Northern Ireland

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly wishes Armagh footballers good luck

Ms Little-Pengelly said she was missing the final due to a previously arranged family commitment

Deputy First Minister and Miss Ruby wishing Armagh all the best in the All-Ireland final today.
Deputy First Minister and Miss Ruby wishing Armagh all the best in the All-Ireland final today.
By Catherine McGinty

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has sent a good luck message to the Armagh Gaelic footballers.

Ahead of the orchard county’s battle against Galway in today’s All-Ireland Football Final, Ms Little-Pengelly posted a photograph of herself with her dog.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed neither Ms Little-Pengelly, who is originally from Markethill in Co Armagh, nor the north’s sports minister Gordon Lyons, both members of the DUP, would be present at the final.

The accompanying message read: “Miss Ruby is from Castlewellan, so I’m unsure of her loyalties on this one!

“The First Minister and I are both away with previously committed family leave commitments, which we of course we will honour, but we both wish Armagh all the best for their All Ireland final.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she was looking forward to a great game in today’s All-Ireland Final, although she also will not be in attendance. Sinn Féin said Conor Murphy would be there.

Ms O’Neill added: “Credit to both Galway and Armagh on a fantastic championship. Hoping the Sam Maguire makes its way back to the orchard county!”

Communities Minister Mr Lyons later congratulated Armagh on their single point victory over Galway in a tense finale.

“Congratulations to Armagh on winning the All-Ireland Championship for only the second time in history,” Mr Lyons said.

“This is a great achievement for all involved with the Orchard County and I am sure they will enjoy the well-deserved celebrations as will their supporters who have waited over twenty years for this moment.”

Other sports’ clubs in Armagh, including Portadown RFC, have also wished the county’s footballers good luck for this afternoon’s match.

Portadown RFC said: “All at PRFC would like to wish Armagh GAA good luck today in the All Ireland Final and a special good luck to Portadown Man Oisín Conaty. Come on Armagh!”