BY ALAN RODGERS
A.RODGERS@GAELICLIFE.COM
MORE Sam Maguire Cup glory during the coming years will be the perfect promotional tool for the future of gaelic games within Armagh, according to one of its most famous former stars.
Last year Diarmuid Marsden returned to the Orchard county ranks for a final tilt at gaining provincial or All-Ireland honours. Now, he's among those spearheading the long-term development of the GAA in the county.
The former All-Ireland winner in 2002 was speaking at the launch of 'Ripening the Orchard,' Armagh's Strategic Plan covering the period 2008-2012. And, he says the importance of keeping players involved in gaelic games cannot be over-emphasised.
"There's no doubt that Armagh's success over the past couple of years has been a huge benefit. It has generated a great interest in gaelic games, particularly football," he said.
"My view is that Armagh will always be a key county. I remember bringing the Sam Maguire to my home town of Lurgan in 2002 and the crowds were unbelievable.
"Some people feel that there are two many clubs in Lurgan, but that showed the population is there to support it.
"A lot of the progress that has been made during the past few years has come from Armagh doing well and being in the media. It's a case of clubs ensuring that these young players can take the first step towards perhaps representing their county one day," he added.
Key themes which will be driving the GAA in Armagh during the coming years include delivering the games, the development of infrastructure and facilities, coaching and underage activities and club and community development.
Of course, the whole process will be given a massive boost if Armagh can manage to regain their place as one of the main contenders for Ulster and All-Ireland honours.
But Marsden has no regrets about missing out on the chance to once again make his mark during 2008. Instead, he believes that the structures are in place for Armagh to prosper under Peter McDonnell, just as was the case when Joe Kernan was in charge.
"Armagh have been strong for the past few years and I think that will continue to be the case. As players we wanted for nothing and my belief is that this very organised approach will continue to yield the dividends.
"If we do well this year, then there will be a knock-on benefit eventually. It might not be immediate, but in ten years time maybe we could say that it's a result of the plans in place.
"Nothing guarantees success, but a proper plan gives you something to work towards. We can work hard to show that things are in place.
"To be honest, I'll not miss the fact that I'm no longer part of the panel. Last year was a last hurrah and I was glad I went back because you always wonder how long you could go on for.
"But this isn't something than can be rested upon. We have to make sure that we're in the schools providing coaching and thankfully that is something which is being done.
"The Development squads are starting to bear fruit with the recent Minor and U-21 successes. Now the task will be to improve on that and show that Armagh can develop.
"This is quite an ambitions plan and it's a case of making it work. We have set standards for ourselves in football, hurling, ladies football and camogie and it's a case of maintaining those," he said.
"Our future competitiveness at county level can only be done if our clubs have facilities, funding and players. My hope would be that all our clubs would have proper coaching structures."
