Armagh 0-17 Monaghan 0-15
Armagh were crowned Ulster Champions with a win over Monaghan in Clones on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts were certainly up the challenge but the Armagh’s quality shone through.
Monaghan shaded a tense and tough opening quarter, but it didn’t show on the scoreboard as the sides were tied five times in the first half.
Armagh did look to push on in the third quarter, hitting four unanswered points after the throw in, but they couldn’t shake a determined Monaghan outfit.
Ronan Murphy’s side could have had the result done and dusted but will regret not rattling the net at least once.
Two super saves from the Monaghan netminder Edel Corrigan denied both Mackin sisters a goal in the second period.
Catherine Marley could have raised a green flag in the first minute while the width of the crossbar rejected Alex Clarke’s skilful shot on goal.
Kelly Mallon set up Armagh’s first point with a quick free to Catherine Marley while slotting over two dead ball efforts, the game tied 0-3 apiece.
Points from Caroline O’Hanlon and Aimee Mackin (2) were also required to level the contest with the clock ticking towards the break.
Aoife McCoy burst through the middle of the Monaghan rear-guard to blast over the last score of the half, Armagh ahead 0-7 to 0-6.
A terrific start to the second half saw Armagh go five points in front, but Monaghan, led by Player of the Match Cora Courtney and Ellen McCartan got right back in contention.
Momentum switched in Monaghan’s favour with the two stars hitting all of their sides nine second half points.
Unfortunately for the home side, they could only ever get to within two points while a goal chance never presented itself.
Armagh drove on with their big players all stepping up when required to see Ronan Murphy’s side over the line.
Aimee Mackin, Mallon (2), and Aoife McCoy got Armagh off to a flyer after the turnaround to go five points up.
Aimee Mackin and super-sub Clarke were both presented with wonderful goal chances, but neither could rattle the net.
Points from the Mackin sisters and Caroline O’Hanlon guaranteed Armagh kept their noses in front of the opposition.
The defence stood firm all evening long to deny Monaghan their much sought-after goal and ensured the underdogs would not get back on level terms.
Aimee Mackin slotted over a huge score while Tiarna Grimes broke forward to hit Armagh’s final score of the game.
Armagh will be delighted to pick up some silverware to reward all their efforts made during the 2020 season.
This team has raised the profile of ladies football in the county and will hope to push on to and carry the feel-good mood around the team into next season.
Armagh Scores: Kelly Mallon 0-5 (5f), Aimee Mackin 0-5 (2f), Caroline O’Hanlon 0-2, Aoife McCoy 0-2, Catherine Marley 0-1, Blaithin Mackin 0-1, Tiarna Grimes 0-1.
