Derry 0-10 Armagh 1-11
There may have been a few stumbles along the way, but Ulster football's established order of merit remains unaltered, with Armagh preparing to face up to great rivals Tyrone in the provincial final after beating Derry 1-11 to 0-10 in Casement Park.
The Orchard men booked their passage to the Croke Park decider without ever reaching their full potential, Derry's disappointing challenge dealt with in an efficient, adequate, if unspectacular fashion.
John Toal's goal midway through the second half finally broke the Oak Leaf spirit and gave Joe Kernan, banished to the stand for this game, an opportunity to relax.
Paddy Bradley offered early suggestions that he could produce another big attacking display, skinning marker Andy Mallon for two points inside the opening six minutes.
But the Oak Leaf men had little else to offer up front, and shot a succession of disappointing wides.