Armagh stars Stefan Campbell and Shane McPartlan were praised for their commitment to the cause after Clann na Gael defeated Crossmaglen Rangers in the first round of the Armagh senior football championship on Sunday.
Campbell (0-3) and McPartlan (1-4) played crucial roles in their club's victory, kicking 1-7 between them in a 2-13 to 3-5 triumph over the reigning champs.
The duo were back in action three weeks to the day after lifting Sam Maguire for Armagh and led by example in the win.
Forward Campbell said he took a week off after the All-Ireland victory for a short holiday before getting back in tow with the Lurgan based club.
Speaking to TG4 after the game, 'Soupy' hailed fellow All-Ireland winner McPartlan for returning to training the Sunday previous, having only returned from holiday.
28 July 2024; Stefan Campbell, left, and Shane McPartlan of Armagh with the Sam Maguire after the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Armagh and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
"I was back early enough," said Campbell.
"I only went for a short holiday, and was back Friday week.
"I know some of the Cross lads were only back this week, so they'll get motoring again down the line.
"But there was no question we weren't going to line out today," he added.
"Shane McPartlan only came back from his holiday at 2.00 in the morning there (last) Saturday night/Sunday morning, and he trained at 7.30 that morning," Campbell said.
"Testament to him, and testament to the culture that the management have built while we've been away."
It came as a surprise to some when Clann na Gael reached the county final last year only to be well beaten by Crossmaglen Rangers. Their manager Ronan McMahon admitted that Cross and Clann Éireann are probably the favourites for the title but says his team have a chance.
"Nobody expected us to reach the final last year," he told TG4.
"We believed that we could do it, so this year, they're talking about Crossmaglen and Clann Éireann, two great teams, we know that, not too many are talking about us, but when you have the likes of Stefan Campbell, an excellent player, Shane McPartlan, and when the other lads are trying to make a point too, we know we have a chance but we'll go from game-to-game."
McPartlan scored a crucial second half goal that gave them breathing space heading into the closing stages. Campbell also contributed handsomely with three points in a game where fellow Armagh team-mate Rian O'Neill was shown a red card in injury time.
47 nóim @GAA_BEO@clannagael1922 1-12@crossrangers 2-05
Cúl den scoth ó Shane McPartlan do Chlann na nGael.!
GOAL FOR McPARTLAN! 🔥
Beo / Live ar @TG4TV@Armagh_GAA #GAABeo pic.twitter.com/m6gyFBBWQg
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) August 18, 2024
Speaking to the Irish News, McMahon hailed Campbell and McPartlan for inspiring the group.
“Those two lads are unbelievable people,” said McMahon.
“They’ve been completely dialled-in to everything we’re doing and it’s a pleasure working with them, it really is. There’s no ego there with either of them, they’re brilliant.”
It's a great start for Clann na Gael but Campbell has no doubt that Crossmaglen will bounce back later on in the championship. Their task will be made harder by the one-game suspension for star man O'Neill after his red card.
"It's been a while since we've had the cameras down here," said Campbell.
"It's a big day for the club, a big day for the town in general. It was a great game to be involved in. I think Cross have their sights set on knock-out games down the line."
