The All-Ireland SFC final could only have been a nail-biter with Armagh and Galway, two teams which had been inseparable over the past three seasons. It wasn’t until the final moments of added time in the 2024 championship, that referee Seán Hurson signalled the end, much to the elation and relief of the Armagh team.
Successfully clinching victory, Armagh demonstrated endurance throughout the game. At 47 minutes in, they spearheaded with a game-changing score and tirelessly defended their lead for the duration of the second half. Their robust defensive strategy made Galway earn their points through intensive effort, a testament to Armagh’s commitment to victory.
In the last critical moments, notable performances were seen when Joe McElroy thwarted Paul Conroy’s attempt to tie the game, while Ben Crealey’s stalwart defence against Cillian McDaid’s advances helped prevent a possible comeback from Galway. The Armagh players further showcased their strength when Dylan McHugh and Stefan Campell each attempted scores, with the later endeavour following Crealey’s vital possession turnover.
Armagh’s win reflects a journey of perseverance with a rewarding culmination, as their rivals Galway lost momentum. Acclaimed performances were observed from the Armagh team, with players such as Oisín Conaty and Barry McCambridge excelling in the championship decider.
For Armagh, especially, the victory is apt validation for a side that has previously struggled with narrow margins. They remained calm under pressure, not letting Galway’s aggressive advances deter them.
Key team members like Oisín Conaty had stellar games, contributing 0-3 from game play and proving his tenacity. Additionally, both midfielders Niall Grimley and Crealey played crucial roles in managing threats from Galway’s key players. Following a shaky beginning, both squads successfully maintained their kick-outs.
Despite not performing up to their potential, Galway managed to maintain control for a significant portion of the game, only losing their footing at the 47th-minute goal. Their calculated and paced strategy, despite appearing less fluid than Armagh’s, kept them ahead for a while. Their performance took a hit in the 11th minute with Rob Finnerty’s unexpected exit due to injury. He was replaced by Johnny Heaney, a more versatile forward that didn’t quite match Finnerty’s shooting prowess. Throughout the season, Finnerty had consistently outdone his more notorious full-forward teammates Damien Comer and Shane Walsh.
The pair never really found their rhythm in this match. Comer was unable to make a significant impact, and efforts to get him involved by his teammates turned out unsuccessful. It was only after 30 minutes into the game when a well-placed ball allowed Comer to assist Paul Conroy in scoring. Conroy thus became Galway’s primary scorer, a shift in roles that Armagh efficiently identified and subsequently neutralised.
As for Walsh, he fell short of the impressive performance he delivered against Kerry two years ago, failing to convert five attempts. This included two missed free kicks and an attacking mark, along with a rare opportunity from open play that probably should’ve been seized by Liam Silke.
Despite having an array of under-performing players, Galway continued to push forward, facing an Armagh squad that recently managed to lose a four-point lead in the closing quarter of the Ulster final in May. Galway tried to take the initiative when the match was evenly poised at 0-6 each at half-time, managing to pull two points ahead. However, Armagh quickly responded, negating the gap.
The second goal conceded by Galway, both coming from Armagh, proved to be the turning point. It was facilitated by the recently substituted Campbell, whose endline run created space for a well-placed pass to Aaron McKay. The Armagh player perfectly timed his run into the square, striking the ball decisively into the net.
The climax was a compelling one, despite both Armagh and Galway experiencing a bit of a decline after their performance in the third quarter left only a two-point gap separating them. Galway struggled to make any significant progress on the points table making their onslaught feel sluggish. However, Céin D’Arcy, who stepped in for captain Seán Kelly, managed to lessen the gap to a single point at 1-9 to 0-11. D’Arcy’s excellent contribution to the game saw him score 0-3 from the field.
A pivotal point came at the 62nd minute of the game. Walsh had a chance to take the lead, but his short free kick landed in the hands of Grimley who widened the gap back to two, at the other end of the field. Injury replacement, Oisín O’Neill compensates the lack of creativity from his injured mate Rory Grugan, clinching a decisive score right under the Cusack Stand within the next four minutes.
Galway manager, Pádraic Joyce would undoubtedly be disappointed. Despite his team, trailing by three points, managing to claim two points back courtesy of D’Arcy and McDaid.
The game saw a momentous victory for Armagh, leading Kieran McGeeney to be a part of the elite group of individuals who’ve both captained and managed teams to clinch the All-Ireland football championship. McGeeney has indeed been on a remarkable journey, making his success a particularly joyous occasion.
ARMAGH: Blaine Hughes; Barry McCambridge (0-1), Aidan Forker (0-1), Paddy Burns; Joe McElroy, Tiarnan Kelly (0-1), Connaire Mackin; Niall Grimley (0-1), Ben Crealey (0-2); Aaron McKay (1-0), Rian O’Neill (0-1), Oisin Conaty (0-3); Rory Grugan, Andrew Murnin, Conor Turbitt.
Subs: Stefan Campbell came in for Turbitt and Ross McQuillan replaced Kelly, both at 46 minutes. Oisin O’Neill (0-1) took over Grugan’s role in the 51st minute, followed by Jarly Óg Burns in place of Mackin in the 60th minute and Jason Duffy took over Forker in the 76th minute.
In Galway, the team comprised of Connor Gleeson, Jack Glynn, Seán Fitzgerald, and Johnny McGrath as the leading players. Other team members present were Dylan McHugh, Seán Mulkerrin, and Liam Silke, who scored 0-1. The midfield was anchored by Paul Conroy, who scored thrice, partnered by Céin Darcy, who also put away three goals. In the forward line, Matthew Tierney, John Maher, who scored once, and Cillian McDaid, who got two points, held their own. At full forward, Rob Finnerty scored a free, while Damien Comer and Shane Walsh, who netted twice, one of which was a free kick, were prominent.
Substitutes included Johnny Heaney who replaced Finnerty after 11 minutes, Seán Kelly who stepped in for Glynn in the 45th minute, and Daniel O’Flaherty for Tierney and Tomo Culhane for Comer, both in the 66th minute. Kieran Molloy subbed for Heaney in the 75th minute. The match was officiated by Seán Hurson from Tyrone.