Further compelling evidence of this was supplied on not just one but two fronts at the weekend.

When Armagh were reduced to 14 players following the red-carding of Martin O'Rourke and striving to cope with a Down second-half renaissance generated through their midfield dominance, a quartet of old hands stepped up to the mark to ease their team into an Ulster final meeting with Fermanagh on July 20.

And just when Westmeath began to fashion the belief that they might get the better of Dublin in the Leinster semi-final at Croke Park, a trio of their more senior players grasped the nettle to quell nerves and bring Paul Caffrey's side into what will be their fourth provincial decider on the trot, Wexford forming the opposition this time.

Down's pace and industry had been expected to pose problems for Armagh - and they certainly did for the most part.

But the manner in which the orchard county were able to stifle their opponents' resistance and impose themselves on the last 10 minutes of the game bore the hallmark of real experience and solid craft.

Armagh's ball retention, patience and finishing in this crucial segment of the game were exemplary.

The four points they scored through Steven McDonnell (free), Ronan Clarke, Aidan O'Rourke and Brian Mallon were the products of teamwork and confidence that will undoubtedly have pleased their manager Peter McDonnell.

When you consider that O'Rourke has only quite recently been converted into a fine centre-half-back, that Clarke has endured untold misery because of injuries and that Mallon has only had limited game-time of late, Armagh's finishing flourish is put into sharp perspective.

Peter McDonnell may have admitted that his side have work to do but they certainly don't have to take any remedial steps in relation to their spirit, courage and commitment - they were there for all to see.

And even though Down must now venture out against Offaly in the Qualifiers rather than contesting the Ulster final, I have the distinct notion that they will still be playing championship football in August.

Ross Carr and D J Kane have assembled a side that is rich in talent and energy, while perhaps lacking an element of physique and real penetration.

Armagh's upper body strength, their ability to deliver quality ball when it was needed most and the manner in which they soaked up pressure without giving Down any chance to find the net underscored their more traditional qualities.

While Armagh's experienced edge helped to fashion their win, Dublin, too, had much to thank their seasoned brigade for.

Westmeath had arrived in Croke Park in buoyant mood and, having won the toss, believed they had landed an early psychological blow when they played into the Canal End during the first-half, thus ensuring the Dubs would be denied the opportunity to play into the Hill 16 end in the second.

That is something that Paul Caffrey's side invariably enjoy simply because they can be roared home even more passionately!

But Westmeath's ploy backfired to some extent, in my opinion.

The normally accurate Dessie Dolan missed two kickable frees in the second period, the feeling being that he had been unnerved by the thousands baying on the Hill.

There is no doubt, of course, that a fourth Leinster title is viewed as nothing more than an aperitif by the Dublin faithful. It's 13 years since the Dubs won the All Ireland final and the patience of everyone connected with the team £ and especially that of the fans £ has worn thin.

Yet to be crowned All Ireland champions the present side will have to climb to a new level. They look vulnerable in some sectors, tend to have lapses in concentration and find themselves conceding possession rather too easily on occasions.

Yes, both the Ulster and Leinster deciders look set to take the Championship season to a new high on July 20. The date cannot come soon enough!