ragingbull
Well-Known Member
18 years ago today
I was in that crowd somewhere but I don't know where
thought you were going to claim that was your arms holding up the cupI was in that crowd somewhere but I don't know where
Yes!! Can't wait until 2045. What a year that will be and the mare that was 2020, will be but a figment!!!!Frig me, before we know it, we’ll be the jubilee team on All Ireland final day!
I know this is a biased opinion, but I don't think there was ever such an outpouring of emotion on the Croke Park turf or indeed any other stadium. I viewed this again earlier in the lockdown. Watching and Remembering the sheer joy that filled that field never fails to bring a tear to the eye. Even apart from an Armagh point of view-this was one of the great, great moments of Irish sport.I don't think there's been a bigger crowd on the Croke Park pitch than there was in 2002
RutusTFirefly is that Egg O'Kane bottom left corner?
Frig me, before we know it, we’ll be the jubilee team on All Ireland final day!
Wonderful recollection!I headed down with my brother-in-law. We wanted to get down really early and were parked up and dandering around from 10 am. I met John Maughan on the Drumcondra Road and stopped briefly for a chat. I asked him could we do it and he said 'definitely!'
Our seats were Lower Cusack, half way back on the lower tier and close to half way - perfect. I was sat behind Karl O'Dwyer, Micko's son, who was playing for Kildare back then. Talked briefly to him and he was very quiet, reserved fella.
I remember feeling despondent at half time, in light of the penalty miss. I remember Mickey Ned O'Sullivan stating after the game that if Armagh had scored that penalty, then Kerry would have won the All Ireland. I have sympathy for that view.
I remember getting out of my seat as we spurned a goal chance into the Hill goal, so when Oisin was put through, I sat in my seat, as I had this irrational thought that getting up in anticipation of a goal might scud him. I saw the net bulging between the two supporters stood in from of me and suddenly it was match on. When we took the lead for the first time, I remember thinking, Holy Fook, we could do this!! The last fifteen minutes were excruciating and I remember Kerry had an opportunity that just went wide of the post. I was at right angles to the general trajectory of the shot, so I could hardly breathe as the umpire stepped up and waved wide!
At the final whislte, the first person to congratulate me, with a huge grin, was Karl O'Dwyer! I remember it took an age to get down on to the pitch and I remember jumping up and down aimlessly like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh!! I remember little of the presentation and I remember being one of the very last to leave, via the steps of the Hogan.
I met Brian McAlinden going out and I told him an awful lot of what had happened was down to him and thanked him! I also remember out on Jones Road, Pat Spillane came along and the Armagh fans gathered around him to tease him and then one or two started hitting him over the head in jest with their rolled up programmes. He did not see the funny side of it and soon was retracing his steps with a Garda escort.
The journey home was very long and very wonderful. Stopping off in Dunshauglin for a pint and everyone congratulating us, hanging out the car window in Navan with the flag as we crossed the river and hearing shouts of congratulations from the locals.
I'd always envisaged going on the mother of all sessions if and when this event ever happened. However getting home after 9 pm, I got into the car and toured the town, calling into the pubs simply to sample the atmosphere everywhere.
I had all of that week booked off, but that is another story. I remember speaking to ones in work who were envious and I recall saying that the following week was as if it was Christmas, but only in Armagh. That's the best way I could describe the feeling.
Unbelievable memories!
I was in Hill 16 that day, where were any of you's Boys/Girls
Lower Hogan Stand, Section 336, Row M, Seat 24 (always have to have an even number). Have some great photos of the parade coming round past Hill 16 & then us.