Brian Stynes stands flushed and in street clothes and offers a clue about the secret to a well-oiled Dublin attack. "Ah, it was probably because I wasn't in it," he laughs.

A lightness floats about the Dublin dressing-room as they depart satisfied with early season accomplishment. "Yeah, it worked well for us today. The goal turned things I suppose and it was really just a solid workmanlike performance.

"From my own point of view, well, I always said I wanted to play at midfield and I was delighted to get another crack at it today," says Stynes.

"The goal hit Armagh at a crucial time. We were joking later that thank God it wasn't a penalty."

Tom Carr sips a water and placidly considers an unexpected trip south. "The final is in Cork, it's not a problem. We said we wanted to reach the play-offs; now we are in a league final and hopefully we'll be good enough to win.

"I was happy enough today. I thought Brendan O'Brien did tremendously well coming in for his first big game and the likes of Dessie and Ciaran Whelan had a big input. They all worked hard."

Down the corridor Brian McAlinden blinks through a pair of glasses and chews on his lip. "Dunno, I haven't been talking to the physio yet, " he says, when asked about the welfare of Diarmuid Marsden. Word is that the Clan na Gael attacker has been struck with the same old groin injury. But any fear that he might be spectating come the Donegal game?

"There'd be a doubt there, we'll have to see," shrugs the manager.

Despite the bleak finish, he is philosophical about the encounter. "Fair play to Dublin. The goal turned it and it was a marvellous move, I've no problem with it. But, ah, every day is different."

With that, he departs the stadium he hopes to roam again before summer's end.