Gardaí Investigate Post-Match Brawl Involving GAA Fans Following Ulster Final

 Dublin, May 13 — Gardaí have launched an investigation into a violent altercation involving supporters of Armagh and Donegal that erupted at a service station in the aftermath of Sunday’s Ulster Football Championship final.

The confrontation, which followed Donegal’s narrow victory over Armagh (2-23 to 0-28), was captured on video and widely circulated online. The footage shows fans of both counties engaged in a chaotic brawl inside the shop area of the garage, forcing other customers to take cover or leave the premises. In the midst of the melee, a stacked display of canned goods was knocked over, and visible damage to the property was sustained.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed that officers responded to reports of the disturbance, but upon arrival, no individuals remained at the scene. “No arrests were made. Enquiries are ongoing,” the statement read.

The garage incident came just hours after another altercation occurred on the pitch at the final whistle, prompting Garda intervention. The post-match melee involved members of both teams, marring what had been a thrilling contest.

Speaking after the game, Donegal manager Jim McGuinness addressed the pitch-side scuffle: “I don’t have a perspective on that. It’s not nice to see. It shouldn’t happen. I was giving my daughter a hug at the time. I didn’t see what happened, but it shouldn’t be in the game.”

The GAA's disciplinary authorities are now reviewing video footage of both incidents and are expected to consider potential sanctions, including player and spectator suspensions.

The Ulster final, held under heightened anticipation, saw Donegal edge past Armagh in a high-scoring clash. However, the post-match violence has cast a shadow over the occasion, with calls mounting for stronger enforcement of conduct standards on and off the field.