The Armagh under 20s have been awarded the Philly McGuinness Cup and are crowned league champions for 2023.
It’s the first piece of underage silverware Armagh have collected since the All-Ireland minor title in 2009.
Armagh were set to face Longford this weekend in the decider, but after a change of venue, the game didn’t take place.
The final was initially set for Lacken, Co. Cavan on Saturday with a throw in time of 2pm.
But due to the weather conditions over the last few days, Lacken GAA club was deemed unplayable.
The game was shifted to Darver, but Longford refused to travel to the Louth Centre of Excellence, so the game was called off.
Given that the under 20 Ulster Championship gets underway in less than two weeks, no other time suited to refix the game.
As a result, the Orchard County have been awarded the Philly McGuinness Cup after an unbeaten league campaign.
Unbeaten run
It all started in St Paul’s on Saturday 11 February when Barry O’Hagan’s men beat Monaghan by five-points.
Two goals by Crossmaglen youngster Aaron O’Neill, who top scored with 2-5, saw Armagh win 2-11 to 1-9.
In round two, it was O’Neill’s clubmate Caolan Finnegan who raised two green flags as Armagh drew with Louth.
Two late points from Finnegan and roaming wing back Fergal O’Brien earned Armagh a 2-8 to 1-11 draw.
In the final round, Armagh once again finished with two goals on the board which helped overcome Westmeath.
Both came in the opening half, with Oisin Conaty and Callum O’Neill hitting the net in the 2-8 to 0-9 victory.
Finnegan picked up a shoulder injury however and was unlikely to line out had the league final taking place.
His knock just added to Armagh’s growing injury list, with Thomas Og Duffy, Odhran Carragher and James O’Hara also out.
The Orchard youngster will now turn their attention to the championship. They face Monaghan in the opening round of Ulster.
The game is set for a 7.30pm throw in on Wednesday 22 March in Castleblayney.
