Ulster champs progress to decider

Armagh 5-21 Monaghan 0-5

The Armagh Ladies eased into the 2022 Ulster final with a dominant display over Monaghan on Saturday afternoon.

A ten-point half time deficit was doubled inside the opening minutes of the second half. Two palmed goals from Aimee Mackin and Kelly Mallon resisted any hope of revival for the hosts.

Five three-pointers on the day paved the way for the reigning Ulster champions, who led from start to finish.

The incredible Mackin finished with 2-5. She set the tone by slotting home an early penalty, while Kelly Mallon hit 2-2.

Aoife Lennon, Mackin (2) and Aoife McCoy all raised white flags before the hosts opened their account.

Monaghan’s first did little to turn the tide as Armagh continued to torment their defence, another four on the trot.

The Orchard had raced into a 1-10 to 0-3 lead by the interval and things were about to get a whole lot worse for the home team.

Ronan Murphy’s side pressed forward and pinned Monaghan inside their own defence and began to run riot.

Armagh booked their spot in the Ulster final
Photo Credit: Brendan Monaghan

Goals

Two goals in two minutes from Mackin and Mallon extended the lead to 19 as Armagh kept hammering over the points.

Mallon, who missed most of the league campaign due to an injury picked up last year, was on fire in the inside line.

The county captain captured her second major of the afternoon with a brilliant effort to put her side 24 points in front.

Armagh booked their spot in the Ulster final
Photo Credit: Brendan Monaghan

Niamh Reel added to the Monaghan misery. The substitute hit the fifth and final goal of the game.

Armagh added a raft of scores during the second half and were 31 points ahead when the referee called for the ball.

It’s on to the Ulster final now, where the ladies will be hoping to retain their title and secure three-in-a-row. They take on either Donegal or Cavan.

Armagh: Anna Carr, Cait Towe, Clodagh McCambridge, Shauna Gray, Grace Ferguson, Lauren McConville 0-1, Tiarna Grimes, Blaithin Mackin 0-1, Caroline O’Hanlon 0-4, Eve Lavery 0-4, Aoife McCoy 0-1, Niamh Coleman, Aimee Mackin 2-5, Kelly Mallon 2-2, Aoife Lennon 0-1. Subs: Niamh Reel 1-1 for A. Lennon, Fionnuala McKenna for T. Grimes, Catriona O’Hagan 0-1 for A. McCoy, Megan O’Callaghan for A. Mackin.