Ethan Rafferty is on the cusp of national glory as a member of the Armagh senior football squad but he is already an All-Ireland champion for 2024.
The intercounty goalkeeper looks set to feature on the bench as Armagh hope to end a 22-year wait for the Sam Maguire Cup later this month.
The Orchard County defeated Kerry after extra-time on Saturday to book their place in a first All-Ireland final since 2003.
They will play Galway in two weeks time in what will be a thrilling encounter as both sides look for a first title success in a generation.
Rafferty, who was their first-choice 'keeper last season before suffering an ankle injury, watched on as his side stunned the title favourites and set up that showdown with The Tribesmen.
Léigh an scéal seo trí Ghaeilge ar Liathróidí.ie brúigh anseo.
Armagh's Ethan Rafferty has brilliant one-liner after All-Ireland Bowls win
But he has had a busy weekend in another sporting code, featuring in the All-Ireland Road Bowls final Castletown-Kinneigh, Co Cork on Sunday.
Raffety is a three-time Ulster Intermediate Road Bowls champion and lost the All-Ireland final in 2022.
However he banished that loss to memory by winning the All-Ireland title against Cork’s Tommy O’Sullivan.
Ádh mór to Ethan Rafferty who is taking part in the All-Ireland Road Bowls competition today 💪🏼 #ArdMhachaAbú pic.twitter.com/P50YkaqPZ8
— Armagh_GAA (@Armagh_GAA) July 14, 2024
Footage shared by Armagh GAA on Twitter captured his winning moment and there were jubilant scenes in the Rebel County.
A victorious Rafferty was hoisted in the air by his colleagues after his winning attempt and he delivered a brilliant one-liner with the All-Ireland SFC final on his mind.
One down, one to go!" were Rafferty's sentiments after his All-Ireland win.
🏆Ethan Rafferty, All-Ireland Road Bowls Champion 🟠⚪️👏👏
🗣️”One down, one to go” 💪
Congratulations Ethan 🤜🤛 pic.twitter.com/o68FmbY15q— Armagh_GAA (@Armagh_GAA) July 14, 2024
Rafferty had been unable to compete in the 2023 final after suffering his injury while in action for his club Grange last summer.
He had orginally played outfield before he was converted to a goalkeeper by Armagh boss Kieran McGeeney.
Teammate Blaine Hughes has impressed in his absence and is widely expected to get the nod when Armagh battle Galway at Croke Park.
Nevertheless, Rafferty could yet make it a brace of All-Ireland successes in different sports in the same year - a remarkable achivement.
