Shock and concern swept through the Armagh GAA community on Sunday evening as the Group B Senior Football Championship clash between Mullaghbawn and St Patrick’s Cullyhanna was abruptly abandoned after just four minutes. The reason? A serious head injury to Cullyhanna’s influential midfielder and captain, Pearse Casey, which left players, officials, and fans shaken and searching for answers.
It was supposed to be a keenly contested encounter, with both sides eager to build on their promising starts in this year’s championship. But barely had the game begun in Mullaghbawn when disaster struck. In a challenge with an opposing player, Casey suffered a severe head injury, prompting immediate concern from all present. The atmosphere shifted from anticipation to anxiety as medical staff rushed onto the pitch.
The gravity of the situation became clear when play was halted for an extended period. Paramedics and air ambulance personnel worked together with stewards, club members, and a team of doctors—including Dr Gerard McCreesh, Dr Gareth Smyth, Dr Kevin McElvanna, and Dr Laura Shannon—to provide urgent care. Ultimately, Casey was airlifted to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, where he continues to receive treatment.
The match was officially abandoned, with Armagh GAA announcing the suspension at 6:41pm. The decision, while disappointing for fans, was met with understanding and solidarity across the GAA family. “Match Abandoned: Mullaghbawn v St Pats Cullyhanna. Due to a serious injury to a player,” read the Orchard’s post on X, capturing the somber mood.
As news of the incident spread, statements of support poured in from all quarters. Cullyhanna GAC, still reeling from the shock, released a heartfelt message later that evening: “We are delighted and relieved that Pearse is making very good progress and is receiving the best possible care in the Royal Hospital in Belfast. We wish Pearse all the best as he continues his recovery. St Patrick’s will continue to do everything we can to support Pearse and his family who are very grateful for all the kindness they have received.”
The club’s gratitude extended to everyone who played a part in assisting Casey, from the medical and support staff on the pitch to the Air Ambulance personnel, match officials, and especially the Mullaghbawn club’s stewards. “We join the Casey family in reiterating our sincerest gratitude to all those who assisted Pearse,” the statement continued. “Thank you to all.”
Armagh GAA echoed these sentiments in their own statement on Monday, expressing “sincere gratitude to the doctors who were present for their immediate interventions, as well as those who assisted the injured player and his family. We also acknowledge the vital support of the emergency services. Our thoughts are with the player and his family at this time, and we extend our best wishes for his full and speedy recovery.”
Mullaghbawn CLG, the hosts and Casey’s on-field opponents, made their feelings known as well. “All of us here at Mullaghbawn CLG wish Pearse a speedy recovery. We ask you all to keep Pearse and his family in your thoughts and prayers at this time.” The sense of unity and compassion demonstrated by both clubs has not gone unnoticed, with many in the wider GAA community praising the swift and coordinated response.
Among those publicly voicing concern was Justin McNulty, MLA for Newry and current Laois manager, who told the Belfast Telegraph: “Praying that the player who got hurt at the Mullaghbawn Cullyhanna match today is ok and will make a full recovery. Thinking about his family and all the players and mentors from both teams and the medics / emergency services who tended to him.”
Casey’s injury comes at a time when he is widely regarded as one of Cullyhanna’s most influential figures. Just last year, he captained the south Armagh club to All-Ireland Intermediate Club Football Championship glory, scoring a point in the final against Cork’s Cill na Martra at Croke Park. That historic triumph marked a high point for the club, and Casey’s leadership was central to their success. His presence on the field has inspired teammates and supporters alike, making Sunday’s events all the more distressing.
This season, Cullyhanna have shown flashes of that championship-winning form. Under Stephen Reel’s guidance, they returned to the senior grade with confidence, only narrowly missing out to Crossmaglen in last year’s Armagh quarter-finals. Their campaign began with a dramatic 1-13 to 0-15 win over Madden, courtesy of an injury-time winner from Kieran McCooey. Mullaghbawn, for their part, started strong with a convincing victory over Pearse Og.
However, the focus has now shifted from on-field ambitions to the wellbeing of their captain. The abandoned fixture will need to be rescheduled, with round three games—Madden hosting Mullaghbawn and Cullyhanna at home to Pearse Óg—originally planned for Sunday, August 31 at 4pm. Whether those matches will proceed as scheduled remains uncertain, as the Cullyhanna club prioritizes Casey’s recovery above all else.
In the wake of the incident, Cullyhanna GAC once again reached out to the broader GAA community, asking for continued prayers and support: “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.”
The outpouring of support from rival clubs, local officials, and the wider sporting community has been a testament to the values at the heart of Gaelic games: solidarity, respect, and compassion. While the championship’s immediate future remains in flux, with fixtures to be rearranged and points still to play for, the main concern is, quite rightly, the health and recovery of Pearse Casey.
As of Monday evening, there is encouraging news—Cullyhanna GAC reports that Casey is “making very good progress” and is receiving the best possible care in hospital. The sense of relief is palpable, but the road to recovery may be a long one. For now, the entire GAA community stands united in hope, wishing their captain a full and speedy return to the field.
With the fixture list on hold and the championship landscape uncertain, all eyes remain on Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, where Pearse Casey continues his recovery, buoyed by the unwavering support of teammates, rivals, and fans alike.
