The full back’s 48th minute finish swung the game in the Orchard County’s favour
Kieran McGeeney has become the first Armagh man to lift the All-Ireland senior football title both as team captain and manager after his side prevailed by 1-11 to 0-13.
The sides were level at half-time and began the second half trading blows, but full back Aaron McKay’s 48th minute goal swung the momentum in their favour.
McKay got on the end of a hand pass from Stefan Campbell and punched to the net midway through the second half to put his side in the driving seat.
Galway spurned numerous chances in the closing stages to draw the game level, with Dylan McHugh seeing his stoppage time shot come back off the upright and wide.
A frantic spell followed with both teams pouring forward, but Armagh held firm, the ball ending in the hands of Jarlath Óg Burns at the final whistle.
Manager Kieran McGeeney was hoisted onto the shoulders of his backroom team as the players and officials poured onto the field to celebrate.
The win seals the Orchard County’s first title since they defeated Kerry in the 2002 final, and comes in their first final appearance since 2003, when they lost to neighbours Tyrone.
Watch: Celebrations at Croke Park as Armagh lift the Sam Maguire
Half-forward Joe McElroy said the result was “unbelievable”.
“We knew we had the players to come on and finish strong. We knew we were always going to win that game,” he told the BBC after the match.
“The last three or four years have been penalties and heartbreak. Them boys never give up and some of the performances there were unbelievable.
“What we did there was for Geezer and the lads. C’mon Armagh!”
GAA President Jarlath Burns gave a stirring speech as he handed the Sam Maguire Cup over to his native county, paying tribute to all who had played any part in the lives of the players and the community.
“For you, the parents who put a set of GAA posts in your back garden, this win belongs to you. Today is your day, because the GAA is where we all belong,” he said.
“For you, the parents who put a set of GAA posts in your back garden, this win belongs to you. Today is your day, because the GAA is where we all belong.
“To Galway, the Armagh people know how you’re feeling; we have felt that too often in the recent past. We know you will be back.
“Many are thinking of absent friends. The people of Armagh will not mind if I single out the Grimley family and Niall Grimley for the loss they have suffered.
Watch: Celebrations in Armagh city as they lift the Sam Maguire
“Today belongs to Ard Mhacha. Today belongs to a man who lifted the cup here in 2002, stuck with this team for the last ten years – manager Kieran McGeeney – Geezer.”
With his wife and child watching behind him, captain Aidan Forker from Maghery said it was his “greatest blessing” to lift the trophy.
“It is the greatest blessing of my life to be accepting this Sam Maguire Cup on behalf of this group of men in front of me on the steps of the Hogan today, the management team and all the people behind it all,” he said.
“Today we are not dreaming; we are 2024 All-Ireland champions. The wait is finally over for the best fans in the land.
“Let today be a lesson to anyone anywhere, who has a dream in life, that with belief, anything is possible. Many of us are living our dreams here today.
“Never give up on what you’re chasing. Up Armagh!”
We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity.
A number of NI’s political leaders have taken to social media to congratulate the Orchard County.
NI First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Comhghairdeas to the players, staff and fans on a fantastic victory. Enjoy the celebrations!”
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long posted in Irish: “Comhghairdeas, Ard Mhacha!!!! (Congragulations, Up Armagh!)”
Party colleague Eóin Tennyson, who is from Co Armagh, posted a picture of himself and his father Kieran in Croke Park. In his post he congratulated captain Aidan Forker.
“All Ireland Champions! Comhghairdeas (Congratulations) to Aidan, the team, management, staff, supporters and their families. Just incredible,” he said.
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said Armagh had put in “some performance”.
“Maith sibh go léir, Ard Mhacha (Well done Armagh),” he added in a post on X.
