In a minute-by-minute summary of an exhilarating match, these are some of the highlights: Rob Finnerty, once a poised attacker, was seen struggling due to an injury after just seven minutes. Despite showing courage and speed against Armagh’s defence, an evident limp signalled a problem. After an impressive kick, Finnerty was replaced just three minutes later. This was a significant loss for Galway, as he was the team’s top scorer for the season with a championship total of 1-34. Even with Finnerty’s setback, Galway was leading against Armagh 0-3 to 0-1.
At the 19 minute-mark, something special happened. John Maher of Galway created a magical moment. Earlier, Maher had blocked an attempt from Niall Grimley. Now, in a swift yet strategic move following Conor Gleeson’s long kick-out, Johnny Heaney tapped the ball to Maher. After a round of interplays, he passed the ball to Céin Darcy, who scored magnificently.
Unfortunately for Galway, despite battling valiantly, they fell short against Armagh. Standout performances were noted from Oisín Conaty and Barry McCambridge, paramount in Armagh’s second All-Ireland title win over Galway.
At the 45th minute, Armagh’s Aaron McKay demonstrated the evolving face of Gaelic football. A full back, he managed to play the key role in Armagh’s first lead of the match. Stefan Campbell, newly on the field as a substitute, secured possession and made a cutting inside pass to McKay, who sent a powerful shot past Connor Gleeson.
Niall Grimley added to Galway’s misery at the 61st minute by scoring an extraordinary point, bringing the score to Armagh 1-11, Galway 0-13.
Spanning the entire length of the field, Shane Walsh’s normally accurate kicks were noticeably off. His attempt at scoring after marking fell short, landing securely in the possession of Blaine Hughes who promptly got the ball back into play. A towering pass targeted at Niall Grimley on the 45 was exquisitely caught. Grimley then performed an acrobatic move that wouldn’t be amiss at Paris 2024, resulting in an on-the-go point.
Armagh 1-10, Galway 0-11
76 minutes: End of play.
The conclusion of the thrilling match was signalled by Seán Hurson’s final whistle. The drama continued until the last moments with the goalposts intervening on both sides, causing heartache for Galway’s Dylan McHugh whose attempt to equalise understandably sparked jubilation, which quickly turned to disappointment. Symbolically, the ball ended up in the control of Jarly Óg Burns – the offspring of GAA president Jarlath Burns – when the last high-pitched whistle reverberated around the stadium. Chaos ensued, with Armagh coach Kieran McGeeney being hoisted in celebration on the pitch where his team had triumphed.
Armagh 1-11, Galway 0-13.