Armagh 2-12 Monaghan 0-4
The Armagh Ladies booked their place in the last eight with a convincing win over Monaghan in the Athletic Grounds.
The opening quarter was an even enough affair, but Armagh powered on and reduced Monaghan to just one point for the rest to the game.
Monaghan opened the scoring with the first two scores of the day, but Armagh were soon back on level terms.
Star forwards Kelly Mallon and Aimee Mackin both raised white flags to tie the game 0-2 apiece.
Mallon hit a second, which was matched by the opposition, before Armagh took complete control of the contest.
Mallon (2) and Aoife Lennon split the posts before Lennon got a delicate touch on a Blaithin Mackin effort, which was enough to guide it to the net.
Niamh Coleman doubled Armagh’s goal tally within the next minute while an Aimee Mackin hattrick of points put the hosts 2-9 to 0-4 ahead at the break.
Niamh Marley slotted over her first at the beginning of the second period. Coleman and Caroline O’Hanlon pointed to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
14-points was the difference at the full-time whistle, allowing Armagh to advance to the last eight of the All-Ireland series, finishing second in the group behind Meath.
They’ll now face Kerry in two weeks’ time in a repeat of this seasons Division Two national league final.
The Kingdom were the victors that day, in Croke Park, and denied the Ulster champions promotion to the top tier.
Armagh will hope to turn the tables when the sides next meet as their quest for an All-Ireland continues.
