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Armagh GAA
Irish:Ard Mhacha
Nickname(s):The Orchard County
Province:Ulster
Dominant sport:Gaelic football
Ground(s):Athletic Grounds, Armagh
County colours:  Tangerine   White
County teams
NFL:Division 1
NHL:Division 2B
Football Championship:Sam Maguire Cup
Hurling Championship:Nicky Rackard Cup
Ladies' Gaelic football:Brendan Martin Cup
Camogie:Nancy Murray Cup

The Armagh County Board (Irish: Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Coiste Chontae Ard Mhacha) or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in Ireland, and is responsible for the administration of Gaelic games in County Armagh, Northern Ireland.

The county board is responsible for preparing the Armagh GAA teams in the various sporting codes; football, hurling, camogie and handball.

The county football team has won two All-Ireland Senior Football Championships in 2002 and 2024.

Football

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Clubs

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The county's most successful football club is Crossmaglen Rangers. Crossmaglen have won the Armagh Senior Football Championship on 45 occasions, the Ulster Senior Club Football Championship on 11 occasions, and All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship on six occasions.

List of football clubs
Club Name Irish Name Senior Armagh Titles Provincial Titles All-Ireland Home stadium
Annaghmore Pearses GFC CPG Na Piarsaigh Eanach Mór 0 0 0 Páirc an Phiarsaigh/Pearse Park
Armagh Harps GFC Cláirsigh Ard Mhacha 21 0 0 Páirc na Mainistreach/Abbey Park
Ballyhegan Davitts GAC Baile Uí hÁgáin 0 0 0 Páirc Baile Uí hÁgáin/Ballyhegan Park
Ballymacnab Round Towers GAC CLG na gCloigthithe, Baile Mhic an Aba 0 0 0 Páirc na nGael
St Patrick's Carrickcruppen GFC CLG Naomh Padraig Carraig an Chropain 4 0 0 Pairc Naomh Padraig / St Patrick’s Park
Clan na Gael GAA (Armagh) CLG Clan na Gael 14 3 0 Davitt Park/Davitt Park
Clann Éireann GAC CLG Clann Éireann 3 0 0 Páirc Chlann Éireann/Clann Éireann Park
Clonmore Robert Emmet's GFC Cluain Mhor Roibeard Eimeid 0 0 0 Páirc Roibeaird Emmet/Robert Emmet Park
Collegeland O'Rahilly's GAA Cluain Mhor Roibeard Eimeid 1 0 0 Páirc an Athar Mhic Neachtain/Father McKnight Park
Crossmaglen Rangers GAC Raonaithe Crois Mhic Lionnáin 45 11 6 Páirc Naomh Oilibhéar Pluincéid/St Oliver Plunkett Park
Culloville Blues GAC CLG Na Gormacha, Baile Mhic Choll 0 0 0 Páirc na nGael/Gaelic Park
St Mochua Derrynoose GAC Naomh Mochua, Doire Núis 0 0 0 Páirc Naomh Mochua/St Mochua’s Park
Dorsey Emmet's GFC Eiméid na nDoirse 0 0 0 Páirc Ruairí Mhig Aoidh
Dromintee St Patrick's GAC CLG Naomh Pádraig, Droim an Tí 0 0 0 Páirc Uí Luachra agus Mhic Cathmhaoil
Éire Óg Craigavon GAA Éire Óg 0 0 0 Bruach na bPéine/Pinebank
Forkhill Peadar Ó Doirnín GAC CLG Pheadar Uí Dhoirnín, Foirceal 1 0 0 Páirc Pheadair Uí Dhoirnín/Peadar Ó Doirnín Park
Granemore GFC An Ghraínseach Mhór 0 0 0 Páirc Naomh Muire/Pairc Mhuire
Grange St Colmcille's GAC Naomh Colmcille CLG, An Ghráinseach 0 0 0 Páirc na Gráinsí/Grange Park
Keady Michael Dwyer's GFC Ceide Micheal Mac Dubhurs 4 0 0 Páirc Ghearóid Mhic Giolla Fhinnéin/Gerard McGleenan Park
Killeavy St Moninna's GAC Naomh Moninne, Cill Shléibhe 3 0 0 Páirc Chuimhneacháin Chill Shléibhe/Killeavy Memorial Park
Lissummon GAA Lios Iomána 0 0 0 Entry needed
Madden Raparees GAC Ropairí na Madan 0 0 0 Páirc na Ropairí/Raparee Park
Maghery Sean MacDermott's GAC Seán Mac Diarmaida an Mhachaire 2 0 0 Páirc Fheilimí Uí Adhmaill/Felix Hamill Park
Middletown GAA Eoghan Rua 0 0 0 Páirc P.J. Uí Néill/P.J. O'Neill Park
Mullabrack O'Donovan Rossa GFC Ó Donnabháin Rossa an Mhullaigh Bhric 0 0 0 O’Donovan Rossa Park
Mullaghbawn Cúchullain's GFC Cú Chullain an Mhullaigh Bháin 2 1 0 Páirc Chú Chulainn/Cúchulainn Park
Pearse Óg GAC Na Piarsaigh Óga 4 0 0 Páirc na Piarsaigh Óga, Baile Chromhtha/Pearse Óg Park, Ballycrummy
Phelim Bradys CLG Féilim Uí Brádaigh 0 0 0 Páirc Scoile Dhearclaí/Darkley school field
Redmond O'Hanlon's CLG Réamann Uí hAnluain 0 0 0 Páirc Uí Anluain/O’Hanlon Park
High Moss Sarsfields GFC CLG Sáirséiligh na Móinte Arda 1 0 0 Páirc an Athar Dónal Mac Eoghain/Father Dan McGeown Park
Shane O'Neill's GAC CLG Sheáin Uí Néill 2 0 0 Páirc Sheáin Uí Néill/Shane O'Neill's Park
Silverbridge Harps GFC Clársigh Bhéal Átha an Airgid 0 0 0 Páirc Uí Chaollaí/Keeley Park
St Michael's Killean GFC Naomh Micheál, An Cillín 0 0 0 McKeever Park Killean, Armagh LGFA County board
St Michael's GAC, Newtownhamilton CLG Naomh Micheál, Baile Úr 2 0 0 Páirc Naomh Micheál/St Michael’s Park
St Patrick's GFC, Cullyhanna Naomh Pádraig, Coilleach Eanach 0 0 0 Páirc Padraig/Park Padraig
St Paul's GFC, Lurgan Naomh Pól CLG 0 0 0 Na Páirceanna Imearthea/The Playing Field
St Peter's Naomh Peadar's 1 0 0 Páirc Naomh Peadar/St Peter’s Park
Tir na nÓg[1] Tír na nÓg 0 0 0 Páirc an Athar Uí Raifeartaigh/Father Rafferty Park
Thomas Davis, Corrinshego CPG Tomás Dabháis 0 0 0 Cnoc Uí Dheoráin/Doran's Hill
O'Connell's GAC, Tullysaran Tulach Saráin 0 0 0 Páirc Uí Chonaill/O’Connell Park
St Killian's GAC CLG Naomh Cillian, Crois Bán 1 0 0 Páirc Naomh Cillian/St Killian’s Park
Wolfe Tone GAC, Derrymacash De Bhulbh Ton Dhoire Mhic Cais agus Naomh Éanna 0 0 0 Páirc na Ropairí/Raparee Park

County team

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Main article: Armagh county football team

Armagh has a long tradition of football. Several clubs were already in existence before the formation of the County Board in 1889.[2]

Armagh became only the second team to win the Ulster Senior Football Championship in 1890. In the early years of the GAA, a club that won its county championship went on to represent the county and would also wear the county colours. Armagh Harps represented Armagh in the Ulster final, beating Tyrone (Cookstown's Owen Roes), but losing to All-Ireland Champions Cork (Midleton) in the All-Ireland Semi-Final.

Despite early success at provincial level, national success at junior and minor level and All-Ireland final appearances in 1953 and 1977, it took until 2002, under manager Joe Kernan, for the Armagh county team to win a first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship title. The county won the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship, in 1949 and again in 2009, but lost the 1957 All-Ireland Minor Football Championship final to Meath.

Kieran McGeeney took over as manager of Armagh in 2015. In 2024, he led them to a first All-Ireland Senior final since 2003. Armagh won the final to secure the Sam Maguire Cup for the second time, beating Galway 1-11 to 0-13.

Hurling

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County team

[edit]
Main article: Armagh county hurling team

Like most counties outside of the game's heartland of Munster and south Leinster, hurling has tended to live in the shadow cast by Gaelic football in Armagh, with the exception of border areas such as Keady, Middletown and Armagh City.

Armagh won the 2010 Nicky Rackard Cup, defeating London by a scoreline of 3–15 to 3–14 at Croke Park on 3 July. The county's minor team won the Ulster Minor Hurling League Division One title and reached the final of the Ulster Minor Hurling Championship. The county's under-21 team also reached the final of the Ulster Under-21 Hurling Championship. In 2011, Armagh reached the Ulster Senior Hurling Championship final for the first time since 1946 and advanced to the Ulster Under-21 Hurling Championship final for a second consecutive year, the first time in team history. Armagh won the 2012 Nicky Rackard Cup, its second time to lift the trophy, defeating Louth by a scoreline of 3–20 to 1–15 at Croke Park on 9 June.[3][4]

Camogie

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The high point in Armagh's camogie history was an appearance in the National Camogie League final of 1995 against Cork, beating Galway and Wexford's first teams en route to the final. It came just one year after they qualified for senior status having won the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship in 1994, the "Premier Junior" championship for the Kay Mills Cup just twelve months earlier in 1993. The bulk of that team had emerged from an under-16 squad who reached the All Ireland final of 1988.

Armagh won Division 2 of the National Camogie League four times, 1980, 1988, 1993 and 1994, and the Nancy Murray Cup in 2006.[5] Armagh qualified for the All Ireland Minor B final of 2003[6] and won the Minor C championship in 2011.[7]

Crossmaglen won the 2005 All Ireland junior club title.[8] Keady Lámh Dhearg qualified for the finals in 2006 and 2007.[9][10] Keady Lámh Dhearg and St Brenda's Ballymacnab have won divisional honours at Féile na nGael. Notable players include young player of the year for 2005 Colette McSorley.

Under Camogie's National Development Plan 2010-2015, "Our Game, Our Passion",[11] five new camogie clubs were to be established in the county by 2015.[12]

Michael Murphy and Pauric Dowdall resigned as managers of the county camogie team; Mattie Lennon was appointed manager in March 2021.[13]

Armagh have the following achievements in camogie.

Ladies' football

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Armagh has a ladies' football team. They have reached one all-Ireland final, losing to Cork in 2006. They won the 2024 national league final against Kerry.

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Armagh GAA

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from Grokipedia
Armagh GAA, officially known as Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Ard Mhacha (CLG Ard Mhacha), is the county board of the (GAA) responsible for administering and promoting in , . As part of the world's largest amateur sporting organization, it oversees the development of key codes including Gaelic football, hurling, , and handball at club, schools, and inter-county levels, fostering community engagement and grassroots participation across the county. The board manages facilities such as the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds in Armagh City, the primary venue for county matches, and supports approximately 50 affiliated clubs in delivering competitive and developmental programs. The Armagh GAA county board traces its origins to the early years of the GAA, with the first county board meeting held on 24 March 1889, shortly after the national organization's founding in 1884. Early involvement in provincial competitions saw Armagh secure its inaugural in 1890, marking one of the county's earliest notable successes in amid a limited field of entrants including Antrim and Tyrone. Over the decades, the county board has navigated challenges such as political upheavals in , yet consistently built competitive structures, with a surge in football prominence during the late 20th and early 21st centuries under influential figures like managers Joe Kernan and Kieran McGeeney. Armagh's inter-county teams have achieved landmark victories, particularly in , where the senior men's team claimed the () twice—first in 2002 after defeating Kerry in a replay, ending a 114-year wait, and again in 2024 with a dramatic 1-11 to 0-13 extra-time win over Galway at . These triumphs, with the 2002 team captained by Kieran McGeeney (now the 2024 manager) and the 2024 team led by Aidan Forker, highlighted Armagh's tactical evolution and resilience, including progressing to All-Ireland success after multiple final losses in recent years (2022, 2023, and 2024). The county has also secured numerous Senior Football titles, including a dominant run of seven between 1999 and 2008, underscoring its status as a powerhouse in provincial competition. In hurling and , Armagh's achievements are more modest but growing, with the men's hurling team competing primarily in the and the women's side having reached intermediate finals in past years. The county board's strategic plans emphasize inclusivity, youth development, and facilities investment to sustain these sports alongside football's prominence, contributing to Armagh's reputation as a dedicated GAA heartland in .

History

Formation and early years

The (GAA) arrived in soon after its national foundation in on 1 November 1884, as part of the broader spread of the organization across to revive native sports and culture. By 1886, had reached , and in , the earliest clubs began forming in 1887 amid growing enthusiasm for hurling and football. Drumintee holds the distinction of being the first GAA club in the county, with affiliation recorded in February 1887, followed by Carnally William Orr's later that year as one of the pioneering outfits in the region. The year 1888 saw a surge in club formations, with over 100 clubs established across southern by then, including key Armagh teams such as Armagh Harps, founded to promote and national identity; Clady Healy's; and Shane O'Neill's in Camlough, which affiliated that year despite early challenges. These clubs organized local matches and tournaments, often parish-based, fostering community involvement in football and hurling before formal county structures emerged. Armagh Harps, in particular, played a pivotal role, fielding a team of 21 players including figures like Joseph Donnelly and issuing early membership cards by 1906. The County Board was formally established in , with its inaugural meeting on 24 March, providing centralized governance for the county's growing GAA activities and organizing the first official senior football championship. Armagh Harps claimed victory in that final and represented the county in the the following year, defeating Cookstown's Owen Roe O'Neills to secure Armagh's—and Ulster's—first provincial title, though they fell short in the semi-final against Midleton of Cork. In these formative years, the county team typically comprised the championship-winning club, highlighting the decentralized nature of early inter-county competition. Political upheavals, including the Parnell crisis and bans on GAA games in the due to associations with , caused a temporary decline in Armagh's activities, with many clubs disbanding or going underground. A revival gained around , bolstered by the establishment of the Ulster Council (Comhairle Uladh) in Armagh City on 22 March 1903, which George Martin of chaired and which reorganized provincial structures. This period saw renewed club activity, including the re-establishment of Armagh Harps with a focus on organization, such as leasing Abbey Park. Armagh's early provincial successes laid groundwork for future achievements, culminating in the county's first national honor: the win in 1926.

Key milestones and achievements

Armagh GAA's earliest notable achievement came in 1926 when the county team secured its first national title by winning the , marking the first such success for any county in the competition's history. This victory highlighted the growing strength of in the region during the early , with adopting its iconic orange jerseys around the same time, a tradition that persists to this day. The county's breakthrough at the senior level arrived in the mid-20th century, with Armagh reaching its first final in 1953, where it faced Kerry at before a record-breaking attendance of 86,155 spectators. Despite a narrow 0-13 to 1-6 defeat, the appearance underscored Armagh's emerging competitiveness. Further progress followed in 1977, when Armagh advanced to another All-Ireland final, losing 5-12 to 3-6 against , though forward Joe Kernan contributed an impressive 2 goals in the match. The turn of the millennium brought Armagh's most dominant era in provincial competition, with the team capturing seven Ulster Senior Football Championship titles between 1999 and 2008, including consecutive wins in 1999-2000 and 2004-2006. This success propelled Armagh to national prominence, culminating in the 2002 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship victory, a 1-12 to 0-14 triumph over Kerry in the final, where Oisín McConville's goal proved decisive and captain Kieran McGeeney lifted the Sam Maguire Cup. The following year, Armagh reached the final again but fell 0-12 to 0-9 against Tyrone, hampered by a red card to Diarmaid Marsden. Armagh also claimed the National Football League title in 2005, reinforcing its status as a powerhouse during this period. In more recent years, ended a 22-year drought in 2024 by defeating Galway 1-11 to 0-13 in a tense final at , securing the county's second senior football title amid dramatic late scenes. The victory followed a gripping extra-time semi-final win over Kerry (1-18 to 1-16), highlighting the team's resilience under manager Kieran McGeeney. Six players were subsequently named to the 2024 Football All-Stars team, recognizing their individual excellence in the championship. While football has dominated Armagh's achievements, hurling has seen progress at junior and youth levels. In 2011, the senior hurling team reached the Senior Hurling final for the first time since 1946. More recently, Armagh's underage hurlers excelled in 2025, with both the U17 and U20 teams winning titles, bringing home silverware in a summer of success for the code. These milestones reflect Armagh GAA's commitment to developing hurling alongside its football heritage.

Governance and organisation

County board structure

The Armagh County Board, known as Coiste Contae Ard Mhacha, serves as the primary governing authority for in , overseeing the organization, administration, and development of , hurling, , and related activities across clubs, schools, and county teams. It operates under the rules of the (GAA) as outlined in An Treoraí Oifigiúil and specific county bye-laws, ensuring compliance with national and provincial standards while addressing local needs. The board's structure emphasizes democratic representation, with input from affiliated clubs and educational bodies to promote participation and welfare. The County Convention, convened annually by December 18, forms the electoral foundation of the board. It elects key officers, including the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Coaching Officer, , Hurling Officer, , Central Council Representative, and two Ulster Council Representatives. Additionally, it appoints specialized roles such as the Children’s Officer, Planning and Training Officer, and Demographics Officer, often based on recommendations from the outgoing committee. These positions are typically held for three-year terms, fostering continuity in leadership. The County Committee constitutes the core decision-making body, comprising all elected and appointed officers, Central and Ulster Council delegates, one nominee from each affiliated club, the County Referees’ Administrator, and representatives from the County Board, Primary Schools Committee, and Post-Primary Schools Committee. This inclusive composition ensures broad stakeholder involvement in policy formulation, fixture scheduling, and . The Chairperson leads the committee, supported by the Secretary for administrative duties and the Treasurer for financial oversight. To handle specialized functions, the County Committee appoints 17 sub-committees, each with defined memberships of 5 to 8 members nominated by the Management Committee and ratified annually. The Management Committee, for instance, includes the Chairperson, , , council delegates, and up to two additional members to address executive matters. Other key sub-committees cover areas such as Competitions Control (managing fixtures and disputes), Safety and Facilities (overseeing infrastructure and risk), Coaching and Games Development (promoting skill enhancement), Cultural (advancing and heritage), Youth and Underage (focusing on juvenile programs), , IT, Teams Management, Audit and Risk, Demographics, Health and Wellbeing, Hearings, Referees Administration, Public Relations, Fundraising, and Bye-Laws and Motions. This decentralized approach allows for efficient governance while aligning with GAA's overarching objectives of community engagement and ethical standards.

Facilities and grounds

The BOX-IT Athletic Grounds (Irish: Páirc Lúthchleasaíochta), located in city, , serves as the primary county ground and administrative headquarters for Armagh GAA. It is the largest GAA stadium in , with a capacity exceeding 18,000 spectators. The venue hosts and hurling matches for the county teams and attracts over 250,000 visitors annually, including for stadium tours that provide access to player facilities such as dressing rooms, the tunnel, pitchside areas, and media lounges. Its infrastructure includes the seated East Stand, Dalton Terrace for entry via Dalton Road, and terraces at ’s and Drumarg, with parking available at nearby sites like Christian Brothers and on match days. In addition to match-day use, the Athletic Grounds supports through guided experiences that highlight Armagh GAA's and the broader role of in local culture. The stadium's development has positioned it as a central hub for the county board's operations, facilitating both competitive events and activities. Armagh GAA's training infrastructure has seen significant investment, with the development of a state-of-the-art county training facility on a 26-acre site at St Malachy's GAC in . This £10 million project, which broke ground in February 2024, includes four full-size sand-based fibre grass pitches equipped with floodlighting, fencing, and catch nets, marking the first such pitches of their kind for two of them. Additional features encompass a Strength and Conditioning Performance Hub with changing facilities, a sports pavilion featuring four changing rooms, a multi-purpose hall, meeting rooms, offices, a kitchen, treatment and physio rooms, and toilets, alongside a pitch, ball wall, maintenance building, sports dome, and spectator stand. Prior to this facility's advancement, GAA primarily utilized Callanbridge in as its main training base, supporting the county teams' preparations for competitions. The development, funded in phases including £2 million allocations for initial pitches, aims to enhance performance and development across , hurling, and by providing year-round, all-weather training resources. As of October 2025, the facility is taking shape with full-size playing pitches laid out and floodlighting installed, though initial phases remain under construction following delays beyond the projected winter 2024 completion.

Clubs

Structure and divisions

Armagh GAA oversees approximately 44 affiliated clubs primarily focused on , with 8 participating in hurling and fewer in . These clubs are graded and organized into competitive leagues structured by skill levels—senior, intermediate, and junior—to facilitate balanced competition and player development. The grading system assigns clubs to divisions based on prior season performance, championship results, and overall standing, with annual reviews by the county competitions control committee. In , the dominant code in the county, clubs compete in six main league divisions: Senior Football League Divisions 1A and 1B, Intermediate Football League Divisions 2A and 2B, and Junior Football League Divisions 3A and 3B. Each division typically features eight teams, though variations occur, such as nine teams in Division 3B in certain seasons. The format involves a full home-and-away round-robin schedule, resulting in 14 games per team in most divisions, with league positions determining seeding for the annual club championships and influencing promotion opportunities. Promotion and relegation maintain dynamism across levels, with the top one or two teams in each lower division earning promotion (subject to championship success exemptions), while the bottom two or three in higher divisions face relegation. For instance, winners of Division 1B are promoted to 1A, and bottom teams in 1A drop to 1B, cascading similarly through intermediate and junior grades. This system ensures progression for emerging clubs like those recently promoted from junior ranks, such as Collegeland to Division 2B in 2025. Hurling clubs, numbering 8, are structured more modestly due to lower participation, with leagues divided into Junior Hurling League Divisions 1 and 2, each with 6-8 teams playing a single round-robin format. Camogie follows a similar scaled approach, with clubs graded into junior and intermediate leagues featuring 1-2 divisions and fewer than 10 teams total, emphasizing development over extensive subdivision. Reserve leagues exist across all codes for second teams, mirroring senior structures to support squad depth.

Notable clubs

Crossmaglen Rangers GAC stands as the most successful club in Armagh GAA history, particularly in , with a record of 47 titles, including 12 of the 18 from 2007 to 2024, with their most recent in 2023. The club has also secured 10 Ulster Senior Club Football Championships since 1996 and six All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championships, establishing them as one of Ireland's premier club sides during the late and early . Their sustained excellence is highlighted by a run of 13 consecutive county titles from 1996 to 2008, contributing significantly to the development of Armagh's inter-county team through a pipeline of talented players. Clan na Gael CLG, based in , has been a prominent force in senior football, winning 14 Armagh Senior Football Championships between 1949 and 1994, including four in a row from 1971 to 1974. The club reached the final on multiple occasions during this period and remains competitive, having reached the county final against local rivals Clann Éireann, though they lost. Their achievements underscore strong GAA tradition, with notable contributions to underage and intermediate levels in recent years. Clann Éireann GAC, also from , has emerged as a modern powerhouse, claiming their fourth in 2024 with a 3-13 to 0-15 victory over . Previous triumphs include titles in 1954, 1963, and 2021, reflecting a resurgence that saw them win both the men's and women's senior county championships in recent seasons. The club's success in 2024, marked by goals from Jarlath Og Burns and Conor Turbitt, highlighted their attacking prowess and earned them recognition as Armagh Club of the Year in ladies' football for 2023. In 2025, they competed but did not reach the final, which was won by Madden Raparees. Madden Raparees GAC claimed their first in 2025, defeating Cullyhanna 0-20 to 0-09 in the final, marking a historic breakthrough for the club. In hurling, Middletown Na Fianna GAC dominates the Armagh Senior Hurling Championship, securing seven consecutive titles from 2019 to 2025, including a comeback victory over Lámh Dhearg in the 2025 final where scored 13 points. This streak builds on earlier successes, such as four straight titles from 2019 to 2022, and includes two Intermediate Hurling Championships, elevating the club's status in a football-centric county. Their consistent performance has bolstered Armagh's provincial presence in the sport. Other notable clubs include Armagh Harps GFC, with 14 senior football titles primarily in the early and mid-20th century, and Dromintee St Patrick's , recognized as Armagh's Underage Club of the Year for their record haul of juvenile trophies across codes. These clubs contribute to the county's vibrant GAA landscape, fostering talent that supports inter-county efforts.

Gaelic football

County team

The county team, representing in the (GAA), has a storied history marked by periods of provincial dominance and national breakthroughs, though it has often been overshadowed by stronger rivals, including Ulster counties like Tyrone and national powers like Kerry and . Established as one of the founding counties in the GAA's early years, secured its first (SFC) title in 1890, just four years after the competition's inception, signaling the county's early potential in the sport. However, sustained success proved elusive for decades, with enduring long stretches without major honors until a transformative era in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The team's breakthrough came under manager Joe Kernan, who introduced innovative training methods, including a pioneering warm-weather camp in , , and collaborations with specialists like kicking coach Dave Alred and tackling expert from rugby. These approaches emphasized physical conditioning, video analysis, and psychological preparation, setting apart as a forward-thinking outfit. Armagh's golden period began in 1999 with their first Ulster SFC title in 13 years, defeating Tyrone, and culminated in their maiden (SFC) victory in 2002. In the replay of that final at , Armagh edged Kerry 1-12 to 0-14, with captain Kieran McGeeney lifting the after a dramatic match where Oisín McConville's late frees proved crucial. This triumph followed a dominant campaign and was built on a core of resilient players, including Enda McNulty, Paul McGrane, Stevie McDonnell, and Tony McEntee, many of whom later became influential coaches across the GAA. The 2002 win not only ended a 114-year wait for national senior glory but also inspired a surge in underage success, with Armagh claiming and U21 titles in 2004 and an minor title in 2005. During this decade, Armagh amassed seven SFC titles (1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008) and their sole Division 1 crown in 2005, establishing them as 's preeminent force with a record of just three losses in 32 provincial championship games from 1999 to 2008. Post-2008, experienced a prolonged , failing to win another SFC title for 16 years amid tactical missteps, managerial changes, and defeats to every other county except Antrim. Under managers like Peter McDonnell (2008 win in his debut season) and Paddy O'Rourke, the team reached semi-finals in 2010 but struggled with consistency. A revival began in 2022 with the appointment of Kieran McGeeney—who captained the 2002 side—as manager, blending veteran experience with emerging talents like Rian O'Neill and Jarlath Óg Burns. McGeeney's tenure emphasized resilience, overcoming four losses in three seasons, including the 2024 final to Donegal. This grit paid off in the 2024 SFC, where defeated Galway 1-11 to 0-13 in the final, securing their second national title. Aaron McKay's 46th-minute goal and a late block by Joe McElroy sealed the victory at , marking 's first since 2002 and completing a remarkable redemption arc. Earlier milestones include the 1926 Junior Championship win, 's first national football title, and minor successes in 1949 and 2009.
AchievementYears WonNotes
2002, 2024First title under Joe Kernan vs. Kerry (replay); second under Kieran McGeeney vs. Galway.
1890, 1903, 1950, 1953, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008 (14 total)Dominant run of 7 titles in 10 years (1999–2008).
(Division 1)2005Sole senior league title, part of early 2000s success.
All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship2004Followed Ulster U21 win same year.
1949, 2009Key underage foundations.

Club championships

The Armagh Senior Football Championship (SFC) is the premier club-level competition in within , contested annually since 1889 among the county's top clubs. Organized by the Armagh County Board, it determines the champion club that represents in the . The tournament typically features a group stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in the final at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh city, with the winners receiving the Gerry Fagan Cup. Over its history, the championship has been marked by intense rivalries, particularly in the south Armagh region, and has produced several clubs that have excelled at provincial and national levels. Crossmaglen Rangers dominate the roll of honour, securing 47 titles as of 2023, including a record 13 consecutive wins from 1996 to 2008 and additional successes in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. This dominance has been attributed to the club's strong youth structures and professional training ethos, enabling them to compete successfully in the Club Football Championship, where they won three titles (1997, 1999, 2000). Other historic powers include Clann na nGael with 13 titles, primarily in the mid-20th century, and Harps with 11, though their last victory came in 2017 after a 58-year wait. The championship's early years saw frequent wins by Harps (six between 1889 and 1903), but gaps in records exist for periods like 1919–1922 due to historical disruptions. In recent decades, the competition has grown more competitive, with a broader distribution of titles reflecting improved standards across clubs. From 2017 to 2025, five different teams claimed the SFC: Armagh Harps (2017), Crossmaglen Rangers (2018, 2019, 2022, 2023), Maghery Seán Mac Diarmada (2020), Clann Éireann (2021, 2024), and Madden (2025). Clann Éireann's wins in 2021 and 2024 highlighted their resurgence, defeating Crossmaglen in the 2021 final (2-12 to 0-16) and Clan na Gael in 2024 (3-13 to 0-15). Madden's 2025 triumph (0-20 to 0-9 over Cullyhanna) marked their maiden senior title, ending Crossmaglen's recent stranglehold and underscoring the depth in Armagh club football. This period of variety has coincided with Armagh's county team's rise, including their 2024 All-Ireland success, as club players form the core of the senior squad.
YearWinnerScoreRunners-upSource
2017Armagh Harps2-09 - 0-14Dromintee
2018Crossmaglen Rangers0-24 - 1-15Ballymacnab
2019Crossmaglen Rangers2-18 - 2-09Ballymacnab
2020Maghery Seán Mac Diarmada4-09 - 0-17Crossmaglen Rangers
2021Clann Éireann2-12 - 0-16Crossmaglen Rangers
2022Crossmaglen Rangers1-19 - 0-10Granemore
2023Crossmaglen Rangers2-16 - 1-07
2024Clann Éireann3-13 - 0-15
2025Madden0-20 - 0-09Cullyhanna
Beyond the senior level, operates intermediate and junior football championships to promote development and provide pathways for clubs. The Intermediate Football Championship, introduced in the mid-20th century, has been won by clubs like Mullaghbawn (multiple titles, including 1995) and serves as a stepping stone to senior status. Junior competitions focus on participation, with recent winners including emerging teams from rural areas. These tiers ensure broad engagement, with systems maintaining competitiveness across the county's 40-odd football clubs.

Hurling

County team

The Armagh county hurling team represents in the Gaelic Athletic Association's (GAA) inter-county hurling competitions and is nicknamed the "Orchard men". Hurling is a minority in Armagh compared to , with stronger participation in border areas such as and Middletown. The team has never won the Ulster Senior Hurling Championship, the , or the (Division 1). Armagh primarily competes in lower-tier national competitions, including the and Division 3. The team's notable achievements include two Nicky Rackard Cup titles: in 2010, Armagh defeated 3-15 to 3-14 in a dramatic final at , with Paul Breen scoring the winning point; and in 2012, they beat Louth 3-20 to 1-15, securing their second title in three years. In the , Armagh won Division 3 in 2006, defeating Longford 3-10 to 1-11, and Division 2B in 2016, overcoming rivals Down 0-20 to 1-15 to earn promotion. Despite these successes, Armagh has faced several final losses in the (2007, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019). The current manager is Karl McKeegan, appointed in 2022 and ratified for 2025. Home games are played at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds in City. In 2025, Armagh finished 5th in Division 3 with 2 wins and 4 losses. In the group stage, they placed 3rd with 3 wins and 2 losses, failing to advance to the knockout stages.
AchievementYears WonNotes
2010, 20122010 vs. (3-15 to 3-14); 2012 vs. Louth (3-20 to 1-15), both at .
Division 32006vs. Longford (3-10 to 1-11).
Division 2B2016vs. Down (0-20 to 1-15).

Club scene

The club hurling scene in operates under the auspices of the Armagh County Board, with competitions structured across senior, intermediate, and junior levels to accommodate varying club strengths and development needs. The senior grade serves as the pinnacle, featuring a competitive environment where clubs vie for county honors and progression to provincial fixtures. Hurling remains a minority sport compared to in the county, yet it sustains a vibrant presence through dedicated parish-based clubs that emphasize youth development and . The Senior Hurling Championship, the premier club competition, adopts a round-robin group stage format involving seven teams, each playing six matches, with points awarded for wins (2), draws (1), and losses (0). The top teams advance to knockout stages, culminating in a final typically held at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds in City. In the 2025 edition, the participating clubs were Middletown Na Fianna, Céide Lámh Dhearg, Derrynoose, Craobh Rua, Cúchulainn Hurling Club, Killeavy St Moninna's, and Sean Treacy's Hurling Club. Middletown Na Fianna topped the group stage undefeated, scoring 224 points while conceding just 79. Middletown Na Fianna extended their dominance by securing a seventh consecutive senior title in 2025, staging a comeback to defeat Céide Lámh Dhearg 0-21 to 0-19 in the final after trailing 0-14 to 0-10 at . This victory underscores Middletown's recent supremacy, built on strong scoring prowess and defensive resilience. Céide Lámh Dhearg, based in , remains a historic powerhouse, frequently challenging for honors alongside rivals like Cúchulainn Hurling Club from Armagh City, which has deep roots in the sport dating back decades. Derrynoose and Craobh Rua represent active contributors from mid-Ulster, often competing closely in league and championship ties. Lower tiers, including the intermediate and junior championships, provide pathways for emerging clubs and nurture talent, with leagues divided into divisions to promote balanced competition. For instance, the Armagh Hurling League features multiple divisions where clubs like Killeavy St Moninna's—founded in 1976 as a youth-focused initiative—compete regularly, fostering growth in southern areas. Recent expansions, such as new hurling units approved in 2025, signal efforts to broaden participation across the county.

Camogie

County team

The Armagh county team represents in the Gaelic Athletic Association's (GAA) competitions, primarily competing at junior and intermediate levels within and nationally. in developed alongside other , with the county board establishing structures in the mid-20th century to promote the among clubs and schools. Early progress was modest, but the team gained prominence in the 1990s under dedicated management, achieving breakthrough successes in junior grades. Armagh's first major national honor came in 1993 with the Junior victory, defeating Laois in the final and ending a period of near-misses, including runners-up finishes in prior years. This success carried into 1994, when the team won the Senior B (equivalent to intermediate at the time), beating Kildare 7-11 to 3-11 in . Further titles followed in the 2000s, including the Junior A in 2006 and 2011, showcasing consistent competitiveness in lower-tier nationals. In 2020, Armagh claimed the Premier Junior , reflecting ongoing development. At the provincial level, has secured multiple Junior and Intermediate titles, contributing to their national appearances, though senior success has been limited against stronger rivals like Antrim and Down. Recent years highlight youth investment, with underage teams winning Minor C titles in 2011, 2016, and 2025, and an Under-16 C in 2017. In 2025, the senior team reached the Premier Junior final but lost to Laois 0-12 to 2-15 at , marking their fourth final appearance in the grade since 1993 without a win that year. The county board continues to focus on player development and facilities to elevate alongside football's dominance.
AchievementYears WonNotes
Junior Championship1993First national title, vs. Laois.
Senior B Championship1994Vs. Kildare 7-11 to 3-11.
Junior A Championship2006, 2011Consistent lower-tier success.
Premier Junior Championship2020Modern highlight.
Minor C Championship2011, 2016, 2025Youth development focus.

Club achievements

Armagh clubs have recorded notable successes primarily at junior and intermediate levels, both provincially and nationally, reflecting the county's growing strength in the sport since the early 2000s. While senior club titles have eluded sides, achievements in lower tiers and at county level highlight the competitive depth among local clubs such as Rangers, Granemore GAC, and St. Patrick's . At the All-Ireland level, Rangers claimed the Junior Club Championship in 2003, defeating Drumcullen of Offaly in the final. St. Patrick's reached the same final as runners-up in both 2006 and 2007, falling to The Harps of Laois on each occasion. More recently, Granemore GAC won the Junior Club title in 2023 by overcoming Athleague of Roscommon, before finishing as runners-up in 2024 against Knockanna of Wicklow. also contested the Junior B Club final in 2023, ending as runners-up to St. Munnas of Westmeath. Provincially, Keady Líos na gCeann secured 's first Ulster Senior Club Camogie Championship in 2001, triumphing over Swatragh of Derry with a score of 3-6 to 1-9 in the final. At county level, Rangers captured the Armagh Senior Camogie Championship in 2003 and repeated the feat in 2025, defeating Granemore 2-13 to 1-14 in the final to claim their second title in 22 years. Granemore dominated the competition by winning three consecutive Armagh Senior titles from 2022 to 2024, including the 2024 crown which marked their third in a row.

Ladies' Gaelic football

County team

The Armagh ladies' county Gaelic football team represents County Armagh in the Ladies' Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) competitions. The team has established itself as a competitive force in Ulster, securing eight Ulster Senior Ladies' Football Championship (SFC) titles, though it has yet to claim an All-Ireland Senior Ladies' Football Championship. Armagh's senior team was promoted from intermediate level following their 2012 All-Ireland Intermediate title win. Their breakthrough at senior level came in 2006, when they won their first Ulster SFC title by defeating Monaghan 1-11 to 1-9 in the final at Clones, followed by a second title in 2007 with a 3-14 to 2-9 victory over Tyrone. Armagh reached their first and only All-Ireland SFC final in , losing narrowly to Cork 1-9 to 1-7 at , with Valerie Mulcahy scoring the decisive goal for the Rebels. After a period of mixed results, including relegations and promotions, the team experienced a resurgence in the . They claimed their third title in 2014, overcoming Monaghan 2-14 to 1-8 in the decider. Under manager James Daly and later Gregor Blaney, Armagh built a strong squad featuring players like Caroline O'Hanlon, Aimee Mackin, and Kelly Mallon. The 2020s marked Armagh's most dominant era, with five SFC titles in six years: 2020 (defeating Monaghan), 2021 and 2022 (three-in-a-row against Donegal), 2024 (reclaiming from Donegal 0-15 to 1-9), and 2025 (3-9 to 0-7 over Donegal). This provincial success was capped by their first National Football League Division 1 title in 2024, defeating Kerry 1-10 to 1-7 in the final at , with Aimee Mackin and Kelly Mallon combining for 1-9 points. In the 2024 All-Ireland SFC, Armagh advanced to the semi-final but lost to Kerry 1-8 to 0-7 at Glenisk O'Connor Park. The team's style emphasizes pace, direct play, and resilience, contributing to multiple All-Stars awards for players like Mackin (2024) and Mallon. As of 2025, Armagh remains a top contender in Division 1 of the National League.
AchievementYears WonNotes
Final2006Lost to Cork 1-9 to 1-7; only senior final appearance.
Ulster Senior Ladies' Football Championship2006, 2007, 2014, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025 (8 total)First title vs. Monaghan; three-in-a-row 2020-2022; fifth in six seasons 2020-2025.
Lidl National Football League (Division 1)2024First senior league title, defeating Kerry in final.
2012Promoted to senior; defeated Waterford 1-12 to 1-5.
2005Defeated Sligo 0-12 to 0-9; pathway to higher levels.

Intermediate and junior levels

Armagh's ladies' Gaelic football team has competed at the intermediate and junior levels, achieving promotion to higher tiers through key successes in national and provincial competitions. The county's junior team secured its most notable triumph in 2005 by winning the All-Ireland Junior Ladies' Football Championship, defeating Sligo 0-12 to 0-9 in the final at Croke Park. This victory marked Armagh's first national title at the junior grade and propelled the team toward intermediate competition the following year. At the intermediate level, experienced a period of resurgence after earlier relegations from senior ranks. In 2012, the team captured the Ulster Intermediate Ladies' Football Championship with a 2-13 to 1-4 victory over Cavan at the Morgan Athletic Grounds, showcasing strong defensive play and clinical scoring. This provincial success led to the All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies' Football Championship title later that year, where dominated Waterford 1-12 to 1-5 in the final at , with key contributions from forwards like Caroline Marley. The win restored senior status for the Orchard County and highlighted the development of emerging talents within the squad. These achievements at intermediate and junior levels have been foundational in building Armagh's competitive depth, providing pathways for players to progress to the senior team. The 2005 and 2012 titles, in particular, underscored the county's ability to perform under pressure at non-senior grades, contributing to sustained success in subsequent years.

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