Ciaran Mackin ‘Can’t wait’ for semi-final meeting against Down after stellar performance in win over Fermanagh

Armagh’s Ciaran Mackin says that the team are looking forward their upcoming local derby clash against Down in two weeks’ time, after they defeated Fermanagh 3-11 to 0-9 at Brewster Park today.

“I can’t wait. I always look forward to playing Down,” he said.

“We definitely have to respect them, because they are an improving team. But we’ll play to our strengths and that’s all that matters.

“We’re going into that game looking forward to it.”

Armagh showed their quality all over the field in the 11-point win, but Mackin – who lined out at centre half back – was certainly one of the stars of the show. He kicked two superb points from play, and made a huge block at the other end, whilst showing tremendous work rate and a willingness to never stop running throughout the 70 minutes.

He was humble about his display however, saying that he was just happy to be able to contribute to the win.

“It’s always nice when you get on the scoreboard,” he said.“I don’t really get too many points, so it’s nice to be able to contribute, which is what everyone wants to do.”

Armagh were clinical from the get go, and in truth had the game beyond doubt at the half-time whistle, leading 3-4 to 0-2 after goals from Conor Turbitt, Jarly Og Burns and Stefan Campbell, and Mackin says that it was important to start fast, because Brewster Park hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Armagh over the years.

“We started off well and to get the goals early on is always nice,” said the Shane O’Neill’s man.

“When you come down to Brewster you never get an easy game, we played them in the league and it was tough."

Each goal came after a slick passing move, and Armagh’s rhythm today was the best they have shown all season.

Mackin agreed that the rhythm between the team is starting to build, and he says the goals came as a result of the work they did in training.

“Definitely. We touched on that: following the pass and supporting the man with the ball,” he said.“We did that today: follow the pass coming towards goal and we were able to get the goals today, thankfully.”

For full match report and more reaction see this week’s Newry Reporter – in shops Wednesday April 17!