Armagh GAA Board honours 1926 All-Ireland winning Junior team at centenary reception
The Armagh GAA Board held a special reception to honour the 1926 All-Ireland winning Junior team, marking 100 years since their historic achievement, and presented family members with commemorative medals.
On county final day Armagh GAA Board were proud to recognise and honour the 1926 All-Ireland winning Junior team at a special reception in the Box-IT Athletic Grounds, joined by members of their families.
To mark 100 years since the historic achievement, those family members were presented with a special commemorative 1926 medal to celebrate the centenary and honour the team who brought the first All-Ireland title not only to Armagh, but to Ulster, defeating Dublin 4-11 to 0-4.
A special plaque at the front of the Ceannaras building was also unveiled, providing a lasting tribute to the team.
It was a fitting occasion to reflect on a landmark moment in the county’s history, celebrating the legacy of those who paved the way for future generations and ensured their momentous victory continues to be remembered and cherished.
100 years on, their legacy lives on.
The team holds a legendary status in GAA history and crucially they were the very first team to wear the iconic Armagh orange jersey, which was originally knitted for them by the Nuns of Omeath.
A central highlight of the event was the strong presence of families connected to Crossmaglen players- captain Gene Hanratty, John McCusker, John Donaghy, Harry Cumiskey, James (Jamsie) Kernan and James McEntee.
Stephen Kernan, son of the legendary Joe Kernan represented the Kernan family while Lily Conway, granddaughter of James McEntee represented that family.
Indeed it was appropriate that Crossmaglen were appearing in the county final and their victory over Killeavy made the gathering all the more joyous for those family members.
Armagh Young Irelands who were based in the city also had a strong representation on the team.
Fr Desmond Corrigan , whose father Jack who scored on the day was among the key relatives contacted for the commemoration. Fr Desmond who still resides in the family home on Irish Street was accompanied by his sister Nora.
Other Young Irelanders, John Vallely was represented by his son Brian, the celebrated artist, Frank McAvinchey by his nephew Paul McAvinchey, Joe Harney and Francie Toner, by his nephew Turlough Toner.
The Keady team members were brothers Hugh and Gerry Arthurs and nephew Rory Trainor proudly accepted the specially minted commemorative medals on behalf of that family.