Will fourth time be a charm for Armagh in Ulster?

Gilligan feels holding the All-Ireland before the provincial finals is "a hindrance" [Getty Images]

When Armagh ended a 17-year wait to return to the top in Ulster in 1999, it prompted an outpouring of emotion as the Orchard moved into the All-Ireland series for the first time since 1982.

Of course, they are guaranteed to be in the race for Sam Maguire this year and already know they will host Derry at the end of May in the opening round of the new-look competition - the timing of holding the draw before the provincial finals a source of much debate.

Knowing they have a meeting with the Oak Leafs to plan for, does that take the shine off this weekend's provincial final?

"An Ulster Championship is still a huge prize," Gilligan stresses.

"Over the years it's the one everyone wanted, so I don't think it's been diluted that much and the prize itself is worth having.

"When you're not in the provincial final, the [early All-Ireland] draw is brilliant for you as it gives you time to plan but if you're in one, the draw being made two weeks out is probably a hindrance."

It's the same boat for this week's finalists with Monaghan also aware they have an All-Ireland opener against Mayo to consider, but an Ulster title remains a major prize for both teams.

For those Armagh players with All-Ireland medals in 2024, adding an Ulster title would represent another major title ticked off, but Monaghan - despite being written off in some quarters before the championship due to a poor league campaign - will represent a serious test.

"When you have players like [Rory] Beggan, [Jack] McCarron and Dessie Ward, you're never going to be out of a game as they have so many two-point specialists, Gilligan says of their opponents.

"The one thing Monaghan have is serious quality and the players they have really suit the new rules."

Barry McCambridge is one of several key Armagh figures "close" to a full return [Getty Images]

Yet Armagh have plenty of quality too and their 28-point semi-final thrashing of Down highlights what they are capable of when "in the zone".

They have managed to navigate the challenges posed by Tyrone, Fermanagh and Down do far despite missing some key figures including Barry McCambridge, Aidan Forker and Rory Grugan whom Gilligan reports as "close" to a full return.

Losing the services of Ben Crealey and Callum O'Neill prior to the Fermanagh game was a blow, but their "team first" philosophy means there are others ready to step into the breach.

"Two or three players came in who maybe thought they were out of the mix," Gilligan added.

"A bit of misfortune for somebody else can be a stroke of luck for you, but you have to be in a position to be ready to take it."