In the Armagh Senior Football Championship final, Clann Éireann delivered a stunning performance in the second half, overpowering Clan na Gael at the Athletic Grounds. Despite facing some challenges in the initial half, Clann Éireann asserted their dominance after half-time with their dynamic and spirited gameplay.
Clann Éireann set the pace early in the match with constant offensive plays that kept Clan na Gael’s defence on their toes. Clann Éireann’s first significant achievement wasn’t far off. They responded quickly to Shane McPartlan’s point for Clan na Gael, with an effective counter-play that got them near Clan na Gael’s posts. Capitalising on a loose ball, Emmet Magee scored an opportunistic goal.
Conor Turbitt emerged as a star performer for Clann Éireann in the Armagh SFC final, landing a hat-trick of points that put Clan na Gael on the back foot. Matters worsened for Clan na Gael as Sam McLarnon was shown a black card by referee Paudie Hughes. Despite the setback, Clan na Gael demonstrated commendable resilience, with McPartlan and Jack Lavery adding to their scoreline.
However, the initial half ended on a high note for Clann Éireann. Turbitt caught his fifth point of the match and in a dramatic moment, Jack Conlon scored a stunning goal from an acute angle, tying the teams at 1-6 each at halftime.
During the latter half of the match, Clann Éireann truly hit their stride. Their momentum was boosted by their second goal early on in the half, expanding their lead to 2-6 versus 0-6. Conor McConville’s late third goal merely underlined the team’s brilliant overall performance.
The dynamic Turbitt had managed to round up his point score to eight, and combined with contributions from Jack Conlon, Rioghan Meehan, and Ruairi McDonald, the team smoothly sailed towards victory.
This gripping Lurgan showdown highlighted the bolstering strength of local football, undoubtedly leaving a lasting impression on Armagh manager, Kieran McGeeney, as he sets his sights on 2025.
The Clann Éireann line-up featured E Mulholland, S Heffron, M O’Shea, C O’Carroll, B McCambridge (who scored 0-1), S McCarthy, R Owens, T Kelly, C McConville (scoring 1-0), J Conlon (chipping in 1-1), D Magee, A Kelly, R McDonald (adding 0-2), alongside C Turbitt (who scored an impressive 0-8, including two frees), and E Magee (scoring 1-0). The substitutes included D McCarthy, R Meehan (0-1), J Magee and R Frinse.
On Clan na Gael’s side, the team comprised R Conway, S McLarnon, A McCreanor, J Lavery (scoring 0-1), N Loney, M McConville, J Brady, D O’Hagan, S McPartlan (scoring 0-6, including five frees), B O’Hagan (0-2), N Henderson, C O’Neill, Brendan O’Hagan , S Campbell (contributing 0-5), and D Loney. The substitutions included R Mioghan, D McCarthy, C Francie, M Lennon, J Magee and J Austin. Paudie Hughes officiated the match.