Armagh landed their second ever All-Ireland football title following a 1-11 to 0-13 victory over Galway at Croke Park.
Aaron McKay scored a crucial goal midway through the second half, the Orchard County never relinquished the lead after that.
The first few minutes were cagey; Armagh defended in numbers while Galway enjoyed a prolonged spell of possession.
The Tribesmen eventually created an opening. Paul Conroy kicked a wonderful score from inside the 45-metre line.
Armagh eventually settled. Oisin Conaty levelled the game within 60 seconds.
Rob Finnerty’s pointed free gave Galway a two-point cushion on seven minutes. Scores from Conaty and Ben Crealey brought Armagh level three minutes later.
Galway restored their one-point lead in impressive fashion on 20 minutes. John Maher carved the opportunity with a powerful run, Cein Darcy supplied the finishing touch.
Five minutes later Armagh restored parity. Aidan Forker landed Armagh’s first score in almost 15 minutes.
John Maher and Barry McCambridge traded scores before Paul Conroy restored Galway’s one-point lead on 32 minutes.
Ben Crealey kicked his second point of the day on the stroke of half-time making it 0-6 apiece at the break.
Galway started the second half in blistering fashion. Paul Conroy and Cillian McDaid landed a score each within three minutes of the restart.
Armagh drew level on 41 minutes. Rian O’Neill landed a wonderful score from a difficult angle.
Turning point
Shane Walsh edged Galway back in front with a pointed free on 46 minutes. 60 second later, Armagh took the lead for the first time.
Substitute Stefan Campbell fed Aaron McKay, the Armagh full-back palmed to the net making it 1-9 to 0-10.
Neither side managed another score for eight minutes. Galway’s Cein Darcy ended the drought on 55 minutes making it a one-point game.
Galway’s Shane Walsh dropped a free short on 62 minutes. From the resulting move, Armagh’s Niall Grimley slotted over a wonderful score.
Oisin O’Neill gave Armagh a three-point cushion on 66 minutes. Scores from Cein Darcy and Cillian McDaid left a point between them 60 seconds from time.
A frantic finish followed during the six minutes off additional time. Firstly, Galway’s Dylan McHugh hit the post, three minutes later Armagh did the same thing.
Paul Conroy went for an equaliser right at the death but was denied by a superb block from Joe McElroy.
The final whistle soon followed as Armagh claimed their second ever All-Ireland title and their first since 2002.
Here's the moment Aidan Forker lifted Sam Maguire #GAA #Armagh #Allirelandfinalpic.twitter.com/kfeIBnvwG6
— NorthernSoundFM (@NorthernSoundFM) July 28, 2024
