‘We’re delighted; Division 1 is where we need to be’ says Armagh’s Aaron McKay

Armagh will play Division 1 football in 2025, after they confirmed their promotion this evening with a comfortable win at home to Cavan.

Kieran McGeeney’s men have 11 points on the board through six games, and can afford to rotate their squad against Cork next week, ahead of the Division 2 final against Donegal at Croke Park on Easter Sunday.

The Orchard County had the breeze at their backs in the first half, and they took full advantage – outscoring the Breffni side 2-12 to 0-4.

Peter McGrane scored his first inter-county goal on 28 minutes, as he received an over-the-top through ball from Connaire Mackin, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted coolly into the net.

The game was virtually put to bed as a contest, when Conor Turbitt was dragged down by Cillian Brady in first half stoppage time, and Armagh were awarded a penalty. Turbitt stepped up himself to take the spot kick, and he fired his shot into the top corner to give Armagh a 14-point half-time lead.

In the second half, the home side took their foot off the gas and managed the lead well. Furthermore, they kept a sixth-straight clean sheet, leaving them as the only remaining team in all of the four Allianz Football League divisions yet to concede a goal.

Following the victory, Armagh’s full back Aaron McKay said that the team ‘needs to be’ playing at Division 1 level, and Armagh’s strength in depth means that the in-house games at training can be tougher than the real matches sometimes.

For full match report and more reaction see this week’s Newry Reporter – in shops Wednesday March 20!