'Let people talk' - Armagh's Jemar Hall not focussing on Donegal's favourites tag

Irish Examiner

07-05-2025

Armagh are in no need of additional movitaving tributaries ahead of Saturday's Ulster final.
When you've lost the last two deciders on penalties, there's ain't much space left on the bus for provocation. And yet the All-Ireland champions enter this Ulster final behind opponents Donegal in the Sam Maguire pecking order.
Jim McGuinness, the return of Michael Murphy, increased options elsewhere, their early-season lifting, and Donegal's overall improvement from the year one version that reached last July's All-Ireland semi-final has attracted greater attention and greater praise than any element of Armagh's season of attempted title defence.
The Orchard camp, on the outside at least, have taken no insult to such.
'You can let people talk and say whatever, but we are just focused on ourselves,' said Armagh footballer Jemar Hall, who did add, mind, that Donegal have earned the right to be viewed as All-Ireland favourites in certain quarters.
It was Donegal who edged them during the shootout 12 months ago. It was Donegal who extended to 17 years Armagh's wait for a 15th Ulster crown.
No All-Ireland medal can sate the desire to rule locally.
'You've always wanted one,' Hall continued.
'You watched great teams, you watched Geezer winning six or seven. You really feel like you want that medal. But it's going to be a very, very tough game against Donegal, who are playing some stuff.'
Hall is hopeful to be involved in this final rather than watching on as was the case for their most recent final. The 31-year-old strength and conditioning coach failed to make the matchday panel for last year's All-Ireland final, semi-final, or quarter-final.
His sole championship involvement was an extra-time cameo off the bench in the aforementioned Ulster decider defeat.
Although only two games in, his 2025 minutes have already surpassed his paltry '24 numbers. He got just over 20 minutes against Antrim and just over a quarter of an hour last time out against Tyrone.
'Last year was tough but we just have such a great squad. Your perspective changes. You know you're not going to be playing and you're just trying to get the other boys ready.
"It did give me a different perspective of appreciating it a bit more when you do get on the pitch, that you can't take it for granted.
'I would've asked all the coaches [during the off-season]. If you want to get back in the team, you have to ask them questions. You can't rest on your laurels and feel sorry for yourself.'
Satisfaction so in working his way back into the equation of an All-Ireland winning set-up.
'Yeah, definitely. It makes it that bit harder, but you've seen other boys this year, the likes of Darragh McMullan, Callum O'Neill, Tomás McCormack, all them boys were flying last year and barely played a minute.
"The season Ross McQuillan is having this year, too, and he hadn't really started many games for Armagh. So we just have that much of a competitive squad and the best man plays.'