Write a comment
For Armagh senior footballers yesterday was again a case of so close, but yet so far. A packed stadium of 28,896 enthralled Armagh and Donegal fans attended the Ulster Final in St Tiernach's Park in Clones and a torrential downpour coupled with a touch of thunder and lightning only added to the tension and drama.
The first half started off a pretty even affair. Armagh were first on the scoreboard but Donegal replied each time. Donegal got ahead by two points but Armagh kept coming back managing to get to half time, a point ahead, Armagh 0-10 to Donegal 0-9.
Half time saw a fitting tribute to the players and backroom team from the Armagh team that beat Down in the 1999 Ulster Final. Despite the rain it gave the crowd a chance to celebrate the inspirational team from the era of the two Brian's, Brian Canavan and Brian McAlinden.
The opening ten minutes of the second half saw Armagh increase their lead by another three points from play from Conor Turbitt, Oisin Conaty and Stefan Campbell. Donegal scored a point and then Armagh's Rian O'Neill replied keeping the lead to four. Donegal replied a minute later followed by another Armagh Point just as quick from Stefan Campbell.
With a four point lead for the Orchard county halfway into the second half it really did look that it would be Armagh's day but that was where the momentum stopped for them and Donegal were the ones to add to the scoreboard in the final 15 minutes bringing it to 0-15 apiece at full time.
Extra time it was with tit for tat scores once again taking Armagh into the break with a one point lead Armagh 0-18 to Donegal 0-17.
The last spell of extra time saw Armagh briefly take a 2 point lead but Donegal came back and took the final point of the game bringing the teams level once again at 0-20 each.
With Armagh coming out on the wrong side of penalties at last year's Ulster Final against Derry it wasn't the ideal place to be but here they were again. It's the third time penalties have been their downfall. A cruel way to end a game with Shane McPartland who scored a great opening penalty for Armagh taking the sixth, which was saved by Donegal keeper Shaun Patton and deprived Armagh once again of a much needed trophy.
Armagh now play Westmeath in two weeks time at the Athletic Grounds in the All Ireland Series Group 2 round robin stage with Derry and Galway also in the mix.
