While Armagh will still be reeling from their bitterly disappointing defeat to Dublin a few weeks back, they always knew they had the Ulster Final to look forward to.
They’re first game back after action returned was the Ulster semi-final, when the Orchard County proved much too strong for Tyrone.
This weekend they travel to Clones to take on hosts Monaghan in this year’s decider, Armagh’s third final appearance in as many seasons.
They’ve had a mixed relationship with the Farney county in recent years, having crossed paths in the championship five times through the last seven seasons.
Apart from a draw in 2018, the results between these two neighbours suggest fairly one-sided affairs. In the last five meetings, both sides have picked up two wins.
2014: Armagh 2-14 Monaghan 1-8 (Ulster Final)
Armagh’s last success in Ulster came six seasons ago when they saw off a John Morrison managed Monaghan in clones.
Caroline O’Hanlon captained the side and led the charge as she starred at centre field, racking up a personal tally of 1-2.
Kelly Mallon, stationed at full-forward, hit an early goal which helped Armagh take a 1-4 to 0-5 lead into the half time break.
Fionnuala McKenna was in inspired form, top scoring with 0-6 (0-4 from play) while Aoife McCoy also slotted over two points.
2015: Monaghan 2-19 Armagh 2-7 (Ulster Semi Final)
Monaghan made amends for their Ulster Final defeat 12 months previous with a ruthless 13-point win.
Armagh did keep in touch throughout the game, with Aimee Mackin causing serious problems for the Monaghan rear-guard.
The Shane O’Neill’s sharpshooter struck a wonder goal in the second period, but Monaghan resisted the Armagh revival.
Monaghan rattled the net twice after the restart to give themselves a commanding advantage when the full-time whistle sounded.
2016: Armagh 2-4 Monaghan 3-17 (Ulster Semi Final)
Monaghan once again came up trumps in 2016 when they saw off the Armagh challenge with relative ease to reach the Ulster Final.
The Farney side were five points ahead by the time the short whistle sounded, 2-5 to 1-3, with Amy Mulholland grabbing the Armagh three-pointer.
Mulholland slotted over a point early in the second period while Aimee Mackin hit the net from a spot kick, but Armagh would not score again.
It was all Monaghan after the turnaround, and they powered past the Orchard County to claim a final winning margin of 16 points.
2018: Armagh 1-11 Monaghan 1-11 (All-Ireland Group Stages)
This one proved to be the tightest game between the two teams in recent years, with neither doing enough to win the game.
Armagh kicked ten first half wides in this encounter and could have clinched victory, but a missed freekick at the end confirmed a share of the spoils.
Monaghan were up by five during the half time break, but Armagh came roaring back into the contest with super second half showing.
Blaithin Mackin rattled the net after the interval and brought Armagh back to life, while Caroline O’Hanlon’s point was matched by the Monaghan attack to level the game.
2019: Armagh 5-14 Monaghan 1-12 (Ulster Semi Final)
Armagh hadn’t beaten their rivals since 2014 but trounced them in a fantastic all-round display in the Athletic Grounds last year.
A goal after 18 seconds from Aoife McCoy, her first of two, set Armagh on their way and they never looked back.
Niamh Reel also hit the net during the opening half as Monaghan looked to close the gap with a great second quarter display.
The Orchard County powered home in the second period with three goals coming from McCoy, Eve Lavery and Blaithin Mackin.
