Armagh 3-14 Mayo 0-12
Three goals from Aimee Mackin allowed Armagh to finish top of their group after three games.
Both sides were through to the last eight before throw in. That didn’t halt Armagh’s will to win, however.
Mayo have offered stiff opposition for Armagh in recent years, but Mackin was the difference on this occasion.
Her first half major had her side ahead by five at the interval. That margin grew to eleven by the final whistle.
Kelly Mallon got Armagh off the mark before Mackin slotted home the games first goal. The Shane O’Neill’s star was on form and followed it up with three points on the trot.
Mayo did close the gap to three, with a trio of points of their own. Aoife McCoy and Fionnuala McKenna traded scores with the westerners.
Another brace from the untouchable Mackin saw Armagh take a commanding 1-8 to 0-6 lead at the interval.
The 2020 Player of the Year raised her second green flag seven minutes after the turnaround. Mayo responded with two points in a row.
Armagh were much the better side and Mackin grabbed her third of the day to stretch the lead to eight.
Niamh Reel, Lauren McConville and Mackin all rattled over a point a piece before Mayo hit their 10th point of the day.
Reel added her second as she swapped scores with the opposition, but the result was well beyond doubt.
Kelly Mallon tagged on another, as did Aimee Mackin to see Armagh in front 3-14 to 0-12 at full time.
This is Armagh’s fifth win in a row, following successful outings over Monaghan twice, Tyrone and Cavan.
Ronan Murphy’s side are one of the highflyers in the country and are continuing to do the orange and white proud.
Their attacking talent has never been in question, and they will be delighted with keeping a clean sheet for the first time in the competition.
It’s Meath up next for the Orchard County as they look to reach the last four of the All-Ireland like they did last season.
Armagh Scorers: Aimee Mackin 3-7, Niamh Reel 0-2, Kelly Mallon 0-2, Aoife McCoy 0-1, Fionnuala McKenna 0-1, Lauren McConville.
