Amid countless pundit announcements and championship predictions, some southern analysts believe the team that loses at Celtic Park is in a good position to challenge for an All-Ireland.
That ultimately proves to be true, as the team that lost on Saturday set a month off before the Super 16, rather than perhaps picking up the lump with two more Ulster SFC contests. may be proven.
However, Armagh selector Ciaran McKeever memorably said at last year's Ulster Championship presentation that the “real football” would begin during the Super 16s, but McGuinness and Hart were unable to match Saturday's results. The idea of having a relaxed attitude about things seems fanciful.
Meanwhile, Hart didn't seem overly concerned when his team lost to Dublin at Celtic Park in Round 5 of the Allianz Football League. This was a huge outlier, given that they already had a secure Division 1 status. The highly competitive Ballygawley man has built his career on the desire to win every match.
In addition to guiding Tyrone to three All-Ireland titles, six Ulster Championships and success in Division One and Division Two leagues, his Redhands won the McKenna Cup 12 times during his 18-year tenure. .
And while McGuinness may have been away from the inter-county stage for nearly a decade, his interest in the importance of the Ulster Championship has not waned a bit, despite numerous calls to exclude state representatives. It seems not.