Ten years ago, Liam McBarron and Fermanagh went through the back door all the way to an All-Ireland semi-final.

It was an astonishing run from the Ernemen, who face into the Qualifiers once more tomorrow afternoon, with an away clash against Laois.

Having been knocked out of the Ulster SFC by Tyrone, Fermanagh recorded victories over Meath, Donegal, Cork and Ulster champions Armagh to book an All-Ireland semi-final date with Mayo. They were eventually beaten after a replay.

"I suppose when you reflect back on it, there was something absolutely magical about the summer," midfielder McBarron recalls.

"One of the managers I learned most from was Charlie Mulgrew. Even today in the small bits of coaching I do, I use his approach and philosophies. I remember immediately after losing against Tyrone, Charlie cut short the interviews and got us together in the changing room.

"He said that now was the opportunity for us to buy into the back door and see where it brings us. You could see the effect on everyone. I still believe that those words were what lit the flame for us that year.

"We had such confidence and belief in ourselves. Páidi Ó Sé said at the time if we had got to the final we would have known how to beat that Kerry team, which was nice to hear even if hypothetical.

"I was back in Queen's talking to Dessie Ryan and Seán O'Neill said once you get to a final, it's always 50-50." Tweet

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