Promotion the prize in Croke Park

Armagh are one step away from securing promotion to the top tier and ticking off the first item on their 2022 to-do list.

They’ve powered to the final with some dominating displays in Division 2B. Armagh have defeated Tyrone, Cavan, Monaghan and Laois along the way.

Sunday’s encounter will pose much bigger questions however as Kerry glided to the decider quite easily as well.

The Kingdom overcame Tipperary, Clare and Laois before seeing off Monaghan in the semi-final.

It’s been six years since Armagh defeated Kerry. The Munster ladies have triumphed in all the most recent five meetings.

The most recent of which came in the unfinished 2020 league, which Armagh lost 2-12 to 2-10.

It’s been ten years since the orange and white rolled up to Jones’ Road. The Armagh ladies claimed All-Ireland Intermediate glory that day.

Armagh aiming for promotion in Croke Park
Photo Credit: Brendan Monaghan

Croke Park newbies

This will be the first time playing in Croke Park for so many of the girls. Only five of the current panel have ever experienced it.

The Marley sisters Niamh and Sarah, Fionnuala McKenna, Caroline O’Hanlon and Kelly Mallon are the only remaining survivors of that 2012 team.

Aimee Mackin, one of the best footballers in the country, will grace the famous turf for the first time.

Mackin has been in great form in front of the posts, top scoring with 3-21 in four games.

Armagh aiming for promotion in Croke Park
Photo Credit: Brendan Monaghan

Her sister Blaithin has been brilliant as well, and has found her perfect position in the centre of the field.

The Armagh defence has only conceded two goals during the whole league campaign. But they’ll be up against much more quality on Sunday.

Promotion has been the target for Armagh since the start of the year and a win this weekend would be the perfect momentum building ahead of the championship.

Ronan Murphy’s team have shown they are a topflight standard side, but they have to earn their place with one more big performance.