Armagh keep hold of Ulster crown

Armagh 1-9 Donegal 0-9

Paul McGrane's second-half goal set up another Croke Park triumph for Armagh as they retained the Ulster SFC title with a three-point win over Donegal.

In lifting a third successive Anglo-Celt Cup title, the Orchardmen became to first to do so in 45 years.

Not since Kevin Mussen led Down to three Ulster titles in a row between 1959 and 1961 had it been done, and in the current climate of ultra-fierce rivalry in Ulster, this latest achievement is arguably greater than that of the Mourne legends.

Kieran McGeeney rolled back the years with a heroic second-half performance, putting in a series of crucial blocks and interceptions to deny the men from Tír Chonaill as they tried to claw their way back into the game.

A low-scoring first half ended at 0-4 each, with Oisín McConville's early free making him the Ulster Championship's all-time highest scorer.

Adrian Sweeney contributed two for Donegal, but fought a losing battle with Armagh full back Francie Bellew.

When McGrane sent a bullet to the net in the opening minute of the second half, Joe Kernan's men took a lead they were never to lose.

Points from Steven McDonnell, McConville and John McEntee put them in a commanding position, and while Donegal battled gamely, pegging back the deficit through Sweeney, Colin Kelly and Eamon McGee, the holders held out for a sixth Ulster title in eight seasons.