Armagh are back in the last eight of the All-Ireland series and it’s Kerry that stand between them and a semi-final place.
It’s the second meeting the pair will share this season, but the Orchard will be hoping for a different result.
Armagh and Kerry were the top two sides in the Division Two league. They battled it out for the one promotion spot.
It’s been a target for the Ulster champions over the last number of years. This was the chance to finally make the step up.
And for long periods during that league final in Croke Park, it looked like Ronan Murphy’s side were going to do that.
Armagh led by four heading into the final quarter, but substitute Danielle O’Leary inspired a Kingdom revival.
O’Leary rallied off 1-2 and her three-pointer was the major difference between the teams in the end.
Three in a row
Armagh responded brilliantly to the setback, however. They went on to claim their third Ulster title in a row in a drama-filled provincial final.
After easily seeing off Monaghan in the semis, Armagh faced off against Donegal in a repeat of last year’s Ulster decider.
Armagh came back from the dead not once but twice. Kelly Mallon grabbed the final score during extra time to ensure the Orchard County kept the trophy.
They followed it up with good displays in the All-Ireland series. They pushed reigning champs Meath all the way before overcoming the Farney ladies once again.
And now is a chance for revenge, although that won’t be the sole motivation in the orange and white camp.
Despite remaining in Division Two, Armagh have proven time and time again that they can compete at the top table.
While promotion and an Ulster title would have been goals at the start of the season, you can be sure they’re also targeting a run in the All-Ireland.
With the firepower of the Mackin’s, Mallon, Aoife McCoy and Caroline O’Hanlon, Armagh are well fit to match anyone.
It’s all about what happens on the day and if Armagh are on their game, they can book their place in the last four.
