Armagh have won just their second ever All-Ireland title, overcoming Galway on a scoreline of 1-11 to 0-13 at Croke Park this afternoon.
The first half was a rather pedestrian affair, with neither side attempting to inject a huge amount of pace into the game.
Armagh brought every outfield player back inside their own 45 and seemed content to allow Galway to have possession a bit further out the field. Padraic Joyce's side were patient in their approach, not being drawn into areas where they ball could be overturned.
The Ulster side did counterattack well at times, although the game remained a relatively low-scoring affair. The sides were level at 0-6 each at the interval.
Thankfully, things were a bit livelier once the game resumed.
Both sides kicked some brilliant scores early in the second half, with the game bursting into life after the first goal. Stefan 'Soupy' Campbell created it, setting up Aaron McKay just a few moments after coming onto the pitch as a substitute.
Aaron McKay with a GOAL for @Armagh_GAA 🚨🚨#GAANOW pic.twitter.com/a7U3IitJL3
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 28, 2024
While Armagh had the momentum at that point, they struggled to kick on. They did not score for almost 15 minutes after the goal, although Galway were equally ineffective in front of the posts.
The Connacht side will certainly rue the chances they missed in the second half. Shane Walsh missed a number of scoreable frees, while they also scuppered some opportunities in open play.
In the end, Armagh ran out as deserved 1-11 to 0-13 winners.
READ HERE: Galway's All-Ireland Winning Heroes Of 1998 - Where Are They Now?
Jarlath Burns Gives All-Time Great Speech To Mark Armagh Triumph
This was a special occasion for Armagh supporters, one of whom had the honour of handing over the Sam Maguire to team captain Aidan Forker.
Jarlath Burns is as passionate of an Armagh supporter as you will ever encounter, with his son Jarlath Óg Burns an important member of the panel. He also happens to be the President of the GAA, meaning he would have been filled with pride as he gave the trophy to the winning team.
He also marked the occasion with a brilliant speech, one of the finest we have heard in Croke Park for quite some time.
Aidan Forker follows in his manager's footsteps and lifts Sam Maguire for Armagh.
📺 Watch on @rte2 & @rteplayer https://t.co/ZfZ9mA9XTY
📱 Updates: https://t.co/jRnWx24aDM
📻 @rteradio1 pic.twitter.com/q82vrYjxZO— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 28, 2024
If you are a parent who has put a set of GAA posts in your back garden, this belongs to you. If you are a coach from under-eight to senior, this belongs to you.
If you are a member of a committee at any level that organises our games voluntarily, this belongs to you. If you are a linesman or umpire at our club matches or underage games in cold winters, this belongs to you. If you line the pitch, cut the grass, or put out flags, this belongs to you. If you make the tea after the game or you are a teacher who gives up their time to prepare pupils and develop our games, this belongs to you.
Today is your day, because the GAA is where we all belong...
Today belongs to Ard Mhacha. Today belongs to a man who lifted the cup here in 2002 and who stuck with this team for the last ten years, he's now the manager, Kieran McGeeney.
I know that while many of you are thinking about loved ones who are not here today and absent friends, I know that the people of Armagh will not mind if I single out the Grimley family, and Niall Grimley in particular, for the loss they suffered.
Now the formalities. To a man from the Lough shore and Maghery, who has struggled with this team for the last 13 seasons. There's his wife and his child, they made the same sacrifices he has.
Now, it gives me great pleasure to present the Sam Maguire Cup to the captain of Armagh, Aidan Forker.
It was an incredible speech on what was sure to be a massively emotional day for Jarlath Burns and the people of Armagh.
Quite a few people were blown away with his contribution after the final whistle.
Jarlath Burns and Jarly Óg Burns lift Sam Maguire together.
The stuff of dreams. pic.twitter.com/hjRMNp8BqU— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 28, 2024
‘This belongs to you…’
👏 Jarlath Burns 🥹
Just gets it. #AllIrelandFinal pic.twitter.com/sfNDprG7BF— Marcus Ó Buachalla (@ohfadabee) July 28, 2024
Jarlath Burns is a superb speaker. Obviously means so much more today, but he consistently strikes the right note.
— Chris Donnelly (@chrisadonnelly) July 28, 2024
“This belongs to you! Today is your day, because the GAA is where we all belong!”
Another inspiring speech from Jarlath Burns, bringing everyone together.
Comhghairdeas le @Armagh_GAA 🏆& well played @Galway_GAA 👏#Allirelandfootballfinal #GAA #armaghvsgalway pic.twitter.com/ybfIM8Nkid— Caroline Brogan (@CBrogan_MedLaw) July 28, 2024
The President of the GAA has often been a much maligned position, but it's fair to say that Jarlath Burns has already won quite a few fans with his actions since stepping into the role.
Very few people would begrudge him or Armagh their victory this afternoon.
SEE ALSO: Lee Keegan Was Not Impressed With Mayo Message Ahead Of All-Ireland Final
