Shane McCormack has named a strong starting line up for Armagh’s trip to Cavan this Sunday in the first round of the NFL.
This will be McCormack’s first competitive game in charge, so he’ll hope his ladies get off to a winning start.
McCormack was a part of Ronan Murphy’s management team last year, before taking over this season.
First 15
Anna Carr started in all ten of Armagh’s games last season and begins Sunday’s clash with the number one on her back.
Carr enjoyed a great club campaign with Carrickcruppen as they reached the SFC final, only to lose to Clann Eireann after a replay.
Clodagh McCambridge lines out at full back with Shauna Grey and Shane O’Neill’s stalwart Louise Kenny in the corners.
Lauren McConville excelled at centre half back last season and the Crossmaglen star starts at six on Sunday.
Ballyhegan’s Grace Ferguson and Clann Eireann’s Cait Towe make up the half back line, either side of McConville.
At midfield, Niamh Coleman lines out alongside Eve Lavery and the pair will form a hard-working centre for Armagh.
2022 All-Star and Shane O’Neill’s sharpshooter Aimee Mackin will line out at centre half forward against Cavan.
Mackin was Armagh’s top scorer last season, finishing the year with 6-57, including 1-5 against Cavan in the league.
Armagh Harps duo Aoife Lennon and highly rated youngster Emily Druse make up the half forward line.
Alex Clarke, who missed most of last season through injury, starts at corner forward alongside captain Kelly Mallon and Aoife McCoy.
Bench
It’s a seriously impressive starting line up for McCormack’s ladies, but there’s a lot of quality on the bench as well.
The Marley sister Catherine, Niamh and Sarah all start on the bench, as do Tiarnan Grimes and Niamh Reel.
Caroline O’Hanlon may see some game time while Blaithin Mackin is likely to be introduced at some stage.
Maeve Lennon and Blathnaid Hendron impressed during the club championship and are other good options to bring in.
