The Armagh ladies get their 2023 season up and running this Sunday as they head to Cavan for the opening round of the league.
Armagh saw off the Breffni Blues in the second round of last year’s Division Two campaign, on their way to reaching the decider.
The Orchard ladies enjoyed huge wins over Tyrone, Cavan, Monaghan and Cavan before facing Kerry in the final.
That day out in Croke Park proved a regrettable one, as promotion just slipped through Armagh’s fingers.
But they will once again be among the favourites to climb into Division One, especially if they open their campaign with a win.
The league has reverted back to its seven-game structure, rather than the regional pairings of the last two years.
So by that, Armagh will experience lots of different challenges, along with the usual clashes against Ulster opponents.
Tyrone, Cavan and Monaghan all join Armagh in Division Two, as do Roscommon, Laois, Westmeath and Tipperary.
Tough start
It’s a difficult start for the three in a row Ulster champions, given the fact that their first two games are on the road.
They head to Drumlane this weekend to meet Cavan, while they go a little further in round two, making the trip to Roscommon.
Armagh have been one of the success stories of the last number of years and there’s real momentum behind the team.
New manager and former Kildare goalkeeper Shane McCormack will be targeting a big league campaign and will want to get back to Croke Park.
Promotion has been the goal for this Armagh side for a number of years and that will be no different in 2023.
Blaithin Mackin will be available, following her stint down under, while Kelly Mallon will once again lead the team.
All-Star Aimee Mackin will be the go-to forward while there are a number of newbies that may see some game time.
There will be bigger tests coming down the line, and Armagh should see off Cavan to kickstart their season in the perfect way.
