Captain Aidan Forker told the Armagh team and supporters ‘we’re not dreaming’ as he captained the side to their first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in over two decades.
The Orchardmen defeated Galway in a tightly fought contest that ended up with a 1-11 to 0-13 scoreline.
The Maghery clubman and vice-principal of Our Lady’s Primary School, Tullysaran, in Benburb, scored one of the points of the game and led the side will from wing-back in Croke Park.
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“Today, we’re not dreaming, we are 2024 All-Ireland champions,” these words were met with almost a sigh of collective relief and unbridled joy from the Armagh supporters that surrounded Croke Park.
“It is the greatest grace and blessing of my life to be accepting the Sam Maguire cup on behalf of this group of men standing in front of me.”
He then went on to thank the backroom staff, who had a great impact on the team’s performances this season and left Kieran McGeeney until the end.
He said: “A man walked these steps once before and stood here as I am grateful to do today, he continues to lead this county from the sidelines every single day of his life.”
He continued: “This win, I promise you, would not have happened if geezer had not returned 10 years ago.”
Forker went on to speak about those in the group who had lost family members along the way this year, with Niall Grimley losing his brother Patrick in a car accident and also Rian and Oisin O’Neill losing their uncle Pádraig O’Neill to a heart attack after their semi-final against Kerry.
