A great year got even better for the Armagh Ladies team on Thursday evening as eleven players picked up Irish News All-Star awards.
2020 was a season like no other and Ronan Murphy’s side proved that they are amongst the top teams in the country.
Not only were they crowned Ulster Champions, but they pushed eventual All-Ireland winners Dublin all the way in a fantastic semi-final.
Aimee Mackin led the charge throughout the championship, scoring 6-27 and deservingly picked up the Irish News Ladies Player of the Year.
Speaking to the Irish News, the Shane O’Neill’s star described her comeback from the dreadful ACL injury picked up in 2019.
“The first few months were always tough; you were just sort of learning how to walk again. Once you get over the first few hurdles, it just came naturally then.
When I knew I’d put the work rate in, getting on the pitch then I just knew I wouldn’t be too far off. I was just delighted to be given the opportunity to play the season firstly.
The lockdown probably helped me get a bit of time on my hands before the season started, so it definitely worked out in my favour.”
Anna Carr was named in goals on the All-Star team, while Armagh secured five of the six defensive spots.
Sarah Marley, Shauna Grey were voted into the full back line while Tiarna Grimes, Blaithin Mackin and Grace Ferguson made up the half back line.
Armagh dominated the middle of the field as well with Aveen Bellew and Caroline O’Hanlon named at centre field.
Aoife McCoy, scorer of three goals against Tyrone, was named at wing half forward, Armagh’s sole representative on this line.
Inside, captain Kelly Mallon and Aimee Mackin were both awarded with All-Star awards, bringing Armagh’s total to eleven.
Strangely enough, Armagh’s joint Players of the Year Clodagh McCambridge and Catherine Marley were not selected.
The Orchard County were also represented in the Camogie All-Star team after their successful 2020 campaign.
Ciara Donnelly was in flying form as her side secured the Premier Junior All-Ireland title, with the Eglish woman hitting 0-13 in the final.
Donnelly had a huge role in leading Armagh to All-Ireland success, scoring a brilliant 1-22 across in the championship and was named at corner forward on the All-Star team.
