, they've been there on days where they've suffered bad defeats," Gilligan told BBC Sport NI. "They've come very close, undone on penalties, extra-time, and all the rest, but ultimately we didn't win those games. It's a disappointment for the boys, so you want to put yourself in a position where you don't feel that disappointment again. When you get to a final, you have to perform and put yourself in with a chance of winning. If you don't, you'll come up short."
As Armagh prepare for their fourth successive Ulster final, the question on everyone's lips is simple: Will the fourth time be the charm? The answer will be written on the Clones turf on Sunday.