Aimee Mackin in electric form as Cork ladies footballers beaten by Armagh in Páirc Uí Rinn
Cork’s Sadbh McGoldrick retains possession despite a tough challenge by Armagh’s Lara Marsden. Picture: Noel Sweeney
Aimee Mackin inspired Armagh to victory over Cork in the opening round of the TG4 All-Ireland LGFA Senior Championship group stages at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday afternoon.
Mackin underlined her status as one of the best players in the country with a sublime hat-trick.
All three Mackin goals arrived in the first half and lay the foundation for the Ulster champions’ victory. What is clear is that, led by inspirational captain Lauren McConville, Armagh will take some stopping in this year’s All-Ireland championship.
As for Cork, poor shooting blighted an otherwise battling display. Much improvement is needed if Waterford are to be overcome next time out.
The hosts enjoyed the benefit of a strong wind at the start. Yet, it was their opponents who got off the mark first. Aoife McCoy finished off a swift move inside the first minute.
Worse was to follow for Joe Carroll’s side as Armagh split their defence open and Aimee Mackin raced through to guide an unstoppable heat-seeker into the top corner.
Four points down, Cork repeatedly turned over possession in the final third. A converted Mackin free added to Cork’s woes before Áine Terry O’Sullivan got Cork on the scoreboard.
Both sides wasted chances during a scrappy spell including a Caroline O’Hanlon goal opportunity that missed the target. Armagh’s diligent defending meant Cork had to work hard for every score as evidenced by the patient buildup to Grace Murphy’s point after 13 minutes.
McCoy replied but Cork refused to buckle as O’Sullivan immediately kicked her second score.
Driven forward by the excellent Lauren McConville, Armagh’s incessant wave of attacks yielded a penalty after 17 minutes. Mackin’s free was gathered by Caroline O’Hanlon inside the square before the full forward was dragged to the ground.
A penalty was awarded following a consultation with the umpires from which Mackin gleefully dispatched.
The same player completed her hat-trick shortly after. Cork goalkeeper Sarah Murphy parried a long-range attempt but Mackin was on hand to fire home the rebound.
The first half ended with Kelly Mallon scoring before Emma Cleary and Áine Terry O’Sullivan replied. It was a dominant Armagh who changed ends 3-4 to 0-5 in front.
A Katie Quirke free opened the second half scoring. Mackin responded via a left-footed point but Quirke struck again to raise Cork hopes. Then, a fisted Leah Hallihan effort preceded an unmarked Emma Cleary missing the goal by inches.
A much-improved Cork continued to press but Cassie Henderson came off the bench and split the posts to make it 3-6 to 0-8 with 15 minutes to go.
Kelly Mallon increased Armagh’s advantage from a tight angle. Cork answered via a Katie Quirke free before Leah Hallihan palmed a goal to the net with 8 minutes remaining.
Bláithin Mackin’s two-pointer and Cassie Henderson’s white flag preceded Caoimhe McNally’s late goal and ensured there would be no Cork comeback.
This defeat means the Rebels travel to Dungarvan for next Saturday night’s meeting with Waterford knowing victory is required to stay in this year’s All-Ireland championship.
L Hallihan 1-1, ÁT O’Sullivan, K Quirke (0-2 f) 0-3 each, E Cleary, G Murphy 0-1 each.
A Mackin 3-2 (1-0 pen, 0-1 f), C McNally 1-0, B Mackin (2pt), A McCoy, K Mallon, C Henderson 0-2 each.
S Murphy; M Duggan, S Kelly, D Kiniry; A Corcoran, S McGoldrick, R Corkery; M O’Callaghan, K Redmond; R Leahy, R O’Regan, E Cleary (c); G Murphy, K Quirke, ÁT O’Sullivan.
L Hallihan for R O’Regan (h-t), N O’Sullivan for G Murphy (50), A O’Mahony for M O’Callaghan (51), K O’Driscoll for A Corcoran (52).
B Mathers; A Donnelly, C McCambridge, C Towe; E Druse, L McConville (c), G Ferguson; C O’Reilly, B Mackin; L Marsden, A McCoy, C Marley; A Mackin, C O’Hanlon, K Mallon.
C McNally for C Marley (41), C Henderson for C O’Reilly (44), E Melanophy for L Marsden (58), E Cassidy for A McCoy (60).
Barry Redmond (Wexford).
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