Goalkeepers union! Armagh made a winning start to their Division 1 campaign in the National League on Saturday night, with a 1-14 to 1-12 away victory over Monaghan in Castleblayney.
Kieran McGeeney’s side prevailed in an arm-wrestle, with Rian O’Neill’s tally of 0-4 proving the difference.
But the highlight reel was dominated by the two goalkeepers.
Both Rory Beggan and Ethan Rafferty got on the score sheet in the contest.
Scotstown shot-stopper Beggan nonchalantly sent over a long-range free, and Michael Murphy was full of praise for the Farney net-minder on co-commentary.
“We’re right behind it, it’s beautiful. It was like a 7 iron, back in the stance and just into the wind. It was absolutely glorious to watch,” said the Donegal legend.
However, Beggan did have a moment to forget, as a double error on a kick-out led to the Armagh goal.
His restart went straight to Tiernan Kelly, whose immediate shot was on target. Beggan scrambled back, but slipped as he looked to control the ball, and it fizzed into the net.
Meanwhile, opposite number Ethan Rafferty got in on the scoring act for the visitors, with a beautiful left-footed score from open play.
As the 2023 inter-county season gets underway, it’s safe to say that the trend of goalkeepers in gaelic football being used as attacking threats is not going away!
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