Northern Ireland

Camlough hopes Armagh will have All-Ireland ‘boxed off’

With a population of just over 1,000, Camlough has four county players on Armagh panel

Ulster Champion Aaron McCusker from  Camlough ABC  who painted the boxing club  ahead of Armagh’s All Ireland Final against Galway.
PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Ulster Champion Aaron McCusker from Camlough ABC, who helped paint the boxing club head of Armagh’s All Ireland final against Galway. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN

When Armagh step onto the hallowed turf of Croke Park to face Galway on All Ireland Sunday, the Camlough cheer will definitely go up.

Altogether, the village, with a population of just over 1,000, has four county players on the Armagh panel.

Greg McCabe and brothers Connaire and Ciaran Mackin, play for Shane O’Neill’s, while goalkeeper, Blaine Hughes, plays for Carrickcruppen.

That is not to mention All Stars, Aimee Mackin and Blaithin Mackin, who also play for Shane O’Neill’s, Armagh Ladies and Melbourne AFLW.

Local boxing coach, Martin McCusker, spoke to The Irish News about the post-match excitement which has consumed Camlough since Saturday’s nail-biting semi-final against the mighty Kerry.

Members of  Camlough ABC paint the boxing club  ahead of Armagh’s All Ireland Final against Galway.
PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Members of Camlough ABC paint the boxing club ahead of Armagh’s All Ireland final against Galway. PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN

Martin, the coach and trainer at Camlough Amateur Boxing Club for the past 35 years, spent Sunday decorating the club’s premises.

“The owner of the building, John Mooney, decided to paint the outside of the club white and orange in honour of the team” he said.



“We are absolutely delighted Armagh are in the final on July 28.

“Camlough is abuzz at the minute. RTÉ's Up For The Match team was here recording on Tuesday afternoon.

“The atmosphere was fantastic. We even had live music from Raglan.

“I wouldn’t think there’d be anyone left in the village on Sunday week. Everyone’s heading up to Dublin,” said Martin.

Camlough, which also has a hurling club – Craobh Rua – is no stranger to sporting success.

“We had a good year this year with the boxing club,” said Martin.

“We had seven Ulster champions. My own lad, Aaron (13) won the Ulster title this year.

“Camlough also ran the Crooked Lake Triathlon on June 8. So, we are a busy wee village that likes its sports.

“On behalf of Camlough Amateur Boxing Club, I would like to wish Armagh all the very best and we hope they bring the Sam Maguire back to the Orchard county.”