Gaelic Games

Women’s NFL: Aimee Mackin to fore for Armagh

Ronan Clarke’s side see off Monaghan to consolidate place in Division One

Armagh’s Aimee Mackin: teenage forward responded with a goal in first half Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho.
Armagh’s Aimee Mackin: teenage forward responded with a goal in first half Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho.
Sun Feb 21 2016 - 18:20

Ronan Clarke’s Armagh made it three wins from three in Division One of the Lidl Women’s National Football League yesterday.

Promoted after winning Division Two last year, Armagh have wasted little time in adapting to top flight and they inflicted a 2-14 to 2-9 defeat on Ulster rivals Monaghan at Pearse Ógs.

Monaghan conceded home advantage to Armagh as the former didn’t have an available ground to play on and the hosts took full advantage, recovering from a sluggish start to maintain their 100 per cent start to the league campaign.

Cora Courtney and Ciara McAnespie netted goals within a minute to hand Monaghan, who had 0-5 from Ellen McCarron, an early 2-0 to 0-2 lead.

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But Armagh struck back with a goal from teenage attacker Aimee Mackin, described by experienced midfielder Caroline O'Hanlon as a "phenomenal talent" this week.

Mackin finished with a personal haul of 1-5 and Armagh led by 2-9 to 2-3 at half-time after Lauren McConville grabbed their second goal, with Mackin providing the assist.

Something has to give next weekend when Mayo and Armagh, who have both collected maximum points from three outings, meet in a top of the table clash.

Mackin’s sister Bláithín, another rising young star, also registered a point and has now scored in each of Armagh’s League matches this season.

Bláithín was also the provider for Aimee's goal that hauled Armagh back into contention, while victory was also notable for the fact that Niamh Marley scored her first ever point for the county at senior level.

Meanwhile, Galway made the long trip to Killyclogher a winning one as they beat Tyrone by 2-20 to 1-2. The game was all over at half-time as Galway led by 2-8 to 0-1.

Edel Concannon and Mairéad Seoighe scored the Galway goals as the travelling side called the tune from start to finish.

Five-point haul

Concannon collected 1-3 for Galway on a day when Roisín Leonard bagged 0-6.

There was also a five-point haul for Gillian O’Connor and 1-2 for Seoighe.

In Division Three, meanwhile, Waterford racked up a big win on their visit to Fermanagh, running out 5-12 to 0-4 victors.

Sinead Ryan, Michelle Ryan, Maria Delahunty, Ciara Hurley and Lauren McGregor scored the Déise goals.

And in Division Four, Limerick walloped Carlow by 13-29 to 0-0. The hosts led by 7-15 to 0-0 at half-time.

Results in Sports Round-up