Armagh’s Jamie Clarke says missing out on promotion from Division Two could be a blessing in disguise ahead of their Ulster Championship clash with Down on June 4.
The Orchardmen make the short trip to Pairc Esler in 10 days time fresh off the setback of conceding a last-minute goal against Tipperary at the Athletic Grounds, ultimately scuppering a quick return to the second tier.
Clarke believes there are positives that can be taken from that game and those earlier in the ill-fated league campaign.
“Obviously the game itself, and not getting promoted to Division 2, was a setback for us in terms of where we want to go,” Clarke told the Irish Sun.
“But in terms of the camp itself there wasn’t much of a dip in mood.
“If you look at the first two games I think we lost a six-point lead twice against Laois and Sligo.
“We lost one of them by a point and we lost to Tipp by a point and when you look back on it ultimately there wasn’t much wrong. I think in a way I am glad Tipperary happened because we realised what we need to work on.
“We have lost leads on three of those occasions and it’s something we have really looked at — closing out games moving forward.”
