St Patrick’s Cullyhanna make history as they become Armagh’s first ever All-Ireland Intermediate champions

St Patrick’s Cullyhanna created history this afternoon, as they became Armagh’s first ever All-Ireland Intermediate club football champions, with a four-point win over Cork’s Cill na Marta at Croke Park.

As was expected for such a big occasion, the opening minutes were nervy but long-range points from Pearse Casey and Aidan Nugent settled Cullyhanna down, before Nugent almost took the roof off the net with a howitzer of a finish from close range after a lay-off from Neil McCreesh, which put them 1-3 to 0-2 ahead.

The Armagh men closed out the half well to lead 1-5 to 0-4 at the break, but they were put under serious pressure by their opponents in the second period.

Cill na Martra had the lion’s share of possession, but they were extremely wasteful – kicking 16 wides and dropping two shots short. They were also twice denied by Cullyhanna’s goalkeeper James Carragher in goal-scoring opportunities.

At the other end, scores from Shea Hoey and Jason Duffy were enough to keep the scoreboard ticking over and the Armagh men held on to claim a famous victory.

For full match report and all the reaction see this week’s Newry Reporter – in shops Wednesday January 17!