Armagh’s start to the 2023 Division Two league campaign literally couldn’t have gone any better than it has.
From their four outings, they’ve gathered 12 points and sit comfortably at the top of the table, three points above the chasing pack.
That’s probably to be expected, as they are regarded as the best team in the division. In reality, they are a division one side.
But they still have to get there and they’re making all the right noises so far. So, they have to keep that going.
Tipperary and Laois are the closest chasers in the table, both on nine points, so Armagh may just get their toughest test on Sunday.
One sided 2022 meeting
But going by last year’s meeting with the O’Moore County, Shane McCormack’s ladies have very little to fear this weekend.
That was in the Division Two league semi-final and it was all one-way traffic that day, with Armagh easing to a 7-18 to 1-9 win.
Aimee Mackin, Blaithin Mackin (2), Catherine Marley (2), Aoife McCoy and Niamh Reel all hit the net for the Orchard County.
That set up a league final date with Kerry, in Croke Park, which Armagh ultimately lost. But they’ve carried that hurt in 2023.
They’ve been much better than all four of their opponents, with only Roscommon really laying a glove on them.
Laois have only lost once in the league this season, and that was a huge hammering at the hands of Westmeath.
Seven goals saw Westmeath ease to a 7-8 to 0-11 victory and their goal concession will worry Laois, especially heading in to face such a deadly forward line.
In four games, Laois have conceded 14 goals while Armagh have rattled the net ten times already in 2023.
So, Armagh are the big favourites, and they deserve to be. They’ll be confident of grabbing another two points on Sunday and they should get the job done.
