3 hours ago
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Madden were crowned Armagh senior football champions for the first time in their history as they produced an excellent display to score a 0-20 to 0-9 win over Cullyhanna at the Athletic Grounds.
Both clubs were biding to get their hands on the Gerry Fagan Cup for the first time and aside for the opening five minutes of the second period, Madden were in control.
The Raparees had eight different scorers on the day with Conor Grimley leading leading the way with eight points between frees and play, including a two-point effort deep in added time to seal the win.
Cullyhanna just couldn't take a grip on this game for an extended period with Shea Hoey their most dangerous with three points, but their wait for a first county senior titles rumbles on.
Aron McKenna and Grimley set the victors on their way and although Cullyhanna levelled with a two-point free, man of the match Darragh McMullen responded with a two-pointer from play.
The margin was just one midway through the opening period, but Madden took over as Grimley began a run of six scores on the spin with Ciaran Rafferty, Donal Rafferty, Niall Smith and Joe Sheridan getting in on the act.
Cullyhanna were yet to register from play, but with the last act of the opening period, Hoey got on the end of the dropping free to fire over as Madden's lead was trimmed back at 0-10 to 0-4 at the interval.
They needed a good start to the second period and got it as Ross McQuillan fired over a point just 16 seconds in, adding another soon after before Hoey gathered a wayward shot and fired over from an angle.
However, Madden steadied with Ciaran Rafferty slinging over and in the final quarter they broke for home, extending their lead to seven entering the final 10 minutes.
Cullyhanna needed a goal and had a great chance when Hoey was through with Madden goalkeeper Jamie Sheridan off his line, but the attempted lob had too much behind it as the ball carried over the crossbar.
It was perhaps a sign this wasn't to be Cullyhanna's day as Madden finished strong.
Sheridan and McKenna to put them out of sight, while Grimley kicked a free and after Cullyhanna's Aidan Nugent picking up a second yellow card deep in added time, Grimley's two-pointer put the icing on the cake as Madden celebrated a seminal day in the club's history.
More to follow
