Gaelic GamesKey moments

Five key moments from Armagh’s dramatic All-Ireland win over Galway

Margins prove wafer-thin as Kieran McGeeney’s men edge over the line at Croke Park

Armagh captain Aidan Forker lifts the Sam Maguire Cup at Croke Park following the one-point victory over Galway. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho
Armagh captain Aidan Forker lifts the Sam Maguire Cup at Croke Park following the one-point victory over Galway. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho
Philip Reid
Sun Jul 28 2024 - 18:27
7 minutes: Rob Finnerty’s injury

Rob Finnerty was like a cat waiting to pounce. Armagh goalkeeper Blaine Hughes had gone quick and short with his restarts but this time Finnerty was ready and, quick as a flash, outsmarted the Armagh defence. He was fouled for his bravery and quickness. Finnerty got up to kick over the free but limped back to his position and was clearly injured and struggling. He was hauled ashore just three minutes later and Galway had lost their season’s top scorer. (That free had brought his season’s championship tally to 1-34).

Galway 0-3 Armagh 0-1

Galway's John Maher eludes both Conor Turbitt and Rian O'Neill of Armagh. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho
Galway's John Maher eludes both Conor Turbitt and Rian O'Neill of Armagh. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho
19 minutes: Maher’s magic

A stop-start, defensive first half suddenly lit up and Galway’s John Maher – who moments earlier had made a terrific block on Niall Grimley – provided the spark. Conor Gleeson’s long kick-out was cleverly tapped down by Johnny Heaney to Maher who surged forward and had a couple of interplays, finally fist passing on to Céin Darcy who finished for a superb point.

Galway 0-4 Armagh 0-3

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Armagh's Stefan Campbell celebrates after setting up Aaron McKay for the only goal of the game. Photograph: Tom Maher/Inpho
Armagh's Stefan Campbell celebrates after setting up Aaron McKay for the only goal of the game. Photograph: Tom Maher/Inpho
45 minutes: Aaron McKay’s goal

Nothing underscores the changed world of Gaelic football more than a full back being the last man in attack. And so it proved to be, as Armagh edged into the lead for the first time in the match. Just moments after his introduction as a substitute, Stefan Campbell did what Stefan Campbell does. He got possession down the left wing, cut inside and handpassed across to his No 3 Aaron McKay who finished the ball powerfully first time beyond Connor Gleeson.

Armagh 1-9 Galway 0-10

Niall Grimley gets his kick away despite the attempted block from Galway's John Maher. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho
Niall Grimley gets his kick away despite the attempted block from Galway's John Maher. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho
61 minutes: Niall Grimley’s point

From one end of the field to the other. Shane Walsh’s kicking boots went AWOL and, after calling a mark, his kick fell short and into the safe hands of Blaine Hughes who swiftly dispatched the ball. A high ball into Niall Grimley on the 45 was brilliantly fetched and in one gymnastic turn that wouldn’t be out of place in Paris 2024 continued his motion with an on-the-run point.

Armagh 1-10 Galway 0-11

Armagh fans greet the final whistle at Croke Park. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho
Armagh fans greet the final whistle at Croke Park. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho
76 minutes: The final whistle

Seán Hurson’s full-time whistle finally brought an end to a breathtaking end game which saw the woodwork intervene at each end, heartbreakingly for Galway’s Dylan McHugh’s whose effort to draw level drew cheers which turned to groans. Rather fittingly, the ball was in the hands of Jarly Óg Burns – the son of GAA president Jarlath Burns – when the final shrill of the whistle sounded. Cue mayhem, with Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney shouldered high on the turf where his men had reigned supreme.

Armagh 1-11 Galway 0-13

Philip Reid

Philip Reid

Philip Reid is Golf Correspondent of The Irish Times