Armagh Ladies secure historic league title

Armagh 2-12 Kerry 2-9

The Armagh Ladies made history at Croke Park by winning the Division One NFL title for the first time ever against Kerry.

Two goals from Niamh Coleman and Aimee Mackin were the key scores for Gregory McGonigle’s ladies.

The Orchard County also conceded two goals, one in each half, but had enough up front to win by four points.

Kelly Mallon got the scoring underway early on, but it was soon cancelled out by a Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh mark.

Aoife McCoy nudged Armagh ahead once again before Lorraine Scanlon netted after a Ní Mhuircheartaigh free dropped short.

Mallon swept over a point while Niamh Coleman raised Armagh’s first green flag of the day with a goal.

Another point from a tight angle by Mallon was cancelled out by Ní Mhuircheartaigh at the other end.

Ní Mhuircheartaigh hit a brace to tie the game for the first time and that’s how things stood at the break. Both teams headed into the tunnel with the scoreboard reading 1-4 apiece.

Kerry got off to a flying start after the turnaround as Niamh Ní Chonchúir fired home their second goal.

Armagh responded quickly with points from Mallon and Aimee Mackin (2) to level the game once more.

Mackin nudged McGonigle’s side ahead before Armagh’s top scorer for the campaign rattled the net.

Mackin added on another two-points in quick succession and suddenly Armagh were six-points in front.

Kerry pulled three points back heading into the final few minutes, but Mallon split the posts to settle the nerves.

Kerry, the reigning Division One champions, closed the gap again before Corinna Doyle slotted over her first.

The Kingdom got the final score of the game, but it wasn’t enough to derail Armagh’s historic charge.

Captain Clodagh McCambridge climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand to collect the cup while Lauren McConville was the Player of the Match.