'This one's for those no longer with us' - Grimley

With a first Armagh senior football title captured in their 92-year history, it was always going to be an emotional day for all involved with Madden.

The 0-20 to 0-9 win over Cullyhanna, who were also seeking to break their senior duck, was greeted by wild celebrations at the final whistle.

On such occasions, thoughts often turn to those who are not there to share the moment and for the Grimley family in particular, the tears of joy were mixed with sadness.

In November 2023, midfielder Niall Grimley lost his bother Patrick and sister-in-law Ceira in a road traffic accident that also claimed the life of Ciara McElvanna - a tragedy that rocked club and community.

Amid the joy of Sunday's win, all were present in the thoughts of the Madden club with Grimley acknowledging those who would have savoured such an occasion.

"There's a couple of people not here, but that was for them," he told BBC Sport NI's Mark Sidebottom.

"There were a couple of lads on the sideline injured and we said we'd put the shoulder to the wheel for them boys. This is amazing - I feel like I'm dreaming.

"These boys - my bothers, my cousins, my family - all bleed red and black and it's amazing to be here and celebrate it with the people I've grown up with my whole life.

"This community and club is special. They've given me everything my whole life and I just want to give something back to them. If it's kicking a football around a pitch, I'll do that 100 times out of 100."

Their maiden Gerry Fagan Cup came in a game in which Madden controlled proceedings for the majority.

With eight different scorers in the final, the Raparees were led by Conor Grimley, Niall's cousin.

He chocked back the tears at full-time as his thoughts turned to the late Patrick, who was secretary of the club.

"Patrick, God rest him, will be looking down at this and this one is for him," he said.

The Madden forward top-scored in Sunday's final with eight points between frees and play.

However, he insisted it was a team effort and his scoring tally was a result of the ability of his colleagues to put in him position to convert frees or chip in from open play.

"I missed a couple at the start of the second half and I thought 'oh no, not today', but I scored a couple at the end there.

"Darragh (McMullen) won a couple of frees - he's impossible to mark - and I just slot them over. It's easy when the boys do all the work and I get to hit the frees."