Madden: Grimley cousins dedicate win to late family members

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.”