Armagh 5-9 Tyrone 1-10
The Armagh Ladies got their 2022 season off to a dream start by defeating near neighbours Tyrone on Sunday afternoon.
They were much too strong for their rivals. Armagh won convincingly in the end despite missing some of their household names.
Captain Kelly Mallon and Caroline O’Hanlon didn’t feature, but Armagh were still strong enough to put on a brilliant display.
Ronan Murphy’s side burst out of the traps early, hitting the net twice inside the opening couple of minutes.
Aoife McCoy rattled the net first before Catherine Marley raised the games second green flag moments later.
Tyrone replied with three points on the trot, but Armagh’s scoring spree continued. Just as Tyrone closed the gap, Armagh pulled away once again.
The Orchard Ladies were awarded a penalty in the 8th minute and vice-captain Aimee Mackin made no mistake from the spot.
Mackin followed it up with two points in quick succession before sister Blaithin opened her account with Armagh’s fourth goal.
Fionnuala McKenna, Aimee Mackin and Aoife McCoy also slotted over scores before the half time interval. Armagh ahead 4-5 to 0-6.
Niamh Reel hit a quickfire 1-1 at the beginning of the second period. Substitute Grainne Boylan also grabbed a point after bring introduced.
An Aimee Mackin double saw an end to the game, with the Orchard ahead by 11 points at the final whistle.
The win sees the Armagh Ladies sit top of Division 2B and they now face Cavan next weekend in round two.
Armagh: Anna Carr, Sarah Marley, Clodagh McCambridge, Grace Ferguson, Tiarna Grimes, Lauren McConville, Cait Towe, Niamh Marley, Blaithin Mackin 1-0, Catherine Marley 1-0, Fionnuala McKenna 0-1, Eve Lavery, Aimee Mackin 1-5, Niamh Reel 1-1, Aoife McCoy 1-1. Subs used: Grainne Boylan 0-1, Niamh Coleman, Shauna Grey, Emily Druse, Maeve Ferguson, Megan McShane, Megan McCann, Frances Quinn, Aoife Lennon, Grainne Boylan, Caitriona O’Hagan.
