As anyone with a connection to Armagh can now tell you, there is nothing quite like the feeling of being All-Ireland champions.
For those old enough to remember the last time, Sunday’s nail-biting victory at Croke Park was a joyous release of 22 years of disappointments and dreams – waiting, hoping, praying that the football gods would smile on the Orchard county again.
For younger fans, who know little of past triumphs or despair, it was simply the best thrill they have ever experienced.
What unites everyone is the sheer elation, and perhaps disbelief, at reaching the very pinnacle of Irish sport.
And the way that success was achieved, and has been celebrated since the final whistle on Sunday afternoon, says much about the Armagh players and management and the very special role the GAA plays in our community.
Before presenting the trophy to captain Aidan Forker, Jarlath Burns delivered an emotional speech paying tribute to the many members that make up the GAA family – from coaches and committee members to linesmen and those lining out pitches, all giving up their time for the benefit of our young people.
“Today is your day, because the GAA is where we all belong,” he said.
Mr Burns, whose son Jarly Óg was on the winning team, also spoke of loved ones who could not be present, recalling how Niall Grimley lost his brother Patrick in a road accident that also claimed the lives of his wife, Ciera, and their friend Ciara McElvanna.
Forker too, spoke about the Grimleys and teammates Rian and Oisin O’Neill, who lost their uncle Pádraig after their semi-final win against Kerry.
When the cup was brought across the border, one of the first priorities was to bring it to the children in Craigavon Area Hospital who were unable to join the celebrations.
Later, the ecstatic scenes at the official event for fans and players in Armagh’s Athletic Grounds will live long in the memory and help inspire a new generation to emulate their heroes.
The support for the Armagh team from across the community, including the likes of local football club Glenavon and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, has again demonstrated how sport has the power to unite in a way little else can.
The overreaction of some to video footage of police officers getting caught up in celebrations in Camlough should give them cause for reflection at a time of overwhelming positivity for the county and wider province.
For the vast majority of those looking on at the celebrations, the only feeling will be one of shared joy – and hope that next year it will be their turn.
