“It’s like somebody has just hit the emergency stop button and the whole place has gone orange and white,” laughed Camlough’s Ciaran Hughes.
He was speaking to The Irish News while painting his house in Orchard County colours, following Armagh’s victory in Saturday’s gripping All-Ireland football semi-final against Kerry.
“The atmosphere in the village is incredible,” added Ciaran, owner of Fiships chippy in Camlough.
“I have great helpers here, my daughters Erin, Moya and Isla, and my niece, Masie McKeever.
“They are all Gaelic mad. My three play for Carrickcruppen – the same team as Armagh goalkeeper, Blaine Hughes, and Masie plays for Mullaghbawn.
“My brothers and I decided to paint the house as soon as Armagh got through to the All-Ireland final because it is just as you go into the village.
“Now everybody is stopping and getting photographs. It is class.”
He added: “We are all going up to Croke Park for the final. I try to go to them all.
“I was there in 2002, when we beat Kerry, and in 2003 when we lost to Tyrone.
“On Saturday, I got great enjoyment out of watching my own children watching the match. It was lovely to experience it with them.”
Ciaran wished the Armagh team all the best for the July 28 final against Galway.
“We are delighted here in Camlough to have four local fellas playing in the squad, Greg McCabe, and Connaire and Ciaran Mackin, and Blaine Hughes,” he added.
“I hope to God they do it.
“I think they have a good chance. Galway is a really good side, but I just think Armagh is coming good at the right time, peaking at the right time.
“I do really believe that.
“I am glad we avoided Donegal as well, just with the whole Jim McGuinness phenomenon and the fact they beat us in two finals this year.
“Armagh are strong this year.
“They have a bench that is as good as the players on the field. We have a great panel.”
