Twenty-four hours on from Armagh’s triumph in the All-Ireland GAA final, Ma Kearney’s pub in Crossmaglen continues to replay the exciting match, much to the enjoyment of the crowd of supporters gathered in the front lounge. One woman, dressed in an orange Stetson, has been found toasting to the team’s one-point victory over Galway in what has been described as a suspenseful encounter.
According to Benny Cassidy, the pub’s proprietor, the match’s replay has been broadcasted seven or eight times since the previous day, creating an electric atmosphere. “The wonderful thing is that the youngsters get to join in celebrating our victory. I decided to give my tickets to my children because I saw it all in 2002,” he explained.
Out on the street, many shops in southern Armagh have closed for the day, and numerous cars are en route to Armagh city for the team’s return fête. Flags of orange and white flurry about from automobiles, and a model of the Sam Maguire trophy is displayed on top of a vintage Morris Minor. “Galway for racing, Armagh for Sam”, proclaims a massive banner out front of a house near the village of Newtownhamilton.
Horns blast as cars line up on grassy shoulders just outside the city, and thousands of supporters make their way on foot towards Dalton Road to attend the ticketed event at the Athletic Grounds. Among a residential development, a distinctive orange banner acclaims Punky Toner, Armagh’s gear manager, as the “top gear manager in the land.”
As the crowd of 16,000 begin their anticipation for the team’s arrival under the comforting July sun, families of all ages fill the pitch at the grounds, and TV cameras are positioned in front of a balloon archway decorated in orange and white. More Power to Your Elbow, the band, leads a robust rendition of The Boys From the County Armagh.
Stephen McKevitt from Mullaghbawn conveys the sentiments of many, calling the whole spectacle “completely surreal” as he ushers his toddler’s pram into the stands. After having watched the match the previous day – his three-year-old daughter’s first All-Ireland – he reflects on the joy found at the sound of the final whistle after an array of tough past games that left many young fans in tears.
A minor police force was stationed at the venue and McKevitt voiced his discontent regarding the apprehensions articulated by unionist politicians earlier that day about PSNI officers partaking in the victory celebrations. DUP representatives conversed with the police on Monday following the appearance of a video on social platforms that seemingly displayed officers, from their vehicles in Camlough village situated on the fringes of Newry, brandishing flags and blaring their sirens. Furthermore, TUV MP Jim Allister registered a complaint with the NI Police Ombudsman.
“Mere community policing should be hailed, not criticised. Yet, it’s hardly noteworthy. The only individuals generating noise about this seem to be unionists,” states McKevitt.
His mother, Kathleen McKevitt, emphasises the immense significance of GAA for her community amid the Troubles. “It managed to unify so many of us, Paddy, my brother, travelled back from Yonkers in New York for the match – he procured his ticket while still in the States,” she articulates.
At approximately 5.40pm, the crowd hears that the team is in the vicinity, and a surge of energy echoes through the crowd as Armagh captain Aidan Forker and manager Kieran McGeeney make their grand entrance with the Sam Maguire, roughly ten minutes later. Orange fireworks fill the air as the 44-member Armagh team, uniformed in matching chinos and polo shirts, perform an impromptu dance on stage, encouraged by the ever-growing crowd chanting “Geezer, Geezer”, McGeeney’s sobriquet.
The resonant tune of the Florence & The Machine’s Dog Days are Over, the team’s new unofficial anthem, blankets the venue and everyone is on their feet. “One thing cannot be denied, when Armagh accomplishes something, it’s always done with panache,” McGeeney proclaims to them, his voice strained.
“Many players I competed with remarked that the match against Kerry resulted in a jaw-dropping stadium atmosphere, unlike anything they’ve experienced before. Again in the finals, and on the journey back yesterday evening, this morning, and this afternoon, you’ve elevated things for this team to an unprecedented level, and for that, we cannot be more thankful.”
As the final spectator gradually disappears after a plethora of photos taken with the team, a trio of young lads enjoy a football match on the Gaelic playing field.
“Our lives were devoted to the GAA. We attended matches irrespective of their location, be it Cork or any other place; we often said that we were ‘raised on the move’.
Back in the day, the GAA played a crucial role in the right upbringing of children. When I share these memories with my own children, they gaze at me in wonder. This victory is dedicated to the forthcoming generation.”