Derry 0-11 Armagh 0-12
The Armagh minors managed to successfully overturn a five-point second half deficit to see off 2020 All-Ireland champions Derry.
The hosts looked home and hosed during the third quarter, leading by double scores.
Armagh’s spirit shone through, and they staged the most dramatic of comebacks, with Callum O’Neill nailing the winner.
Both sides engaged in some early shadowboxing, with moments of brilliance bursting through the packed defences.
Rogan McVeigh’s skilful score, when he soloed with the right and pointed with the left, was one of the highlights of the first quarter.
Cianan Campbell and Tadgh Grimley chipped in with scores as Armagh trailed at the first water break, 4-3.
Derry dominated the second quarter, to lead 0-8 to 0-5 at half time, with Aaron O’Neill and Luke McKeever slotting over two frees.
Armagh’s excellent netminder Stephen McMullan pulled off two heroic saves, either side of the interval.
Derry chipped in with the first two points after the turnaround.
Armagh introduced some fresh legs and displayed superb appetite and character to charge back into contention.
They closed the gap to three by the water break through Campbell and substitute Bernard Cassidy.
Brendan Hughes’ side outscored the opposition 5-1 in the final quarter and held on to win by the minimum.
Ethan McKenna hit a brace while points from Harps duo Grimley and McKeever put Armagh ahead for the first time.
Oran Carton tied the game on the 59th minute and it looked for a moment like extra time was needed to decide a winner.
Armagh had other ideas and the ball found it’s way to the attacking wing half back Callum O’Neill.
The Clan na Gael man showed nerves of steel. He curled the ball beautifully between the sticks and sent Armagh through to the last four.
They now take on Donegal in the semi-final, on Friday 6th of August in Healy Park Omagh.
Armagh Team: Stephen McMullan, Matthew McCaughley, Gareth Murphy, Emmet Magee, Callum O’Neill 0-1, Fergal O’Brien, Aidan Cassidy, Tadgh Grimley 0-2, Michael Burnett, Rogan McVeigh 0-1, Aaron O’Neill 0-1 (1f), Brendan O’Hagan, Rhys Stevens, Luke McKeever 0-2 (1f), Cianan Campbell 0-2. Subs Used: Bernard Cassidy 0-1 for A. O’Neill, Ethan McKenna 0-2 (1f) for R. McVeigh, Joe McClelland for A. Cassidy, Ruairi O’Brien for B. O’Hagan, James Conlon for C. Campbell.
