Armagh have taken heed of big wake-up call in All-Ireland mission: Ben Crealey

Belfast Telegraph

3 days ago

The passage of time has now seen Maghery clubman Crealey blossom into one of the best engine-room technicians on the island.
Further evidence of just how far he has come is likely to be provided on Sunday when he will find himself pitted against Dublin's imposing midfield machinery at Croke Park as the reigning All-Ireland champions continue their bid to retain their hold on 'Sam'.
Crealey's fierce commitment, relentless effort and willingness to call the shots in the middle third of the park have transformed him into a workaholic who invariably plays himself to a standstill.
It goes without saying that these qualities will be needed against a Dublin side that just managed to overcome Galway by a single point in their only fixture to date.
Peadar O Cofaigh and Killian McGinnis are again likely to form the Dublin midfield pairing for a match that has created a huge stir within the ranks of the team's followers.
But Armagh have learned how to cope with difficult situations and when they were dicing with danger in the Ulster Semi-Final against Tyrone it was Crealey who whisked over a vital score to rescue the situation.
'We were very lucky to get over the line in that game but it came as a warning to us. We are taking nothing for granted. We will just keep pushing on and hope that we can make the most of the chances that come our way,' states Crealey.
Armagh have found themselves up against it on more than one occasion over the course of the past year but the panic button has not been pressed as yet.
'We are lucky in that we have a good substitutes' bench with players who can come on and maybe turn a game in our favour,' points out Crealey. 'This shows the spirit that is in the side and their determination to close out matches.'
Crealey is in no doubt that two-point scores can bolster a team's comeback and he is conscious that Armagh have players who are capable of trimming opponents' leads in Conor Turbitt, Stefan Campbell, Rory Grugan and Oisin Conaty.
'There is no doubt that trying to stage a comeback after you have conceded the lead to opponents can be difficult but we always apply ourselves in such situations,' points out Crealey.