End of Year Review – Armagh Ladies

The Armagh Ladies hoped to build on a promising 2020 this season, when they reached the All-Ireland semi-final.

Dublin ended their championship journey last year and it was another Leinster side that done likewise this season.

It was Meath this time who got the better of Armagh as they somewhat unexpectantly went on to win the All-Ireland

Ronan Murphy’s side did enjoy a good championship campaign, however. Wins over Monaghan, Cavan and Mayo sent them through to the last eight.

Aimee Mackin in action for Armagh against Monaghan
Photo Credit: Brendan Monaghan

Ulster Champs

Like 2020, the Ulster Championship provided a perfect safety net for Armagh, who ended into this season as provincial champions.

The Ladies saw off both Monaghan and Tyrone to set up a final clash with former kingpins Donegal.

Goals from Niamh Reel and Aimee Mackin helped the Orchard earn back-to-back crowns, winning by one in the end.

Substitute Fionnuala McKenna kicked the game winning score as the Armagh defence stood strong and denied Donegal a chance to equalise.

Clodagh McCambridge in action for Armagh against Cavan
Photo Credit: Brendan Monaghan

The league didn’t go as planned for Armagh, although they consolidated their place in Division Two.

Promotion will once again be the top of their priority list as they face the same structure as they did last year.

The league will once again be split, with Armagh involved in an all-Ulster section. They face Tyrone, Cavan and Monaghan.

The Armagh Ladies overcame the Red Hand County on the opening day of last season, picking up their only points of the campaign.

Aoife McCoy in action for Armagh against Mayo
Photo Credit: Brendan Monaghan

They suffered one-point defeats to both Cavan and Monaghan to deny any chance of promotion.

Armagh remain one of the best teams in the country with star players laced through the team.

No doubt promotion will be the main preseason objective, but they may be eyeing up bigger prizes down the line.