As the final whistle sounded against Monaghan, like many other Fermanagh supporters, I could not hide my delight as I burst onto the pitch. I was working on the sideline for the BBC and as I hurtled towards the players, my earphones, microphone and general self-control were abandoned. I was completely lost in the moment and nothing else mattered.
It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced that feeling and on my way home through the heavy traffic of Omagh, memories of 2008 were at the forefront of my mind. As much I’m delighted for the team, I’m also envious of them as I know what lies ahead.
As my former teammate and current selector, Ronan Gallagher recently pointed out, “For the lads and their families and for everybody, it is a great experience and a massive privilege. It’s the best day of their lives and they don’t realise how lucky they are to be in the position they are in, to be heading to Clones and in with a shot of fulfilling what everybody wants them to fulfil and get an Ulster title.”
Since the semi-final, Fermanagh football is a topic that has come up in nearly every conversation I’ve had! 
Just like before, it has generated a great buzz in the county. In the week of the ‘08 final, I called in to fuel up at McHugh’s in Ederney and met my friend, Emmet, polishing up ‘Herbie’, the Fermanagh car made famous around the streets of Dublin in ‘04. It was just about roadworthy for the final but unfortunately it didn’t make it back for the replay!
As a player, you shield yourself from the mayhem that overcomes the supporters in order to control your nerves and keep your mind focused. 
But the experience of the build-up and the day itself is something that should be savoured and embraced. There is a real sense of fulfilment and joy when you see your friends and family getting excited and involved in putting up posters and flags in support of your team.
Travelling through the streets of Clones on the team bus, we experienced one of those moments that all players dream of. The craic and banter was good coming in the road from Scotshouse where we had completed our warm up, the usual motivational match clips playing on the TV, and then suddenly we were surrounded by a sea of green. 
The Gardaí escort slowed to a crawl and it became clear what this match meant to the people of Fermanagh. 
A tense silence descended on the bus which was duly broken when someone spotted the green and white goat christened ‘Marty McGrath’ at the top of the hill and the joking resumed.
Before we left the changing room Malachy O’Rouke told us to expect the roar of the crowd that would hit us as we left the tunnel. We nodded our heads. We thought we were ready for it. I’ll never forget the wall of sound that met us as we ran onto St. Tiernach’s Park that day. It seemed to lift me off my feet. More than 20,000 people supporting us. It was a surreal experience.
Last Thursday morning, I visited my old primary school, St Joseph’s Ederney, along with Conor Magee. 
The joy and excitement on the kids’ faces when they met Conor was great to see. 
They all had their Fermanagh jerseys on (some Donegal ones too!) and delighted in showing us their posters wishing our club players, Paul, Decky and Conor luck in the final.
The style of football may not be the most attractive with many claiming it’s not the way the game should be played. Who cares? If we finally have an Ulster title no one will worry how we got there. 
It’s about winning titles and here’s hoping that Sunday will provide more than just memories for these players.