In his match report from Sunday’s All Ireland finale at Croke Park, Malachy Clerkin encapsulates the joy of victory for Armagh’s Olympic squad as they clinched their second title, amongst scenes of wild celebration. He vividly describes the scene at Hill 16 as resembling “a riotous outburst inside an inflatable fortress”, marking the cessation of years of underlying disappointment. Their long dreaded showdown with Galway culminated in them lifting the Sam Maguire trophy, orchestrated by the resilience of manager Kieran McGeeney. Commenting on their challenging journey to the crown, McGeeney stated “Sometimes our toughest metal is tempered through adversity,” reflecting on their various struggles, from enduring defeat in penalty shoot-outs to overturning predictions doubting their capabilities. In his words to Philip Reid, “[we] provided an immaculate rejoinder. All-Ireland champions 2024.”
Seán Moran’s retrospect includes the befitting moment when Jarlath Burns, the GAA president and an Armagh native, handed over the trophy to skipper Aidan Forker. Adding to the emotional charge of the moment, Burns was seen embracing his own progeny, Jarly Óg. Recalling his father’s words, Jarly told Gordon Manning, “He simply stated, I’m immensely proud of you.”
Euphoria was let loose in the Armagh enclosure. “Crossing the finish line is overwhelming and witnessing the reactions of fans and players alike, and understanding their sentiments is incredible,” Tiernan Kelly shared his feelings with Philip. However, it was a moment of profound disappointment for Galway. Predicting the lingering effects of the defeat, its manager, Pádraic Joyce, confessed, “This is set to keep us haunted for some time.” Continually, Seán offered a detailed commentary of the unfolding events alongside the player ratings for Armagh and Galway, also pinpointing the game’s five decisive moments.
In Paris, over the past weekend, Irish athletes had varied performances at the Olympic Games, with coverage provided by Denis Walsh. A standout moment was Mona McSharry’s qualification for the 100 metres breaststroke final, impressively witnessed by Ian O’Riordan. O’Riordan also watched Rhys McClenaghan successfully progress to the pommel horse final, with McClenaghan comparing his accomplishment to reaching the mountain peak. The women’s rugby Sevens were also delighted with their decisive 38-0 victory over South Africa, sustaining their hopes for quarter-finals admission.
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In the meantime, the Galway football team inspires and motivates others, like their class from 1998, with Darragh Ó Sé featuring the 15 men competing for All-Ireland esteem in The Schemozzle.
Adding to the success, boxer Jack Marley delivered an essential win for the Irish team in his inaugural Olympic Games. Johnny Watterson reported on his combative and spirited performance. Competing in their first sailing event, Robert Dickson and Seán Waddilove currently rank second overall due to their inspiring performance.
Olympic action today includes Irish gems like Kellie Harrington’s match against Italy’s Alessia Mesiano at 2.46pm, Nhat Nguyen’s second badminton match at 8.10pm, and Mona McSharry finalizing her breaststroke at 8.25pm. Outside of Paris, the Galway Races and the All Ireland football final highlights can be viewed on RTÉ 1 and TG4 respectively.
The day’s Olympic schedule for Ireland includes a hockey match against Australia at 9am.
The events for the day are as follows: We kick-off with Austin O’Connor, Sarah Ennis, and Susie Berry participating in Equestrian – Three Day Eventing, Jumping Team & Individual from 9.30am. This will be followed by Margaret Cremen and Aoife Casey competing in Rowing, lightweight double sculls repechage at 10am. 6 minutes later at 10.06am, Ellen Walshe will be participating in the 400m IM heat. Danielle Hill will be next in line at 10.19am in the 100m Backstroke heats.
Daniel Wiffen sets his hope on the 800m Freestyle heats pegged for 10.58am. The sailing, skiff, races 4 to 6 will feature Robert Dickson and Seán Waddilove, starting from 11.05am. At 1.30pm, there is a Women’s Rugby Sevens match scheduled between Ireland v Australia.
Canoe Slalom – C1 semi-final and final is up next from 2.30pm with athlete Liam Jegou. At 2.46pm, Kellie Harrington v Alessia Mesiano from Italy battle it out in the Boxing, 60kg Round of 16. The day continues with Nhat Nguyen v Prince Nahal in Badminton, singles at 8.10pm and concludes with Mona McSharry in the 100m Breaststroke final at 8.25pm.