Oisín Conaty, Armagh, and Conor Tyrrell, Dublin, in Allianz Football League One action. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Allianz Football League Division One
Armagh 1-20 Dublin 1-12
By Steve Malone at BOX-IT Athletic Grounds
Armagh emerged eight-point winners over Dublin in a thrilling Division One clash at the sold-out BOX-IT Athletic Grounds.
The Orchard were in outstanding form as the stampeded past Dublin to race into a 12-point lead at half-time. They increased that lead before Dublin made a magnificent fightback, bagging 1-7 before Armagh replied.
However, after an exciting opening and third quarter last year's All-Ireland champions comfortably managed out the victory over the 2023 All-Ireland champions.
It was fast, slick, free-flowing stuff from Armagh in the opening 20 minutes as they built up and incredible 1-9 to 0-0 score lead. Andrew Murnin, Greg McCabe and Conor Turbitt had the Orchard three points to the good in as many minutes. Turbitt tagged on another after a quick tap and go before Oisin O’Neill, making his first start since 2021, launched Armagh’s only two-pointer of the night.
Paddy Burns and Dublin’s Con O’Callaghan had an almighty dual in the opening half and the forward found a bit more freedom in the second after the defender was substituted at the break.
Barry McCambridge’s goal on 12 minutes was a fine finish after a delicious through ball from keeper Rafferty and points followed from the lively Rory Grugan and Turbitt before O’Callaghan ended Dublin’s drought on 20 minutes.
It felt like both sides took a breather for the remaining 15 minutes of the half as Brain Howard and Luke Breathnach added to the Dubs tally, while Turbitt and McCabe were on target for Armagh.
However, Armagh could have gone further ahead as Turbitt was denied a goal by keeper Evan Comerford and the shot-stopper had to be alert when McCabe punched Grugan’s initial effort straight to the alert keeper. At half-time Armagh led Dublin 1-12 to 0-3.
Armagh stretched their lead with Grugan and McQuillan on target before Dublin made the expected comeback. O’Callaghan was on fire as he fired over two two-pointers, one from a free and he played Lorcan O’Dell through, who struck his effort beautifully past Ethan Rafferty.
Dublin sensed blood as Luke Breathnach and subs Kevin Lahiff and Cormac Costello pointed, but crucially Armagh grabbed the scores when they needed with Greg McCabe, Darragh McMullen, and Tomas McCormack clipping over big scores.
It is a big win for Armagh who now had five league points, while Dublin are already on six.
Scorers for Armagh: Conor Turbitt 0-6 (3fs), Barry McCambridge 1-0, Greg McCabe and Rory Grugan (1f) 0-3 each, Ross McQuillan and Oisín O'Neill (2 pt) 0-2 each, Darragh McMullen, Andrew Murnin, Tomas McCormack, and Ethan Rafferty (f) 0-1 each.
Scorers for Dublin: Con O'Callaghan 0-6 (1 2pt, 1 2ptf, 1f), Lorcan O'Dell 1-0, Luke Breathnach 0-2, Brian Howard, Kevin Lahiff, Cormac Costello, and Ciaran Kilkenny 0-1 each.
Armagh: Ethan Rafferty, Tomas McCormack, Barry McCambridge, Paddy Burns, Connaire Mackin, Greg McCabe, Ross McQuillan, Jason Duffy, Oisin O’Neill, Peter McGrane, Rory Grugan, Darragh McMullen, Conor Turbitt, Andrew Murnin, Oisin Conaty.
Subs: Gareth Murphy for P Burns (HT), Stefan Campbell for O O’Neill (46’), Jarly Og for J Duffy (52’), Jemar Hall for McQuillan (62’), McPartlan for O Conaty (67’).
Dublin: Evan Comerford, David Byrne, Theo Clancy, Conor Tyrrell, Greg McEneaney, Sean MacMahon, Cian Murphy, Brian Howard, Tomas Lahiff, Niall O’Callaghan, Ciaran Kilkenny, Niall Scully, Eoghan O’Donnell, Con O’Callaghan, Luke Breathmach.
Subs: Brian O’Leary for N O’Callaghan (15’), Lorcan O’Dell for E O’Donnell (27’), Alex Gavin for McEnaney (38’), C Costello for Breathmach (55’), Kevin Lahiff for N Scully (61’).
Referee: Niall Cullen (Fermanagh).
