Updated 17.25
RONAN CLARKE’S ARMAGH made it three wins from three in Division 1 of the Lidl Ladies National Football League on Sunday.
Promoted after winning the Division 2 crown last year, Armagh have wasted little time in adapting to the top flight and they inflicted a 2-14 to 2-9 defeat on Ulster rivals Monaghan at Pearse Ógs.
Monaghan conceded home advantage to Armagh as the Farney County didn’t have an available ground to play on and the hosts took full advantage, recovering from a sluggish start to maintain their 100% start to the League campaign.
Cora Courtney and Ciara McAnespie netted goals within a minute to hand Monaghan, who had 0-5 from Ellen McCarron, an early 2-0 to 0-2 lead.
But Armagh struck back with a goal from teenage attacker Aimee Mackin, described by experienced midfielder Caroline O’Hanlon as a “phenomenal talent” this week.
Mackin finished with a personal haul of 1-5 and the Orchard County led by 2-9 to 2-3 at half-time after Lauren McConville grabbed their second goal, with Mackin providing the assist.
Something has to give next weekend when Mayo and Armagh, who have both collected maximum points from three outings, meet in a top of the table clash.
Mackin’s sister Blaithin, another rising young star, also registered a point and has now scored in each of Armagh’s League matches this season.
Blaithin was also the provider for Aimee’s goal that hauled Armagh back into contention, while victory was also notable for the fact that Niamh Marley scored her first ever point for the county at senior level.
Meanwhile, Galway made the long trip to Killyclogher a winning one as they beat Tyrone by 2-20 to 1-2.
It was another tough day at the office for Tyrone, who have regraded to the intermediate championship, as Siobhan Sheerin netted for the Red Hands.
But this game was all over at half-time as Galway led by 2-8 to 0-1.
Edel Concannon and Mairead Seoighe scored the Galway goals as the Tribeswomen called the tune from start to finish.
Concannon collected 1-3 for Galway on a day when Roisin Leonard bagged 0-6.
There was also a five-point haul for Gillian O’Connor and 1-2 for Seoighe.
In Division 3, meanwhile, Waterford racked up a big win on their visit to Fermanagh, running out 5-12 to 0-4 victors.
Sinead Ryan, Michelle Ryan, Maria Delahunty, Ciara Hurley and Lauren McGregor scored the Déise goals.
Limerick were utterly ruthless as they beat Carlow by a massive 68 points, 13-29 to 0-0, in Division 4.
Limerick led their young opponents by 7-15 to no score at the break, and kept their foot on the pedal to nearly match that total again and add another 6-14 in the second half.
– First published 16.45
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
