Clann Eireann title 'just tops off' year - Turbitt

Turbitt described the victorious Clann Eireann squad as "such a tight group"

Conor Turbitt says Clann Eireann's victory over Lurgan neighbours Clan na Gael in the Armagh Football "just tops off" a year in which he helped his county land the All-Ireland title.

Turbitt's brilliance was central to Clann Eireann's 3-13 to 0-15 triumph as he hit 0-8 - including six from play - and also was involved in setting up both crucial first-half goals which.

"What a year. How does this year get any better?" Turbitt said.

Well perhaps, it could if he picks up an All-Star in the coming week but that's another story.

Turbitt said the victory meant a lot after the players felt that they hadn't built on their 2021 Armagh title.

"I’m just delighted for all the boys and the management team as well who have put in a lot of work over the last couple of years. It’s just the boys you’ve grown up with. It’s such a tight group.

"I felt we didn’t represent ourselves well enough over the last couple of years. This year, whenever the county boys got back, we sort of took it from strength to strength."

Turbitt's Armagh team-mate and player of the year contender Barry McCambridge, who combined with the full-forward in setting up Jack Conlon's sucker bunch second goal on the stroke of half-time, revealed that manager Ruairi Lavery said at the interval, when his side led by six, that "there are only two people in Clann Eireann living that have two senior Championship medals".

"He said there is going to be a hell of a lot more after this day and thankfully we were able to push on and get across the line," said a delighted McCambridge.

But McCambridge still had the emotional intelligence to think of his friends in the opposition Clan na Gael squad.

"You’ve grown up with them. You went to school with them. They’re your friends. You want to beat them but at times, it’s so unlucky for them."

Clan na Gael defeated Clann Eireann after extra-time in last year's Armagh semi-final but went on to lose the final to Crossmaglen.

And Saturday's defeat leaves the Clans still waiting for a first Gerry Fagan Cup triumph since 1994.