Armagh head for Croke Park for first Division One Final

Armagh have made history with a sixth successive win taking them into their first Lidl Division 1 final with a clash with either Dublin or Kerry promised.  Centre-back Lauren McConville also created her own milestone when she lined out for the Orchard County for the 100th time 27 years to the day since her father Jim captained Crossmaglen Rangers to their first All-Ireland club football title in 1997. 

“Personally, today is really special,” said McConville after playing a key role as they held off a Mayo rally to win by 2-9 to 2-8 in Ballina. “Whenever I started out playing for Armagh I never thought I'd reach 100 games. I've been around the block a while now and I'm probably bringing that bit of experience to the team. I've been fortunate enough with injuries so I'll keep going as long as the body allows.” 

Their sixth win in a row completes a remarkable sequence for an Armagh side who won the Division 2 title last year by winning every game and now Greg McGonigle’s side are set to play reigning Division 1 holders Kerry or All-Ireland champions Dublin in the final at Croke Park. 

“It's just extra special that we've made it to the league final. Greg was saying at the end there that we've made history, so that's special for the county.” 

Goals from Aimee Mackin, who finished with 1-7, and Aoife McCoy helped build a 2-5 to 0-2 interval, but Mayo hit back in the second half with the wind and goals from Sinead Walsh and Saoirse Delaney saw the sides level heading into the dying moments before Mackin won it with a free for Armagh. 

“That finish is a character-building thing for us,” added McConville. “We're delighted to come away with the win. We were a bit lucky to have come away with the win. Credit to Mayo, they really, really put it up to us at the end.” 

Mayo manager Liam McHale said they had the chances to win it, but didn’t take them. “Very disappointed. Had loads of opportunities to win the game in the last 10 minutes and really, really had them on the rack – they couldn't get out past their 45. But we kicked wide after wide.”