Armagh 2-13 Clare 1-6
It’s back to back All-Ireland finals for Armagh, as they booked their spot in the decider with a convincing win over Clare.
The opening quarter was tough going, but Armagh had too much quality spread throughout the Clane GAA grounds.
Second half goals from Eimear Smyth and Bernie Murray sealed the victory, with the margin stretched to ten by the final whistle.
Ciara Donnelly was immense and her accuracy in front of the goals helped Armagh over the line, finishing with 0-9.
Ciara Hill worked her heart out in the middle of the field and chipped in with 0-2, with Smyth and Murray recorded 1-1 each.
Clare made the brighter start, with wing half forward Caoimhe Carmody sending over the game’s first score.
Armagh with two quick fire scores. Smyth opened her account while Hill sent her team ahead straight from the resulting puck out.
Ciara Donnelly fired over her first of the afternoon and she struggled to find her feet during the opening quarter.
Clare’s Finia O’Brien fired over a brace, split by the water break, to tie the game 0-3 apiece on the 19th minute.
The Banner County didn’t score again until the 40th minute, as Armagh began to dominate.
Bernie Murray grabbed her first of the game, while Armagh’s top scorer recorded the last three scores of the half.
Donnelly fired over a three points in a row to send her side 0-7 to 0-3 up at the break.
The ace attacker continued her scoring spree with the first two points after the restart, linking up well with Ciara Hill.
Clare finally got back in on the scoring action, Carmody sending over a free to narrow the margin to five.
Armagh weren’t going to let Clare back into the game, as Smyth and Hill linked up again to deny any revival.
Eimear Smyth fired a bullet to the back of the net while Hill followed with a point straight away.
The in form Ciara Donnelly cancelled out Clare’s response through Sinead Power.
Murray drove the Orchard County further ahead. Her long ball into the square catching everyone out and ending up rolling over the goal line.
Donnelly finished the game with her sides final two scores as they ran out comfortable winners in the end.
The Armagh defence deserve huge credit, as they denied Clare an early goal when they were under severe pressure.
Mattie Lennon will be delighted with his sides efforts. They now plan for an All-Ireland final against either Roscommon or Wexford, due to be played on September 12th!
Armagh Scorers: Ciara Donnelly 0-9 (4f), Eimear Smyth 1-1, Bernie Murray 1-1, Ciara Hill 0-2.
