Northern Ireland

Armagh GAA homecoming: Celebrations in full flow as thousands gather at Carrickdale Hotel

Fans welcomed the victorious team home after All Ireland win

Armagh homecoming
Celebrations were well under way after Armagh won their first All-Ireland final in 22 years in a nail-biting match in Dublin. PICTURE: ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER PRESS
By Suzanne McGonagle

Celebrations were in full flow on Sunday as the victorious Armagh GAA squad made their way home with the coveted Sam Maguire cup.

The team bus rolled into the Carrickdale Hotel near the border to rapturous applause from thousands of supporters.

Armagh homecoming
Thousands of people pictured as the Armagh team arrive at the Carrickdale Hotel. PICTURE: ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER PRESS

A sea of orange swamped the roads around the Co Louth venue as Armagh fans cheered the team off the bus just hours after they had clinched the All Ireland title and secured the greatest prize in gaelic football.

The Orchard County defeated Galway to mark the county’s first All-Ireland title win in 22 years.

Armagh homecoming
The team bus rolled into the hotel hours after the match at Croke Park on Sunday. PICTURE: ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER PRESS

As the team took to a stage set up outside the hotel, Armagh captain Aidan Forker and manager Kieran McGeeney spoke to the thousands of supporters gathered.

McGeeney said: “All the experts today said Galway, Galway, Galway.

“I’m not allowed to use bad language, but you know something, they can go and take a running jump because these boys showed everybody.”

Armagh homecoming
Celebrations are well under way after Armagh won their first All-Ireland final in 22 years. PICTURE: ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER PRESS

Celebrations are set to continue today with a massive homecoming event planned to take place at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh.

The ticket-only event begins at 5pm.

Armagh homecoming
Thousands of supporters gathered to welcome the team home. PICTURE: ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER PRESS