Armagh’s All-Ireland dream is over for another year after they fell to a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat by Galway with their riveting and chaotic quarter-final having finished level after extra-time at Croke Park.
At the end of a ferocious and spellbinding contest played on the edge, Matthew Tierney struck the decisive penalty to send Galway into the last four where they will face Ulster champions Derry.
Galway’s shootout triumph was a suitably nerve-shredding climax to a game that displayed the best and worst elements of the sport, from Rian O’Neill’s stunning last-gasp free to force extra-time to the mass brawl that broke out seconds later.
There may well be sanctions to follow the scenes that followed the full-time whistle, but for now Galway will savour the feeling of having come out on top of a blood-and-thunder championship battle.
More to follow.
