Friday, November 15, 2024

Armagh fans celebrate historic All Ireland win in Dublin

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Armagh fans emerged from Croke Park in jubilant mood after witnessing their country end more than two decades of hurt by securing just their second All-Ireland football championship.

Hours before throw-in, many were nervous but confident of victory as they headed into Croke Park in Dublin.

With fans proudly sporting their county jerseys and orange hats, the streets around Croke Park were filled with the sounds of air horns and whistles.

Patricia Mackin (78) and her Grandson Daithi Reavey (10) from Forkhill, wearing an Armagh hat she made for him

While thousands were lucky enough to get sought-after tickets to the match, many others took to pubs to soak up the atmosphere.

Enda Nugent (37) travelled down from Darkley to watch the game. Speaking to The Irish News outside the Auld Triangle he said a win was everything.

“I’m ecstatic. I thought would be a tight game. Point for point in the first half and then that goal in the second. Fantastic.

Colleen McClelland (30) from Keady, Arlene McKeown (33) from Granemore Seamy Connelly (33) from Keady and Enda Nugent (37) from Darley
Colleen McClelland (30) from Keady, Arlene McKeown (33) from Granemore Seamy Connelly (33) from Keady and Enda Nugent (37) from Darley

“It means everything to the county to have this win. It’s been 20 years since we last had the Sam Maguire and it’s great to have it back.”

Steven Bellew (35) got tickets to Sunday’s match. He travelled from Cullyhanna with his family to see the win.

“It’s just an incredible feeling, its magic,” he said. “These days don’t come around too often. It’s long overdue.

“It’s great to be here today to enjoy the atmosphere and see them win.”

Steven Bellew (35)and Daniel Bellew (68) from Cullyhanna
Steven Bellew (35)and Daniel Bellew (68) from Cullyhanna

His uncle Daniel Bellew (68) travelled from New York to join them at Croke Park on Sunday. He told The Irish News that the trip was well worth it to finally see the Sam Maguire back in Armagh.

“Its a great feeling. It’s great to be here and witness the win.”

“It was a tight game but they played well.”

Cheers and chants filled the stands and the streets following Sunday’s decider.

Donna Small (45) and Ronan McKee  (42) from Antrim
Donna Small (45) and Ronan McKee (42) from Antrim

Fans soon took to the streets and local bars to celebrate.

Donna Small (45) from Antrim is an Armagh native and lifelong fan of the team. She said even her Co Antrim husband became an Armagh supporter for the day.

“It is just unbelievable, it has been such a long time coming we have had to to listen to Tyrone enough, now its our turn,” she laughed.



“I think it’s great they got a win. You can see the thousands of supporters sporting the jersey today. The whole of the north seems to have got behind them today and it’s incredible to be able to go home with a win.”

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