Jubilant scenes as Armagh head for home

Jubilant scenes erupted today as thousands of Armagh fans gathered to greet their team after the historic All-Ireland football final victory.

The homecoming team were met at the border near Newry by a swarm of orange-clad fans as they brought the Sam Maguire back to Armagh.

Traffic was brought to a standstill at the border as fans packed into the area to see their heroes return from yesterday’s final against Kerry at Dublin’s Croke Park.

Team manager Joe Kernan was lost for words as he addressed the crowds below from the balcony of the Carrickdale Hotel.

“It took a lot longer than we thought but when these men got here there was only one answer,” he said.

“To all those experts who thing they knew about football we proved them wrong yesterday.

“I’m actually stuck for words for once.”

He was surrounded on the balcony by the team members holding up the cup for the crowds below to see.

Captain Kieran McGeeney told fans: “Coming back up here today and seeing this in front of us makes it.

“Winning the Sam Maguire was everything for us but seeing this makes it that little bit more worthwhile.”

Cousins Stephen and Ashlea Henry, both aged 15 from south Derry, managed to shake hands with some of the players.

“It was amazing,” said Ashlea. “We even had a picture with the Sam Maguire.”

Peter Mackin, 47, of Dublin Road, Newry said: “Sam Maguire for President of the United States.

“I reckon it will be Christmas before we stop the parties.

“We’ll be going for another win next year.”