GAA Championship game abandoned due to “serious injury” to player

Sunday night’s Group B game between Mullaghbawn and Cullyhanna was abandoned after four minutes with St Patrick’s player Pearse Casey taken to hospital

An Armagh SFC game was abandoned after just four minutes on Sunday due to a “serious injury” to a player.

The Group B fixture between Mullaghbawn and Cullyhanna was brought to halt with St Patrick’s midfielder Pearse Casey taken to hospital.

Casey captained the south Armagh side to All-Ireland Intermediate glory in 2024 with a victory over Cork’s Cill na Martra in the final at Croke Park.

Stephen Reel’s men lost out to Crossmaglen in the Armagh quarter-finals last season on their return to the senior grade.

An injury-time winner from Kieran McCooey gave them a 1-13 to 0-15 win over Madden in round one while Mullaghbawn scored a facile win over Pearse Og in their opening game.

Madden defeat the Óg’s 4-19 to 1-8 on Saturday night meaning the Armagh City side need Mullaghbawn to do them a favour against Cullyhanna to stay in the Championship.

However, Sunday’s game will now need to be rescheduled with the round three games planned for this coming weekend.

Both round three games were scheduled to be played on Sunday, August 31 at 4pm with Madden hosting Mullaghbawn with Cullyhanna are at home to Pearse Óg.

Cullyhanna’s main priority, however, will be the wellbeing of Casey and, in a statement posted on social media, they asked the GAA community to keep him in their prayers.

“Obviously as most people are aware we had a serious incident/accident in Mullaghbawn tonight at our Senior championship match. Our prayers and thoughts are with Pearse and his family at this time.

“We as a club are considerably thankful to all who helped particularly the stewards and members of Mullaghbawn CLG.

“A special mention to all who attended to Pearse on the pitch, all the paramedics, air ambulance personnel, Dr Gerard McCreesh, Dr Gareth Smyth, Dr Kevin McElvanna, Dr Laura Shannon, Donal Ferris, Fiona Callan, Niamh Derry, Paul McCoy, Mark Murphy and Ciaran Ferris.

“We as a club can’t thank you all enough, hopefully we haven’t missed anyone, if so please forgive us.Keep Pearse in your prayers.”

Mullaghbawn also added wished Casey well, adding: “All of us here at Mullaghbawn wish Pearse a speedy recovery. We ask you all to keep Pearse and his family in your thoughts and prayers at this time.”