2024 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final

{{GG|Armagh|football}} were aiming to win their second All-Ireland; their first was in 2002. They were also beaten finalists in 1953, 1977 and 2003. {{GG|Galway|football}} were aiming to win a tenth All-Ireland; this would have made them only the third county to reach double figures in the all-time rankings. Their last All-Ireland was in 2001; they were beaten finalists in 2022.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0714/1459786-galway-hold-firm-in-tense-finale-to-reach-decider/|title=Galway hold firm in tense finale to reach decider|publisher=RTÉ.ie|first=Conor|last=Neville|date=14 July 2024|accessdate=14 July 2024}}

This final was the sixth to be contested by county teams from Connacht and Ulster: the others were 1925 (Galway beat Cavan), 1943 (Roscommon beat Cavan), 1948 (Cavan beat Mayo), 2012 (Donegal beat Mayo) and 2021 (Tyrone beat Mayo).{{Cite web|url=http://worldsportsweekly.com/sam-maguire-cup-previous-winners |title=A List Of Sam Maguire Cup Winners |website=World Sports Weekly |access-date=30 August 2021}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = 14 April 2024

| time = 14:00

| bg=cfc|round = Ulster quarter-final

| team1 = File:Colours of Fermanagh.svg Fermanagh

| score = 0-09 - 3-11

|team2= Armagh File:Colours of Armagh.svg

| goals1 = Love 0-2, O'Brien 0-2, Cassidy 0-1f, Jones 0-1f, Kelm 0-1, McGee 0-1, McShea 0-1

| report = [https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0414/1443437-armagh-power-past-fermanagh-to-make-ulster-semis/ Report]

| goals2 = Campbell 1-2, Burns 1-1, Turbitt 1-0, Mackin 0-2, Murnin 0-2, Grugan 0-1f, McCambridge 0-1, O O'Neill 0-1, R O'Neill 0-1

| stadium = Brewster Park

| location = Enniskillen

| motm =

| referee = Joe McQuillan, (Cavan)

| attendance = 7,096

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = 27 April 2024

| time = 16:00

| bg=cfc|round = Ulster semi-final

| team1 = File:Colours of Down.svg Down

| score = 2-06 - 0-13

|team2= Armagh File:Colours of Armagh.svg

| goals1 = Magill 1-1, Havern 0-2 (2f), Guiness 0-1, Johnston 0-1, Mgaill 0-1

| report = [https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0427/1445988-duffys-late-show-sees-armagh-squeeze-into-ulster-final/ Report]

| goals2 = Grugan 0-5 (5f), Burns 1-0 (og.), R O'Neill 0-3 (1f), Forker 0-2, Duffy 0-1, O O'Neill 0-1, Nugent 0-1

| stadium = St Tiernach's Park

| location = Clones

| motm =

| referee = Liam Devenney (Mayo)

| attendance = 12,116

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = 12 May 2024

| time = 16:00

| bg=fcc|round = Ulster final

| team1 = File:Colours of Armagh.svg Armagh

| score = 0-20 - 0-20

|team2= File:Colours of Donegal GAA.svg Donegal

|aet = yes

| goals1 = Turbitt 0-4, Nugent 0-3 (1f), Campbell 0-2, Conaty 0-2, Crealey 0-2 (1m), Murnin 0-2, Forker 0-1, Grugan 0-1, Mackin 0-1, O O'Neill 0-1 (1m), R O'Neill 0-1 (1m)

| report = [https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0512/1448697-donegal-clinch-ulster-title-after-dramatic-shoot-out/ Report]

| goals2 = Gallen 0-6 (2f), O Baoill 0-2, N O'Donnell 0-2, S O'Donnell 0-2, McBrearty 0-2 (1f), Mogan 0-2, Doherty 0-1, Langan 0-1, McGee 0-1, McKelvey 0-1

| stadium = St Tiernach's Park

| location = Clones

| motm =

| referee = Martin McNally (Monaghan)

| attendance = 28,896

|penaltyscore = 5–6

|penalties1 =

• S McPartland {{Gaelicpen}}
• O Conaty {{Gaelicpen}}
• C Turbitt {{Gaelicpen}}
• A Nugent {{Gaelicpen}}
• T Kelly {{Gaelicpen}}
• S McPartland {{Penmiss}}

|penalties2 =

• {{Gaelicpen}} C Thompson
• {{Gaelicpen}} A Doherty
• {{Gaelicpen}} M Langan
• {{Gaelicpen}} J McGee
• {{Gaelicpen}} D Ó Baoill
• {{Gaelicpen}} A Doherty

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = 25 May 2024

|bg=cfc|round = All-Ireland group stage

|time = 18:00

|score = 0-16 - 0-11

|report = [https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0525/1451183-armagh-hold-westmeath-at-arms-length-to-start-on-high/ Report]

|team1 = File:Colours_of_Armagh.svg Armagh

|goals1 = Grugan 0-5 (3f), Conaty 0-2, Nugent 0-2 (1f), Turbitt 0-2 (2f), Campbell 0-1, Kelly 0-1, Ciaran Mackin 0-1, Murnin 0-1, Conor O'Neill 0-1

|team2 = File:Colours_of_Westmeath.svg Westmeath

|goals2 = Heslin 0-3 (3f), Maguire 0-2, McCartan 0-2, O'Toole 0-2, Forde 0-1, Loughlin 0-1

|stadium = Athletic Grounds

|location = Armagh

|referee = Conor Lane (Cork)

|attendance = 5,989

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = 2 June 2024

|bg=cfc|round = All-Ireland group stage

|time = 16:00

|score = 0-15 - 3-17

|report = [https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0602/1452662-derry-v-armagh-report/ Report]

|team1 = File:Colours_of_Derry.svg Derry

|goals1 = McGuigan 0-7 (4f), Glass 0-3 (1m), Baker 0-1, Bradley 0-1, Cassidy 0-1, Doherty 0-1, Murray 0-1

|team2 = File:Colours_of_Armagh.svg Armagh

|goals2 = Turbitt 1-4 (1m,1f), R O'Neill 1-1, McQuillan 1-0, Conaty 0-2, Kelly 0-2, Crealey 0-1m, Forker 0-1, Grimley 0-1, Grugan 0-1, McCambridge 0-1, McPartlan 0-1, Nugent 0-1, O O'Neill 0-1

|stadium = Celtic Park

|location = Derry

|referee = David Coldrick (Meath)

|attendance =

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = 16 June 2024

|bg=ffc|round = All-Ireland group stage

|time = 13:45

|score = 1-12 - 0-15

|report = [https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0616/1454981-armagh-battle-back-to-draw-with-galway-and-top-group-1/ Report]

|team1 = File:Colours_of_Armagh.svg Armagh

|goals1 = Kelly 1-1, Turbitt 0-4 (1f), R O'Neill 0-3, Murnin 0-2, Campbell 0-1, Crealey 0-1

|team2 = File:Colours_of_Galway.svg Galway

|goals2 = Walsh 0-5 (3f), Finnerty 0-3 (2f), Conroy 0-2, Maher 0-1, McDaid 0-1, McHugh 0-1, Silke 0-1, Tierney 0-1

|stadium = Markievicz Park

|location = Sligo

|referee = Sean Hurson (Tyrone)

|attendance = 8,870

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = 29 June 2024

|bg=cfc|round = All-Ireland quarter-final

|time = 16:00

|score = 2-12 - 0-12

|report = [https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0629/1457269-armagh-end-long-wait-for-semi-final-spot/ Report]

|team1 = File:Colours_of_Armagh.svg Armagh

|goals1 = McCambridge 1-2 (1m), Turbitt 1-2 (1f), Conaty 0-4, Campbell 0-2, Forker 0-1, Grimley 0-1

|team2 = File:Colours_of_Roscommon.svg Roscommon

|goals2 = Cox 0-5 (4f), Ruane 0-2, Higgins 0-1, McCormack 0-1, McDermott 0-1, Murtagh 0-1, Stack 0-1

|stadium = Croke Park

|location = Dublin

|referee = Martin McNally (Monaghan)

|motm = Barry McCambridge ({{GG|Armagh|football}})

|attendance = 49,896

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = 13 July 2024

|bg=cfc|round = All-Ireland semi-final

|time = 17:30

|score = 1-18 - 1-16

|report = [https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0713/1459686-croker-pain-no-more-as-armagh-edge-out-kerry-in-cracker/ Report]

|team1 = File:Colours_of_Armagh.svg Armagh

|goals1 = Turbitt 0-5 (3f), McCambridge 1-0, R O'Neill 0-3, Campbell 0-2, Forker 0-2, Grimley 0-2, J Burns 0-1, Grugan 0-1f, McGrane 0-1, McQuillan 0-1

|team2 = File:Colours_of_Kerry.svg Kerry

|goals2 = Clifford 0-4 (3f), O'Shea 0-4 (1f,1'45), Murphy 1-0, Clifford 0-3, Brosnan 0-1, Burke 0-1, D Geaney 0-1, Moynihan 0-1, O'Connor 0-1

|stadium = Croke Park

|location = Dublin

|referee = David Gough (Meath)

|attendance = 55,548

|aet = yes

|motm = Rian O'Neill ({{GG|Armagh|football}})

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = 6 April 2024

| time = 15:00

| bg=cfc|round = Connacht quarter-final

| team1 = File:Colours of London.svg London

| score = 0-09 - 5-21

|team2= Galway File:Colours of Galway.svg

| goals1 = Gallagher 0-3f, Clarke 0-2, Rafter 0-2, Driver 0-1, Rafferty 0-1

| report = [https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0406/1442014-galway-rack-up-five-goals-in-ruislip-massacre/ Report]

| goals2 = Culhane 2-0, Conroy 1-3, D'Arcy 1-2, Finnerty 0-4 (1m), Ó Curraoin 0-4 (3f), Sweeney 1-1, Heaney 0-4, Daly 0-1, McHugh 0-1, Silke 0-1

| stadium = McGovern Park

| location = Ruislip

| motm =

| referee = Liam Devenney (Mayo)

| attendance =

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = 20 April 2024

| time = 15:30

| bg=cfc|round = Connacht semi-final

| team1 = File:Colours of Sligo.svg Sligo

| score = 0-14 - 1-13

| team2 = Galway File:Colours of Galway.svg

| goals1 = Murphy 0-3 (1f, 1m), O'Connor 0-3, Alan McLoughlin 0-2, Carrabine 0-1, Cummins 0-1, Gordon 0-1, Lally 0-1, Nathan Mullen 0-1, Mulligan 0-1

| report = [https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0420/1444663-last-gasp-robert-finnerty-goal-breaks-sligo-hearts/ Report]

| goals2 = Finnerty 1-5 (1f), Darcy 0-2, Comer 0-2, Heaney 0-1, McHugh 0-1, Molloy 0-1, Walsh 0-1

| stadium = Markievicz Park

| location = Sligo

| motm =

| referee = Barry Tiernan (Dublin)

| attendance = 4,597{{cite web |title=Robert Finnerty strikes late to save Galway from shock exit at the hands of Sligo |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2024/04/20/robert-finnerty-strikes-late-to-spare-galway-a-shock-exit-at-the-hands-of-sligo/ |website=Irish Times |access-date=4 May 2024}}

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = 5 May 2024

| time = 16:00

| bg=cfc|round = Connacht final

| team1 = File:Colours of Galway.svg Galway

| score = 0-16 - 0-15

|team2= Mayo File:Colours of Mayo.svg

| goals1 = Finnerty 0-8 (5f), Walsh 0-3 (1f), Gleeson 0-2f, Comer 0-2, Heaney 0-1

| report = https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/gaa/gaelic-football/galway-v-mayo-live-stream-32740225

| goals2 = O'Donoghue 0-6 (4f, 1m), Ruane 0-3, Conroy 0-2, Boland 0-1, McHugh 0-1, Flynn 0-1, O'Connor 0-1

| stadium = Pearse Stadium

| location = Galway

| motm = Damien Comer

| referee = David Gough Meath

| attendance = 19,193

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = 18 May 2024

|bg=cfc|round = All-Ireland group stage

|time = 17:30

|score = 2-14 - 0-15

|report = [https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0518/1449904-galway-put-14-man-derry-to-the-sword/ Report]

|team1 = File:Colours_of_Galway.svg Galway

|goals1 = Finnerty 0-4 (2f), Conroy 0-3, Darcy 1-0, Kelly 1-0, Daly 0-2, Walsh 0-2, Heaney 0-1, Ó Curraoin 0-1, Tierney 0-1

|team2 = File:Colours_of_Derry.svg Derry

|goals2 = McGuigan 0-4 (1f), Murray 0-3, McFaul 0-2, Bradley 0-1, Cassidy 0-1, Doherty 0-1, Gilmore 0-1, Glass 0-1, Rogers 0-1

|stadium = Pearse Stadium

|location = Salthill

|referee = Brendan Cawley (Kildare)

|attendance = 7,602 [https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/galway-take-big-step-towards-all-ireland-last-eight-with-statement-win-over-14-man-derry/a1867507758.html ]

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = 2 June 2024

|bg=cfc|round = All-Ireland group stage

|time = 15:00

|score = 0-11 - 1-12

|report = [https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0602/1452658-breakaway-walsh-goal-ensures-narrow-away-win-for-galway/ Report]

|team1 = File:Colours_of_Westmeath.svg Westmeath

|goals1 = Heslin 0-5f, Wallace 0-2, Connellan 0-1, Forde 0-1, Lynch 0-1, McCartan 0-1

|team2 = File:Colours_of_Galway.svg Galway

|goals2 = Walsh 1-4 (3f), Gleeson 0-2 (2'45), Tierney 0-2, Darcy 0-1, Hernon 0-1, McDaid 0-1, Molloy 0-1

|stadium = TEG Cusack Park

|location = Mullingar

|referee = Niall Cullen (Fermanagh)

|attendance =

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = 16 June 2024

|bg=ffc|round = All-Ireland group stage

|time = 13:45

|score = 1-12 - 0-15

|report = [https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0616/1454981-armagh-battle-back-to-draw-with-galway-and-top-group-1/ Report]

|team1 = File:Colours_of_Armagh.svg Armagh

|goals1 = Kelly 1-1, Turbitt 0-4 (1f), R O'Neill 0-3, Murnin 0-2, Campbell 0-1, Crealey 0-1

|team2 = File:Colours_of_Galway.svg Galway

|goals2 = Walsh 0-5 (3f), Finnerty 0-3 (2f), Conroy 0-2, Maher 0-1, McDaid 0-1, McHugh 0-1, Silke 0-1, Tierney 0-1

|stadium = Markievicz Park

|location = Sligo

|referee = Sean Hurson (Tyrone)

|attendance = 8,870

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = 29 June 2024

|bg=cfc|round = All-Ireland quarter-final

|time = 18:15

|score = 0-16 - 0-17

|report = [https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0629/1457271-dublin-exit-race-for-sam-after-superb-galway-showing/ Report]

|team1 = File:Colours_of_Dublin.svg Dublin

|goals1 = Costello 0-4 (2f, 1'45), O'Callaghan 0-4 (2m, 1f), Bugler 0-2, Kilkenny 0-2, Fenton 0-1, Mannion 0-1, McGarry 0-1, Small 0-1m

|team2 = File:Colours_of_Galway.svg Galway

|goals2 = Walsh 0-7 (4f), McDaid 0-3, Conroy 0-1, Culhane 0-1, Darcy 0-1, Heaney 0-1, Maher 0-1, McHugh 0-1, Tierney 0-1m

|stadium = Croke Park

|location = Dublin

|referee = Sean Hurson (Tyrone)

|motm = Cillian McDaid ({{GG|Galway|football}})

|attendance = 49,896

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = 14 July 2024

|bg=cfc|round = All-Ireland semi-final

|time = 16:00

|score = 0-15 - 1-14

|report = https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0714/1459786-galway-hold-firm-in-tense-finale-to-reach-decider/

|team1 = File:Colours_of_Donegal.svg Donegal

|goals1 =

|team2 = File:Colours_of_Galway.svg Galway

|goals2 =

|stadium = Croke Park

|location = Dublin

|referee = Brendan Cawley (Kildare)

|attendance =

|motm = Dylan McHugh ({{GG|Galway|football}})

}}

Galway were favourites to win ahead of the game. Former RTÉ match analysts Pat Spillane and Colm O'Rourke both tipped Galway to win.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/pat-spillane-i-wouldnt-be-betting-my-house-on-it-but-i-have-a-sneaking-suspicion-sam-is-heading-west/a48032601.html|title=I have a sneaking suspicion Sam is heading west|website=Independent.ie|first=Pat|last=Spillane|authorlink=Pat Spillane|date=28 June 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/colm-orourke-impact-of-bench-could-decide-all-ireland-final/a689094184.html|title=Impact of bench could decide All-Ireland final|newspaper=Sunday Independent|first=Colm|last=O'Rourke|authorlink=Colm O'Rourke|date=28 June 2024}}

Members of the Meath team that won the 1999 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final were honoured on the pitch before the game, 25 years later.{{cite news|url=https://hoganstand.com/Article/Index/332937|title=Meath's '99 heroes to be honoured as Jubilee team at Croke Park this afternoon|work=Hogan Stand|date=28 July 2024}}

Demand for tickets was extremely high, far exceeding supply.{{cite news|url=https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-news/galway-ireland-final-ticket-update-9420376|title=Galway All-Ireland final ticket update as huge demand seen for novel pairing|work=Galway Beo|first=Vinny|last=Fanneran|date=18 July 2024|accessdate=21 July 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/gaa/gaelic-football/all-ireland-final-tickets-allocation-29572015|title=All-Ireland final ticket allocation 'disappointing' say clubs amid calls for a revamp of distribution process|work=Belfast Live|first=Paddy|last=Tierney|date=19 July 2024|accessdate=21 July 2024}}

Additional allocations of tickets were released, with many intending to travel from abroad to see the game.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c897wgglg8do|title=Armagh GAA fans go the extra mile for final tickets|publisher=BBC News|first=Ross|last=McKee|date=}}

Shops in Armagh were said to be struggling to meet demand for replica jerseys, flags and other items ahead of the game. McKeever's Sports was forced to suspend all other activities to reach its target of producing an additional 500 jerseys per day; the company was also supplying kits for several 2024 Summer Olympics participants at the time, including boxing, rowing and rugby.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ulster/2024/0725/1461653-armagh-all-ireland/|title='Sammy's coming home' - All-Ireland excitement in Armagh|publisher=RTÉ News|first=Vincent|last=Kearney|date=25 July 2024}} Armagh fans made Sam the Bear from bales of hay.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/hes-become-a-local-celebrity-armagh-fans-get-ready-for-all-ireland-final-with-giant-hay-bale-bear/a917464229.html|title='He's become a local celebrity' – Armagh fans get ready for All-Ireland final with giant hay-bale bear|publisher=Independent.ie|first=Clodagh|last=Traynor|date=25 July 2024}}

Pearse Stadium held a free, ticketed "fanzone" to allow Galway supporters who did not have tickets to watch the game on a fully high-definition television screen.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/connacht/2024/0726/1461839-galway-all-ireland/|title=Galway fans hopeful of an end to 23-year wait for Sam Maguire|publisher=RTÉ News|first=Gail|last=Conway|date=26 July 2024}} One Galway "superfan" was interviewed about his intention to drive his 1953 Ford Popular motor vehicle to the game.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/galway-gaa-supporter-gerry-rushe-on-his-hopes-to-travel-in-his-1953-ford-popular-car-to-the-all-ireland-football-final/a1453239869.html|title=Galway GAA supporter Gerry Rushe on his hopes to travel in his 1953 Ford Popular car to the All Ireland Football Final|first=Ray|last=Ryan|date=24 July 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/say-a-prayer-galway-superfan-wills-tribesmen-to-march-to-all-ireland-victory-in-honour-of-late-gaa-hero-john-omahony/a1371845738.html|title='Say a prayer' – Galway superfan wills Tribesmen to march to All-Ireland victory in honour of late GAA hero John O'Mahony|first=Laura|last=Lynott|date=25 July 2024}}

The build-up to the game also coincided with the annual Galway Races, where Galway's team colours and flags were on display.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/31/i-always-expect-a-warm-welcome-in-ireland-but-galway-blew-me-away|title=I always expect a warm welcome in Ireland. But Galway blew me away|work=The Guardian|first=Adrian|last=Chiles|authorlink=Adrian Chiles|date=31 July 2024}}

Translink provided two extra trains and an additional bus service from Armagh to Dublin, all of which sold out; it added another bus from Newry, which saw similar demand. Translink also operated with improved capacity of its Enterprise train service.

On 18 July, Tyrone's Sean Hurson was named as referee for the decider, his second All-Ireland SFC final.{{Cite web|title='I haven't seen a free given for that since' – Padraic Joyce on controversial call by All-Ireland final referee|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/i-havent-seen-a-free-given-for-that-since-padraic-joyce-on-controversial-call-by-all-ireland-final-referee/a1820099615.html|last=Keys|first=Colm|website=Independent.ie}} Hurson refereed the earlier meeting between the sides at Markievicz Park in the group stage, and also refereed the 2022 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final, Galway's previous appearance in the decider.{{Cite web|title=Sean Hurson named referee for All-Ireland SFC football final|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0718/1460615-hurson-named-as-referee-for-all-ireland-sfc-final/|website=RTÉ|date=18 July 2024}}

File:2024 All-Ireland Final Teams Presentation.jpg

Former player turned pundit Peter Canavan suggested Stefan Campbell might start the game for Armagh.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0725/1461836-battle-of-the-benches-should-stefan-campbell-start/|title=Battle of the benches: Should Stefan Campbell start for Armagh?|publisher=RTÉ News|date=25 July 2024}} Ultimately, Armagh's only change to the starting team from the semi-final victory over Kerry was Connaire Mackin in place of Peter McGrane, so Campbell began the game on the bench.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/armagh-make-one-change-for-all-ireland-final-showdown-with-galway/a1100043741.html|title=Armagh make one change for All-Ireland final showdown with Galway|publisher=Independent.ie|first=Donnchadh|last=Boyle|date=25 July 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0725/1461893-armagh-make-one-change-for-all-ireland-final/|title=Armagh make one change for All-Ireland final|publisher=RTÉ News|date=25 July 2024}} Barry McCambridge switched to corner-back to accommodate Mackin in the left-half-back position.{{cite news|url=https://www.hoganstand.com/Article/Index/332916|title=Armagh recall Mackin for All-Ireland final|work=Hogan Stand|date=26 July 2024}}

Galway named a team that was unchanged from their semi-final.{{cite news|url=https://www.radiokerry.ie/sport/galway-unchanged-for-all-ireland-final-393664|title=Galway unchanged for All Ireland Final|publisher=Radio Kerry|date=26 July 2024}} However, Céin Darcy began the game instead of Galway captain Seán Kelly. This was a late change, coming just before the game began.

If the game was a draw after 70 minutes, 20 minutes of extra time would have been played. If the game was still level, the final would have been replayed on 3 August 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/your-complete-guide-to-the-2024-gaa-inter-county-fixtures-list/a2116879870.html|title=Your complete guide to the 2024 GAA inter-county fixtures list|date=6 December 2023|website=Irish Independent}}

During the game, Armagh players wore jerseys with the team crest above the words "All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final 2024".

A herring gull was seen on the pitch throughout the first half, before an official intervened and brought it away to be treated for a minor injury unrelated to play.{{cite news|url=https://hoganstand.com/article/Index/332980|title=Croke Park seagull on the mend|work=Hogan Stand|date=31 July 2024}} The bird spent the opening moments of play at the Canal End of the stadium, just inside the Armagh half, before wandering into the other half of the pitch, spending much time close to the sideline near Armagh's right corner-forward; at one stage, the gull left the pitch; however, the bird made a return before being brought to safety.{{cite news|url=https://extra.ie/2024/07/28/sport/gaa/seagull-all-ireland-final|title=All-Ireland football final: Injured seagull makes bizarre 24-minute cameo on pitch|first=Jade|last=Wilson|date=30 July 2024}} The gull's rescue prompted applause from spectators in Hill 16.{{cite news|url=https://www.balls.ie/gaa/all-ireland-seagull-606048|title=A Seagull Becomes Instant Fan Favourite After All-Ireland Final Performance|publisher=Balls.ie|first=Jonathan|last=Browne|date=28 July 2024}} Many spectators (and publications) erroneously referred to the bird as a "sea gull".{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2024/07/30/injured-gull-rescued-from-croke-park-during-all-ireland-final-is-doing-well/|title=Injured gull rescued from Croke Park during All-Ireland final is 'doing well': Herring gull had a wing injury and was removed off the pitch and transported to Kildare Wildlife Rescue|work=The Irish Times|date=31 July 2024}} The gull was given pain relief and fluids and was soon able to eat its meals.{{cite news|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/croke-park-gull-all-ireland-final-galway-armagh-kildare-wildlife-resuce-6450223-Jul2024/|title=Croke Park gull that made on-field cameo in All-Ireland final doing 'very well' after rescue|publisher=TheJournal.ie|first=Diarmuid|last=Pepper|date=30 July 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2024/0802/1463198-croke-park-gull/|title=Croke Park gull 'doing well' at Kildare rescue centre|publisher=RTÉ News|date=2 August 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1vdlzdqy92o|title=Croke Park seagull recuperating after pitch invasion|publisher=BBC News|first=Niall|last=Glynn|date=2 August 2024}} Galway forward Robert Finnerty also came off injured after ten minutes. Cein Darcy scored the finest point of the first half after twenty minutes, to give Galway a lead of 0–4 to 0–3.{{cite news|url=https://hoganstand.com/Article/Index/332941|title=D'Aarcy[sic] drives through Armagh traffic to steer Galway back in front|work=Hogan Stand|date=28 July 2024}} The teams were level on five occasions in the first half.{{cite news|url=https://hoganstand.com/Article/Index/332943|title=Armagh hold on in dramatic finish against Galway to clinch first All-Ireland SFC title in 22 years|work=Hogan Stand|date=28 July 2024}} Ben Crealey equalized for Armagh with the half's concluding score. The teams were tied, with 0–6 each, at half-time.

Galway's Paul Conroy scored his third point of the game in the second half. Then Cillian McDaid gave the Tribesmen a two-point lead in the 38th minute. Oisín Conaty and Rian O'Neill then scored the points that brought Armagh level once more. Armagh's Tiernan Kelly scored a point either side of two points by Galway's Shane Walsh. Armagh introduced Stefan Campbell as a substitute and, almost immediately, he set up Aaron McKay for a goal in the 47th minute, punching to the net after a pass from the left.{{cite news|url=https://hoganstand.com/Article/Index/332942|title=Armagh roar goes up as McKay hits Galway net|work=Hogan Stand|date=28 July 2024}} Galway's Cein Darcy scored the next point eight minutes later. Niall Grimley, then Oisín O'Neill each scored a point for Armagh, to leave McKay's goal (i.e. three points) as the difference between the teams four minutes from the end of normal time. Points from Darcy and Cillian McDaid reduced the deficit to one. Then Galway's Dylan McHugh struck the post with his shot and the ball dropped wide. Armagh's Joe McElroy performed a crucial block against an attempt by Paul Conroy to level the game in the seventh minute of injury-time.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/videos/crgrvn4vnd0o|title=The block that won the All-Ireland for Armagh|publisher=BBC|date=28 July 2024}} This proved critical to Armagh's eventual one-point victory, as otherwise the game would have gone to extra-time.

The result meant that, in 2024, teams representing Ulster GAA, had won each of the available major titles in the sport. Down won the 2024 Tailteann Cup, defeating Laois in the final. Derry won the All-Ireland MFC, retaining the title by beating Armagh in a game held three weeks previous to the All-Ireland SFC final. Tyrone won the All-Ireland U20FC title in May, defeating Kerry in the final. Donegal and Derry won the 2024 National Football League Division 1 and Division 2 titles respectively (with Donegal having defeated Armagh). Glen won the All-Ireland Club SFC, Cullyhanna won the All-Ireland Club IFC and Arva won the All-Ireland Club JFC. In college football, UU won the 2024 Sigerson Cup, while Omagh CBS won the 2024 Hogan Cup.{{cite news|url=https://hoganstand.com/Article/Index/332945|title=Armagh's triumph sees Ulster complete clean sweep of All-Ireland football titles|work=Hogan Stand|date=28 July 2024}} The Observer included the gull in its "alternative 2024 sports awards: quotes, gaffes and animal cameos", alongside bees swarming tennis player Carlos Alcaraz and a wild racoon chase with rubbish bins during a soccer game in the United States.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/dec/30/the-alternative-2024-sports-awards-quotes-gaffes-and-animal-cameos|title=The alternative 2024 sports awards: quotes, gaffes and animal cameos|work=The Observer|first=David|last=Hills|date=30 December 2024}}

{{GAAmatchbox

| date = {{start date|2024|7|28|df=y}}

| time = 15:30

| round = Final

| team1 = File:Colours_of_Armagh.svg Armagh

| score1 = 1–11

| score2 = 0–13

| team2 = File:Colours_of_Galway.svg Galway

| goals1 = Aaron McKay

| points1 = Conaty 0-3, McKay 1-0, Crealey 0-2, Forker 0-1, Grimley 0-1, Kelly 0-1, McCambridge 0-1, O. O'Neill 0-1, R. O'Neill 0-1

| goals2 =

| points2 = Conroy 0-3, Darcy 0-3, McDaid 0-2, Walsh 0-2 (1f), Finnerty 0-1f, Maher 0-1, Silke 0-1

| HT = 0–6 – 0–6

| location = Dublin

| venue = Croke Park

| referee = Sean Hurson (Tyrone)

| standby = Brendan Cawley (Kildare)

| linesman = Paddy Neilan (Roscommon)

| sideline = Derek O'Mahony (Tipperary)

| umpires = Martin Coney, Cathal Forbes (Ardboe), Mel Taggart (Clonoe), Shane Dorrity (Coalisland)

| attendance =

| report = [https://www.gaa.ie/article/all-ireland-sfc-final-armagh-triumph-at-croke-park Report]

| TV = RTÉ
BBC

}}

|style="vertical-align:top; width:50%"|

|-

|}

Armagh captain Aidan Forker accepted the Sam Maguire Cup from GAA president Jarlath Burns, also from Armagh, in the Hogan Stand. In his post-match speech, Forker summed up the Armagh journey, stating: "With faith and belief and hard work, anything is possible".{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/ireland/the-herald-1253/20240729/281921663307947|title=McGeeney joins the greats thanks to a 10-year journey built on trust|website=PressReader|date=29 July 2024|accessdate=30 July 2024|first=Donnchadh|last=Boyle}}

Armagh midfielder Niall Grimley dedicated his team's victory to his brother, who had died in a road accident less than a year before.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0728/1462286-grimley-dedicates-all-ireland-success-to-late-brother/|title=Niall Grimley dedicates Armagh's All-Ireland success to late brother|publisher=RTÉ News|date=28 July 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://hoganstand.com/Article/Index/332944|title='That was for him and I just wish he was here to see it'|work=Hogan Stand|date=28 July 2024}}

Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney paid tribute to his "special bunch" of players after the final. Speaking to RTÉ, he said: "At times we weren't playing at our best but you have to hand it to them, they never stopped, they never quit."{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0728/1462284-mcgeeney-pays-tribute-to-a-special-bunch-of-players/|title=McGeeney pays tribute to 'a special bunch' of players|work=RTÉ Sport|date=28 July 2024|accessdate=30 July 2024}}

Galway manager Pádraic Joyce spoke of how disappointed he was with his team's performance in the second half. Speaking to RTÉ Sport after the game, he said: "We have no one to blame but ourselves".{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0728/1462302-joyce-no-one-to-blame-but-ourselves/|title=Pádraic Joyce: No one to blame but ourselves|publisher=RTÉ News|date=28 July 2024}}

Highlights of the final were shown on The Sunday Game programme which aired at 9:30pm that night on RTÉ2 and was presented by Jacqui Hurley.{{cite web|url=https://presspack.rte.ie/2024/07/27/sport-on-rte-one-rte2-week-31-5/|title=Sport on RTÉ One & RTÉ2 Week 31|website=RTÉ.ie|date=27 July 2024|accessdate=30 July 2024}}

The Sunday Game named eight players from the winners on its Team of the Year, as well as five Galway players and two from Donegal. The TV programme gave Barry McCambridge its Footballer of the Year.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0726/1462026-mccambridge-the-star-on-sunday-game-team-of-the-year/|title=Armagh's Barry McCambridge the star on Sunday Game Team of the Year|publisher=RTÉ News|first=Eoin|last=Ryan|date=28 July 2024}}

At Armagh's banquet, which was held in The Carrickdale Hotel on the night of the game, GAA President Jarlath Burns presented the Man of the Match trophy to Oisín Conaty, after RTÉ announced him as the winner on The Sunday Game. No other nominations for the award were mentioned.{{cite news|url=https://hoganstand.com/article/index/332954|title=Oisín Conaty named All-Ireland final Man of the Match|publisher=Hogan Stand|date=29 July 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.the42.ie/all-ireland-football-final-man-of-the-match-2024-6449003-Jul2024/|title=Armagh's Oisín Conaty named All-Ireland football final man of the match|publisher=The42.ie|first=Emma|last=Duffy|date=28 July 2024}} Conaty was also voted Footballer of the Week on the GAA.ie website on 30 July, two days after the final.{{cite web|url=https://www.gaa.ie/article/oisin-conaty-voted-gaa-ie-footballer-of-the-week|title=Oisín Conaty voted GAA.ie Footballer of the Week|website=GAA.ie|date=30 July 2024|accessdate=30 July 2024}}

The Armagh team had a homecoming celebration the day after the final at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh where thousands of fans gathered and lined the streets which started at 3:30 pm, with the team arriving at 5 pm.{{cite web|url=https://armaghgaa.net/homecoming/|title=Homecoming – CLG Ard Mhaca|website=Armagh GAA|date=28 July 2024|accessdate=30 July 2024}} The Armagh team paid a visit to Craigavon Area Hospital earlier in the day, meeting some of the young fans who were unable to make it to Croke Park.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2024/0729/1462394-armagh-homecoming/|title=Armagh welcomes home All-Ireland winners|work=RTÉ News|first=Conor|last=Macauley|date=30 July 2024|accessdate=30 July 2024}}

Celebrations were despised by some members in the Unionist community when members of the PSNI were seen on social media flying flags from police patrol cars and celebrating with Armagh supporters.{{cite news |title=DUP meet PSNI over Armagh GAA victory videos |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czrjl2d4grgo |access-date=1 August 2024 |agency=BBC |date=29 July 2024}}

Meanwhile, thousands of people gathered in St Jarlath's Park, Tuam and Pearse Stadium, Galway the day after the final to welcome home the Galway team, the runners-up.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/galway/news/galway-football-team-hits-tuam-first-as-part-of-the-homecoming/a265909399.html|title=Galway football team hits Tuam first as part of the homecoming|work=Irish Independent|first=Erika|last=Sassone|date=29 July 2024|accessdate=30 July 2024}}

When swimmer Daniel Wiffen, from Armagh, won the 800 metre freestyle final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, two days after the game, several British and Irish publications linked the gold medal performance with Armagh's All-Ireland SFC title.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/31/ireland-basks-in-glory-of-olympic-swimming-success|title=Ireland basks in glory of Olympic swimming success|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Shane|last=Harrison|date=31 July 2024|quote=It has also been a good week for the school Wiffen attended. Saint Patrick's grammarschool in Armagh city provided seven of the county's squad that won the GAA all-Ireland football final against Galway on Sunday.}}{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2024/07/30/a-very-golden-night-in-irish-sporting-history-leaves-many-in-tears/|title=Olympics 2024: A golden night for Daniel Wiffen leaves many in tears|newspaper=The Irish Times|first=Mary|last=Hannigan|date=30 July 2024|quote=Sam Maguire on Sunday, an Olympic gold medal on Tuesday, they'll be worn out from the celebrating in Armagh.}} After qualifying from the heats in first place, Wiffen referenced Armagh's victory and, after the final, he stated "we're All-Ireland champions and Olympic gold medallists".{{cite news|url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/daniel-wiffen-makes-armagh-ireland-33348554|title=Daniel Wiffen makes Armagh All-Ireland reference after storming into Olympic final|first=Michael|last=Scully|date=29 July 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2024/08/02/five-ring-circus-the-big-question-of-the-week-is-daniel-wiffen-from-co-armagh-or-co-down/|title=The big Olympics question of the week - is Daniel Wiffen from Co Armagh or Co Down?|newspaper=The Irish Times|first=Mary|last=Hannigan|date=2 August 2024}} There was also some debate as to whether Wiffen was from County Armagh or the neighbouring County Down, but Wiffen's father explained that the family home's postcode was in County Armagh and that he had gone to school in the city (at St Pat's).{{cite news|url=https://www.joe.ie/sport/daniel-wiffen-finally-puts-down-vs-armagh-debate-to-bed-812242|title=Daniel Wiffen finally puts Down vs Armagh debate to bed|website=Joe|first=Simon|last=Kelly|date=1 August 2024}} The Wiffen family also watched the game in Paris.{{cite news|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/daniel-wiffen-armagh-6450983-Jul2024/|title='All-Ireland champions and Olympic gold medalists - what a great county'|publisher=TheJournal.ie|first=Sinead|last=O'Carroll|date=30 July 2024}}

• Armagh v Galway (2022 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship)

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/armagh-granny-kathy-doesnt-mind-who-lifts-sam-as-long-as-her-galway-husband-and-grandkids-are-happy/a1118620467.html|title=Armagh granny Kathy doesn't mind who lifts Sam as long as her Galway husband and grandkids are happy|publisher=Independent.ie|first=Eavan|last=Murray|date=27 July 2024}}

{{All-Ireland Senior Football Championship}}

{{GAA 2024}}

1

Category:All-Ireland Senior Football Championship finals

Category:GAA finals at Croke Park

Category:Armagh county football team matches

Category:Galway county football team matches

All-Ireland Senior Football

Category:2020s in Dublin (city)