Eamonn Burns delivered Down’s championship win yesterday

Down’s return to Pairc Esler for a championship match turned out to be a joyous one as they beat their bitter rivals by 0-15 to 2-7.

Down hadn’t beaten Armagh in the championship in 25 years, but they did so in an interesting game in Newry.

The first half was a thriller, in which Armagh led by2-4 to 0-9, the goals coming from Mark Shields and Andrew Murnin. It was a half of exciting and open football.

The second period was not so attractive, as Down’s defensive unit sought to nullify the Armagh attack.

In the end, Down were deserving winners, and the delight and relief was there in equal measure on social media.

Well done to @DarraghOHanlon, the two points from play ???. Setanta was in garden all evening saying he is DOH and Jerome. #MOM

— Conor Laverty (@ConorLav14) June 5, 2017

Comhghairdeas to @DarraghOHanlon – @OfficialDownGAA – the Eir Man of the Match in the #Ulster2017 Football Championship today in Páirc Esler pic.twitter.com/FX69tjnQ7e

— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) June 4, 2017

UpDown @OfficialDownGAA pic.twitter.com/TYXI5hchji

— Darragh O’Hanlon (@DarraghOHanlon) June 4, 2017

Today was a good day #updown ?⚫️ pic.twitter.com/zWE0XfPlVI

— Mark Poland (@polie11) June 4, 2017

Niall, Armagh were shocking, the league table doesn’t lie, that’s why they are div 3. Fair play too Down they got a performance

— Bernierue (@BernardRuane) June 4, 2017

Very poor quality in the second half but no question that Down deserved it. Armagh’s forward line was completely shut down in 2nd half

— Cahair O’Kane (@CahairOKane1) June 4, 2017

Armagh have been brutal today. Very disappointing. You don’t beat defensive, counter attacking teams playing attacking football

— Colm Parkinson (@Woolberto) June 4, 2017