Thousands of fans packed into the Athletic Grounds in Armagh to witness a famous homecoming – Sam Maguire making its way back to the Orchard county for the first time in 22 years.
It was a carnival atmosphere as Kieran McGeeney and his team rolled in – having earlier visited Craigavon Area Hospital – to the fanfare of adoring supporters, young and old.
Captain Aidan Forker proudly exited the bus first, Sam Maguire firmly locked in, followed by the squad of weary players – the game and celebrations taking their toll at this stage, no doubt.
Addressing the crowd, manager Kieran McGeeney: “We are absolutely blown away by this we expected something big but nothing like this. It has to be said when Armagh does something Armagh does it in style.
“On the way home last night and this morning and now this afternoon you have taken things to a new level for this team and for that we are entirely grateful.
“Last thing I am going to say… they are the ones that have to go for the ball they are the ones that have to make the blocks. No matter what was said about them they have been knocked down time and time again. They were told they couldn’t beat teams above them. Everybody said they wouldn’t win the All-Ireland and they won the all Ireland.”
Captain Aidan Forker, promising to keep his speech shorter than that of the one he delivered on the steps of the Hogan stand, added: “Without this management team this doesn’t happen. A massive round of applause for our management team.
“To the fans this orange wave that follows us everywhere up and down the country there is no one like us. Look around you here today. We are living our dreams here today.
“Before I finish to the boys here behind me, I am just so proud that I get to represent them that I got to walk the steps and lift the cup on behalf of these boys behind me.”
Then came the party…
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