Armagh lose GOAL challenge

Armagh 4-12 Louth 4-15

The on-field action may have lacked the intensity of last Sunday's Croke Park revolution, but for Armagh's jubilant fans, the party just goes on, and on.

A record equalling crowd of 13,000 turned out for the annual GOAL charity tie at Crossmaglen tonight, where the newly crowned All-Ireland champions lost to Louth.

The tireless Orchard supporters gave their heroes yet another ecstatic reception in the home town of local hero Joe Kernan.

This was another chance to fete the Orchard stars who have become living legends, and to make a generous contribution to GOAL's African famine relief programme.

"The party will have to stop soon, for we have the club championships starting up again next weekend," croaked county secretary Paddy Nugent, still struggling to regain his voice following the frenetic happenings of last weekend.

And he expressed his delight that Armaghs' joy can be channelled towards a worthy cause, with all proceeds from the exhibition match going to help famine relief in southern Africa.

"We had our own bit of luck and enjoyment last weekend, and we're only too delighted to help anyone in need, who's not so well off as ourselves, if we can at all."

Nugent paid tribute to the Orchard supporters for the manner in which they have been celebrating their All-Ireland triumph.

"There have been no problems whatsoever, everyone has been enjoying themselves and having a fantastic time and we haven't heard of any adverse incidents."

One Kerry man was at Oliver Plunkett Park to help Armagh celebrate, but John O'Shea, GOAL chief executive, was only too happy to defect.

"The obvious joy that has come to this county is wonderful to see. As a south Kerry man, I have mixed feelings, but I'm absolutely delighted that Armagh have won a first All-Ireland," he said.

"And I've been struck by the gracious and mature manner in which these people have greeted this All-Ireland. I was very impressed by what they had to say after the match on Sunday, and by the way they behaved themselves on the victory rostrum.

"They're a marvellous bunch of guys, and they're a credit to the county and a credit to the game."

O'Shea, founder of the Third World charity, added: "Hopefully now as a result of tonight, we'll be able to save the lives of a number of people in southern Africa.

"That's probably more important than the All-Ireland win."

All-Ireland final referee John Bannon took charge of the game, and Armagh's goals were scored by Oisin McConville, Ronan Clarke, Kiern McGeeney and attacking goalkeeper Benny Tierney, while Louth had goals from Ollie McDonnell, Barry Clarke, Cahal O'Hanlon and a late Nicky McDonald winner.

Armagh scorers: O McConville, R Clarke 1-1 each, K McGeeney, B Tierney 1-0 each, J McEntee, C O'Rourke 0-2 each, S McDonnell, P Loughran, B O'Hagan, S Smith, C O'Neill, T McEntee 0-1 each.

Louth scorers: C O'Hanlon 1-2, N McDonald, O McDonnell 1-1 each, B Clarke 1-0, D Clarke 0-5, M Stanfield, M Brennan 0-2 each, JP Rooney, N Sharkey 0-1 each.

Referee: J Bannon (Longford)