ARMAGH OBSERVER
SPECIAL SOUVENIR SUPPLEMENT
COMMEMORATING ARMAGH REACHING THE ALL IRELAND FINAL
WORDS OF CONGRATULATIONS AND ENCOURAGEMENT FROM
MOST REV. SEÁN BRADY
ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH

Armagh people, and our friends everywhere, are overjoyed to know that their senior football team has reached the All Ireland Final. Their credentials to be there are excellent. Three Ulster Titles in four years, a Championship Campaign which saw them oust the current league-title holders and friendly rivals and neighbours, Tyrone, excellent victories over plucky Fermanagh, a gallant Donegal side and a much under-rated Sligo team plus two replays ……. this championship has had everything, or almost everything. One thing it has not had is dirty play or un-sportsmanlike tactics.

Granted that en route to the Final the Armagh team has on occasion exercised the cardiovascular mussels of their supporters to a great extent but it was all for a good purpose. It was in preparation for the dream final. The orchard verses the Kingdom, the apple verses Puck, the pride of the North verses the jewel of the South.

This Armagh team has given outstanding sporting displays. They are great Ambassadors for their county and for their province. I wish them well and am confident they can carry the day.

So, roll on September 22. Samuel Maguire prepare yourself for a diet of Ulster fry and apple tarts over the next twelve months!

September 10, 2002