Monday, November 18, 2024

GAA All-Ireland SFC 2024 final: Armagh vs Galway – Familiar foes meet in Croke Park decider

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In contrast to Armagh, Galway entered the Sam Maguire series with their chests puffed out after winning a third Connacht title in a row.

While they had to settle for second in their group behind Armagh, a preliminary quarter-final win over Monaghan was followed by a stunning defeat of holders Dublin that blew the championship wide open and paved the way for semi-final success against Donegal.

There have been question marks over the fitness of Comer, Shane Walsh and captain Sean Kelly but all three have been named to start.

But even if Comer and Walsh don’t fire in attack, Joyce has a considerable level of talent at his disposal. Rob Finnerty is having an excellent season, Paul Conroy has been immense in midfield while in Dylan McHugh, Liam Silke and Sean Mulkerrin they have one of the most dynamic half-back lines around.

“We have a bit of experience in the lead-up to an All-Ireland final but we’re looking at it like another game,” said Kelly.

“We’re unbeaten in this championship and we aim to keep that way.”

Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Paddy Burns, Aaron McKay, Barry McCambridge; Connaire Mackin, Tiernan Kelly, Aidan Forker; Niall Grimley, Ben Crealey; Joe McElroy, Rian O’Neill, Oisin Conaty; Rory Grugan, Andrew Murnin, Conor Turbitt.

Subs: Ethan Rafferty, Greg McCabe, Peter McGrane, Ciaran Higgins, Ross McQuillan, Shane McPartlan, Jason Duffy, Oisin O’Neill, Stefan Campbell, Aidan Nugent, Jarly Og Burns.

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Johnny McGrath, Sean Fitzgerald, Jack Glynn; Dylan McHugh, Liam Silke, Sean Mulkerrin; Paul Conroy, Sean Kelly; Matthew Tierney, John Maher, Cillian McDaid; Rob Finnerty, Damien Comer, Shane Walsh.

Subs: Conor Flaherty, John Daly, Eoghan Kelly, Daniel O’Flaherty, Kieran Molloy, Cathal Sweeney, Cein D’Arcy, Johnny Heaney, Liam O Conghaile, Tomo Culhane, Niall Daly.

Referee: Sean Hurson (Tyrone)

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