Ulster SFC Final Preview

2009 has once again proven to be a year for the underdog in the Ulster Senior Football Championship.  12 months after Fermanagh reached their first Provincial Final in 26 years, Antrim will contest the Final for the first time since 1970.

Last year Fermanagh almost caused a major upset as they came back to draw with hot favourites Armagh, and only for wasteful shooting they could have won the replay.

Antrim will hope to go one step further today and win their first Provincial title since 1951.  New manager Liam ‘Baker’ Bradley has instilled new levels of belief, discipline, skill and determination in Antrim and they will relish the opportunity of taking on the reigning All-Ireland Champions.  Antrim have been a breath of fresh air to this year’s Championship and their free-flowing positive play has captured the imagination of many.

Tyrone have rightly been installed as many people’s favourites to once again lift the Sam Maguire Cup and few would bet against them collecting the Anglo Celt along the way.  They have shown glimpses of their brilliant best in coming through the ‘difficult’ side of the draw, disposing of Armagh and Derry in previous rounds, and will hope to continue their journey through the ‘front door’.

Once again, the Ulster Final is set to be a tremendous occasion and will be enhanced by the recognition of the Jubilee team – the Tyrone team which won the 1984 Ulster Senior Football Championship.  That day will be remembered for the performance of Frank McGuigan who scored a magnificent 11 points from play en route to defeating Armagh.  The men from 1984 will be in attendance on Sunday and will be presented to the crowd at half-time in the Senior Game.

As part of the GAA 125 celebrations, the Ulster Council will also specially remember all the All-Ireland winning captains from the 9 Counties of Ulster and these legends of the game will be presented to the crowd between the end of the Minor game and start of the Senior game.

Related:

– Video: Liam Bradley has taken Antrim to the Final in his first year in charge
– Video: Antrim players and supporters are in dreamland
– Video: Tyrone have been favourites since the start of the Championship
– Video: Cavan’s 1952 All Ireland winning captain Mick Higgins will be honoured at the 2009 Ulster Final