Madden win their first ever Gerry Fagan Cup with comprehensive victory over Cullyhanna

There were scenes of jubilation for Madden and heartbreak for Cullyhanna on Sunday evening, as the Raparees defeated the St Patrick’s men to win their fist ever Gerry Fagan Cup.

It was a historic final at the Box-It Athletic Grounds, as either way there was going to be a new name on the cup with both sides out to win the county title for the first time in club history. However, despite an intriguing build-up where most pundits described the game as ‘50/50’, in reality Madden were far too slick for their south Armagh opponents.

Conor Grimley was the top scorer on the day with 0-8, including a superb two-pointer from the right wing at the death, but the Man of the Match award rightfully went to Darragh McMullen, who dictated the game from wing half forward, had a hand in everything good Madden did offensively, and chipped in with three points from play.

For Cullyhanna, the 2025 season will be remembered for a very long time, particularly their incredible comeback win against neighbours Crossmaglen in the semi-finals, but the year belongs to Madden. And after the heartbreak the community endured in the last few years, few people in Armagh and the wider GAA community will begrudge them this title.

Madden start fast

Just as they did in their semi-final win over Clann Eireann, Madden got the first score of the game and never fell behind at any stage. It was Aron McKenna who was the first name on the scoresheet, grabbing a score which was followed up by a free from Conor Grimley.

Aidan Nugent got his side up and running with a two-point free and a one-point free, either side of a spectacular two-pointer from McMullen, and the score was 0-4 to 0-3 midway through the first half.

However, Madden began to dominate the game and despite the fact it was a first Senior county final for the team since 1998, they weren’t letting the occasion get to them. They looked composed on the ball and went about their business in a professional fashion, as they probed the Cullyhanna defence patiently, waited for their moments to strike, and then punched holes when the opportunity arose.

Conor Grimley and Ciaran Rafferty got scores from play, before half backs Donal Rafferty and Niall Smith both got forward, found space in the middle of the Cullyhanna defence and popped over easy scores. A Conor Grimley free and a Joe Sheridan point then opened up a seven point gap as half-time approached.

Cullyhanna hit a purple patch

Despite Madden’s lead, if there was any team in the county that wouldn’t panic, it’s Cullyhanna. They trailed Mullaghbawn and St Peter’s by seven points earlier in the Championship and came back to win. Then trailed Crossmaglen by nine in the semi-final and came back to win. However, it was clear that they needed a spark on Sunday afternoon, and Shea Hoey looked to have given them that with a point on the brink of half-time.

Cullyhanna followed that up with a quick start to the second half, and Ross McQuillan’s point just 10 seconds into the period was the first of a run where they outscored Madden 0-4 to 0-1. Gary Mackin and Hoey added on further scores, and although Ciaran Rafferty grabbed one at the other end, an Aidan Nugent free left just three points between the sides at 0-11 to 0-8.

However, that’s as close as Cullyhanna would get.

Madden close out the game in style

Again questions were being asked of Madden, and whether they could weather the storm with Cullyhanna applying the pressure. But once again they answered emphatically.

Oisin O’Hara became the third member of the Raparees’ half back line to get on the scoresheet, and his point turned momentum back in their favour. Conor Grimley followed that up with two points (one from play and one from a free) either side of a McMullen point, and all of a sudden it was back to a seven-point game.

Hoey stemmed the tide by scoring a point, which very nearly found it’s way into the back of the net, as he chipped Madden goalkeeper Jamie Sheridan. Crucially though, the ball flew inches over the bar rather than under it.

Perhaps some in the Box-It Athletic Grounds felt it was time for Cullyhanna to pull off a trademark comeback, but there were no such scenes, as Madden retook control. Although he finished the game scoreless, Niall Grimley had a massive impact for his team, as he was the go-to man on their kick-outs, and his ability to win ball around the middle prevented Cullyhanna from fighting back into the game.

Instead, Madden sealed the deal in style. Joe Sheridan, McKenna and Conor Grimley added to their lead, before Conor Grimley put the icing on the cake in stoppage time with a superb two-point free.

Soon after, referee Neil McGeown’s full-time whistle sounded, much to the delight of the Madden faithful, and the celebrations which were 92 years in the making got underway.

MATCH STATS

Madden: Jamie Sheridan; Shea Vallely, Tony O’Hagan, Peter Lappin; Oisin Hara (0-1), Donal Rafferty (0-1), Niall Smith (0-1); Niall Grimley, Cathal Donnelly; Dylan Crilly, Ciaran Rafferty (0-1), Darragh McMullen (0-3, 1tp); Joe Sheridan (0-3), Aron McKenna (0-2), Conor Grimley (0-8, 4f, 1tpf).

Subs: Paidi Comiskey for C Donnelly, Eoin Grimley for A McKenna.

Cullyhanna: James Carragher; Kieran McCooey, Sean Og Irwin, Cathal Burns; Sean Connell, Michael Murray, Ross McQuillan (0-1); Phelim Savage, Jason Duffy; Gavan Duffy, Shea Hoey (0-3), Gary Mackin (0-1); Aidan Nugent (0-4, 1tpf, 2f), Tony Donnelly, Caolan Reavey.

Subs: Neil McCreesh for G Mackin, Donnacha Gribben for C Reavey.

Referee: Neil McGeown.