All-Ireland SFC Final

Armagh 1-11 Galway 0-13

By Cian O’Connell at Croke Park

Ultimately, it concluded with Kieran McGeeney saluting and acknowledging jubilant Armagh supporters on Hill 16.

Following recent harrowing Champoinship exists and penalty heatrbreak, this was Armagh’s afternoon at GAA headquarters. McGeeney’s charges did enough to enable the splendid Aidan Forker hoist the Sam Maguire Cup.

Tight and tense throughout, the pivotal moment occurred in the 47^th minute when Aaron McKay palmed a critical goal following an assist from substitute Stefan Campbell. It steered Armagh two points clear and the lead was never subsequently relinquished.

Galway crafted opportunities, but weren’t sufficiently clinical, illustrated by a 0-13 total from 27 attempts.

Armagh were slicker converting chances – 1-11 from 18 – and it mattered deeply.

The opening period was hard fought and intense as the teams eventually retreated at the break level, 0-6 each. After the restart, the tempo quickened with Galway edging ahead before McKay’s vital intervention. Galway battled until the bitter end, but it was Armagh’s day.

Early on Galway were rocked by the injury enforced departure of Rob Finnerty, who was forced off in the 11th minute. At that stage, the teams were deadlocked at 0-3 each.

Oisín Conaty had thundered into the match with a couple of sweet points for Armagh, but Galway, were being prompted by Paul Conroy, who was an influential figure.

Following Finnerty’s departure, Céin D’Arcy, another to impress for Galway, edged the Connacht outfit ahead. Forker responded to level.

John Maher nudged Galway in front. Barry McCambridge restored parity. Conroy kicked a brilliant score, but Ben Crealey, relevant throughout, replied. It was that sort of match.

When the action recommenced Galway were buoyed up by Conroy and Cillian McDaid scores. Armagh, though, were defiant as Conaty and Rian O’Neill raised white flags. Shane Walsh kicked points either side of a Tiernan Kelly effort, but then the decisive play arrived.

Campbell’s hand pass located McKay, who supplied a goal. Croke Park was rocking to an Armagh roar.

D’Arcy, who was spirited for Galway, narrowed the gap in the 55^th minute, but Armagh sensed that significant possibilities existed. A delicious Niall Grimley point was followed by a score from replacement Oisín O’Neill. Suddenly, Armagh were three to the good. In a match of such fine margins, it was a healthy advantage.

Galway continued to manufacture openings with D’Arcy and McDaid landing points, reducing the gap to one. A Dylan McHugh attempt shaved the woodwork deep into stoppage time. Armagh survived.

GAA President Jarlath Burns presented the Sam Maguire Cup to Armagh captain and inspirational leader Forker. It was an emotional victory for Armagh. McGeeney’s passion and perseverance was rewarded.

Scorers for Armagh: Oisín Conaty 0-3, Ben Crealey 0-2, Aaron McKay 1-0, Barry McCambridge, Tiernan Kelly, Aidan Forker, Niall Grimley, Rian O’Neill, and Oisín O’Neill 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: Paul Conroy and Céin D’Arcy 0-3 each, Cillian McDaid and Shane Walsh (1f) 0-2, Liam Silke, John Maher, and Rob Finnerty (f) 0-1 each.

Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Barry McCambridge, Aidan Forker, Paddy Burns; Connaire Mackin, Tiernan Kelly, Aaron McKay; Niall Grimley, Ben Crealey; Rory Grugan, Rian O’Neill, Joe McElroy; Conor Turbitt, Andrew Murnin, Oisín Conaty.

Subs: Stefan Campbell for Turbitt (46), Ross McQuillan for Kelly (46), Oisín O’Neill for Grugan (51), Jarly Óg Burns for Mackin (59), Jason Duffy for Forker (70+5).

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Jack Glynn, Seán Fitzgerald, Johnny McGrath; Dylan McHugh, Liam Silke, Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Matthew Tierney, Céin D’Arcy, Cillian McDaid; Rob Finnerty, Damien Comer, Shane Walsh.

Subs: Johnny Heaney for Finnerty (11), Seán Kelly for Glynn (45), Tomo Culhane for Comer (66), Daniel O’Flaherty for Tierney (66), Kieran Molloy for Heaney (70+5).

Referee: Sean Hurson (Tyrone).