Same again for Armagh ladies
Armagh take on Monaghan this weekend in the opening round of the All-Ireland series. The pair contest a group that also included Cavan and Mayo.
Armagh will be favourites heading into the tie, given their dismissal of the same opposition just two weeks ago.
A goal either side of the short whistle saw the Orchard County steal ahead 2-18 to 0-10 at full time.
That was in their Ulster championship clash. It was Monaghan who claimed the victory when the sides met in the second round of the league.
Armagh followed up their impressive provincial win with a similar performance against Tyrone last weekend.
Ronan Murphy has named the same starting 15 to take the field on Saturday, having won convincingly six days ago.
Sarah Marley, Clodagh McCambridge and Grace Ferguson are once again responsible for protecting Anna Carr’s goal.
It’s an attack minded half back line of Eve Lavery, Lauren McConville and Tiarna Grimes. All three got on the scoresheet during the Ulster championship.
Niamh Marley and Niamh Coleman have formed a strong, hardworking midfield. That partnership looks to be here to stay, while Caroline O’Hanlon still offers a helping hand.
Blaithin Mackin grabbed a stunning goal the last time these side met. She will once again pose a serious threat to the Monaghan defence.
Fionnuala McKenna is one the other wing and she has been in serious form during the last couple of weeks.
Only Aimee Mackin, who will once again lead the charge up front, has scored more than the Armagh Harps star.
Mackin isn’t the only one that needs watching. Aoife McCoy, who failed to score against Monaghan the last day out, is always good for a goal.
Alex Clarke continued to perform well and keeps her spot in corner forward. The Crossmaglen attacker is another with a keen eye for goal.
Armagh are expected to come through this one. Their scoring power suggests they should get their All-Ireland campaign off to a flying start.
